Introducing PopUp Mainframe Flex Edition

We have been hearing loud and clear from the market recently about their concerns over the flexibility of the mainframe environment.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 have concerns over the availability of mainframe environments
• 8 out of 10 think that staffing and tooling limitations are hindering the business
• 86% thought it was important or critical to improve flexibility of mainframe deliveries

The Vanson Bourne market research results makes a compelling case that flexibility remains a mainframe imperative.

And this shouldn’t be a big surprise. In another market study, 69% of respondents said the inflexibility of mainframes limits innovation, while another reported 59% felt the mainframe was not flexible [enough] to support strategic initiatives.

Flexibility is about adapting to changing circumstances, making decisions, and acting efficiently. In IT, this means using agile methods to accommodate shifting priorities and resources. With Agile, DevOps, CICD, and integrated environments, flexibility is now expected. However, its implementation varies depending on investment, resources, workload, change needs, and the required integration with hybrid and third-party systems. And on z/OS, that’s not always straightforward…

Hardware

A flexible application delivery environment demands constant processor availability for tasks like tool installation, research, coding, testing, and training. Yet, this flexibility often conflicts with mainframe environments, where processor time and systems are strictly managed to prioritise production workloads, which may be especially true if access is through a third party.

Software, Apps and Data

Access to the right tooling and software resources should be available when needed, but resource allocation is often tied to planning cycles instead of being on-demand. Additionally, validating mainframe changes requires credible “production-like” data, yet strict rules and large data volumes make selecting and using test data a complex and resource-heavy task, especially on an on-demand basis.

People and Processes

In large organizations, mainframe application delivery is often divided among teams by location, function, or employer to manage costs and skills. Although this structure aims for flexibility, responsibilities are typically rigid, restricting workload sharing and true adaptability. Strict bureaucracy and constant resource monitoring make it difficult to adjust allocations, as every usage minute is tracked for cost and operational stability.

Flexing your Delivery Muscles with PopUp Mainframe Flex Edition

Challenges of flexibility in the mainframe environment are often all too common. For smaller organizations without a mainframe of their own, looking to build and sell mainframe applications, the need for a self-contained, low-cost z/OS environment as the basis for building and testing new mainframe technology is a hugely important element of their operational efficiency.

By providing an on-demand environment for mainframe development and testing, PopUp Mainframe offers the flexibility required to support today’s dynamic mainframe delivery requirements.

• Using instantly available mainframe resources (DevOps toolchain, masked data, pre-configured mainframe environment) empowers IT teams to deliver against changing delivery requirements
• Leveraging an on-demand, instantaneously available mainframe environment helps mainframe teams drive innovation without delay
• Simplifying access to mainframe resources removes the challenges associated with rigid processes and siloed teams

And now, with PopUp Mainframe Flex Edition, users receive even greater flexibility to support their needs. Built using the same revolutionary mainframe delivery technology as the main PopUp Mainframe products, Flex Edition also offers

• Flexibility to only pay based on usage, managed on a daily or monthly basis

• Flexibility to install and use on premise or, by arrangement, hosted at an accredited partner’s data center.

The solution enables customers to meet the dynamic demands of the business with unprecedented flexibility. PopUp Mainframe Flex Edition provides the very same capabilities available in our core products PopUp Mainframe Z and X Editions. In addition, Flex Edition is offered on a “pay as you go” commercial model to support customers who need the extra flexibility of access and cost management for their business.

If you are building mainframe technology and looking to renew your application development infrastructure, get in touch. We can help you build much-needed mainframe flex. Need more mainframe muscle? With PopUp Mainframe, it’s easy to work out. Get in touch to talk about our new Flex Edition today.