Platform Overview

How PopUp works

PopUp Mainframe is a z/OS virtual instance running real z/OS code for Dev and Test, identical to a physical mainframe. PopUp comes packaged as a fully featured, optimized virtual machine image. It runs on any enterprise x86 hardware you choose – on prem or in the cloud.

PopUp supports ANY z/OS software.

This provides a turnkey solution enabling rapid, elastic deployment of z/OS capability. It is suitable for all non-production use cases (including dev/test, training, issue replication & troubleshooting).

Note: The software license excludes performance testing and production environment use.

What’s in a PopUp?

PopUp delivers Red Hat Enterprise Linux distribution with IBM’s ZD&T emulator pre-installed and preconfigured.

PopUp also comes with additional tools and helper utilities.

 

Key features of PopUp

On-prem ready-to-go OVA image, or Azure cloud-ready image

Automated DASD creation and management

PopUp data transfer utility for simple data movement

Plugin for Delphix, including scripts and automation

What is the Difference Between PopUp and ZD&T?

PopUp is built on IBM ZD&T.

This video explains the difference between ZD&T and PopUp, and how PopUp accelerates your adoption of virtual z/OS instances. It also covers the additional tools and utilities which comes packaged with PopUp.

Flavours of PopUp

Different types of PopUp are available, depending on your needs.

Vanilla PopUp

This forms the foundation of our offering. Vanilla PopUp comes with additional tools and helper utilities to accelerate your adoption of virtual z/OS in Dev and Test.

PopUp & Delphix

We partner with Delphix to provide industry leading solutions for z/OS Data Masking and Data Virtualization in Dev and Test. Our Delphix plugin capabilities provide access to game changing data and compliance agility with minimal effort for customers.

PopUp on Azure

PopUp on Azure provides fully functioning, on-demand z/OS test environments in the cloud. From the Azure Marketplace, you can create and configure your own PopUp VM. More information here.

PopUp & BMC

BMC PopUp provides BMC’s DevOps tooling pre-configured and pre-integrated with PopUp. Tools include ISPW and Topaz Total Test.

With PopUp You Can …

Run Fully Provisioned Virtual z/OS Environments Anywhere

  • Run real z/OS code and software directly on PopUp, integrate PopUp seamlessly with your IT estate
  • Modernise your organisation strategy with z/OS in the cloud and minimal maintenance overheads
  • z/OS test environments run on x86 commodity hardware, saving hardware and storage costs

Provision z/OS Environments with APIs and Enable Self-Service

  • Use automation pipelines to provision and scale z/OS “Gold Copy” environments instantly in Dev and Test
  • z/OS environments created on-demand accelerate projects dependent on z/OS
  • Modernise your organisation strategy with agile mainframe projects
Watch Agile Mainframe Webinar

Manage Compliance with Data Masking

  • Protect data privacy with state-of-the-art data masking in Dev and Test.
  • Fully data-compliant z/OS environments to satisfy regulatory requirements.
Watch Masking Webinar

Create Dedicated z/OS Environments

  • Create isolated environments for development, use with desktop IDE, testing, R&D, training & more!
Read more

Reduce Energy Usage and Environmental Impact

  • Turn off z/OS test environments when not needed, reducing energy usage and total cost of ownership
  • Create slim z/OS environment ‘slices’ to suit your needs with a lower energy and resource footprint

FAQs

Which software runs on PopUp?

PopUp supports z/OS 2.4, TSO/ISPF, DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ and ANY 3rd Party Software.

It is a fully provisioned z/OS and runs real z/OS code.

How quickly can you setup a PopUp?
PopUp can be up and running in under 2 hours. PopUp can be installed and run instantly like an app on desktop, server (in VMs and containers) and the Cloud.
Can I connect PopUp to a physical mainframe?
YES. You can copy application data, executables and source libraries onto the PopUp using an IBM utility, FTP or Connect Direct. If you use a desktop IDE (e.g. Topaz) to connect to your mainframe, you can also use it to connect to your a PopUp.
What can I do on PopUp?

Anything that you might already do on a z/OS – testing and development, R&D, third party software evaluation, training for testers and developers.

What can I NOT do on PopUp?

Volume testing or live production work is not allowed, as the zD&T license forbids it. Performance testing is not allowed, and the disk is different between a physical z/OS and the PopUp so would give different results.

Certain kinds of encryption are not available in PopUp.

What is the difference between PopUp and ZD&T?
Our explainer video describes the differences between PopUp and ZD&T.
How many PopUps can I have?
As many as you need. You can have one or multiple Linux servers running PopUp and you can save PopUp’s config, system and application data at any point in the PopUp’s life and restore it at will.
How do I maintain my PopUp?
To keep maintenance to an absolute minimum, it is recommended to restore your PopUp back to the beginning of its life for each new use. For ad hoc problems that may crop up, you can use your own z/OS system admin to resolve them.
Do I need to have z/OS or green screen skills in order to use a PopUp?

No! In fact PopUp enables developers with absolutely no z/OS experience to connect with, configure and develop z/OS systems with zero risk to the physical z/OS. See this blog for more information.