The Mainframe Connect podcast includes the I am a Mainframer series, Riveting Mainframe Voices series, and other content exploring relevant topics with mainframe professionals. The I am a Mainframer series explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens.
The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.
The podcast I am a Mainframer is created by Open Mainframe Project. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I Am A Mainframer series, Gerald Mitchell, Chief Testing Tools Architect and Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM, shares his journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days as an intern at IBM in 1997 to his current role revolutionising testing tools, Gerald offers unique insights into mainframe modernisation. He challenges common misconceptions about COBOL and other mainframe technologies, emphasising that modernisation isn't about abandoning platforms but optimising usage. Gerald discusses his work with Watson Code Assistant and the critical importance of validation in the development process. A highlight of the conversation is Gerald's vision for the future of mainframe technology, focusing on sustainability, AI integration, and bringing testing closer to code.
In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I am a Mainframer series, Steven Perva, Expert Mainframe Innovation Engineer at Ensono, shares his unique journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days fixing point-of-sale systems with his father to winning IBM's Master of the Mainframe contest in college, Steven's path led him to IBM Poughkeepsie and eventually to Ensono. He discusses the evolution of mainframe modernization, emphasizing that it's not just about technology but about creating a more integrated and cohesive IT strategy. A highlight of the conversation is Steven's role in building a vibrant mainframe community through Discord, which has grown to over 2,600 members.
In this episode of the I am a Mainframer podcast, Steve Steuart, mainframe modernization lead at Accenture, shares his fascinating journey in the mainframe industry. Starting as a computer operator in Panama during the 1980s, Steve has built a career focused on migration projects and modernization strategies. He reflects on the enduring role of mainframes, stating, “The mainframe got us to the moon; the cloud will take us to Mars.” Steve advocates for a hybrid approach, blending mainframe and cloud technologies to meet evolving business needs. He also dives into the human side of modernization, emphasizing that the biggest challenges often lie in "people and processes," not just technology.
In this episode of I Am a Mainframer, we sit down with Gary Thornhill, CEO and founder of PopUp Mainframe, to explore his intriguing journey through the IT industry. From an unexpected start at IBM to navigating challenges in banking, Gary shares how his expertise in mainframe technology, MQSeries, and DevOps shaped his career. Hear how these experiences inspired him to launch PopUp Mainframe, a company dedicated to modernizing and democratizing mainframe access. Plus, Gary offers his insights on the future of mainframe computing, touching on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and why this technology remains essential in an evolving digital landscape.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, guest host Donna Hudi chats with Fernando Rijo Cedeno, a research and development engineer at Broadcom. Fernando reflects on his roots in the Dominican Republic and how his Hispanic heritage has influenced his work in the mainframe community. As a Zowe CLI squad leader, he led efforts to make Zowe’s tools multilingual, increasing accessibility for non-English speakers.
Fernando shares his passion for the mainframe community and his vision for its future, highlighting the role of open-source initiatives like Zowe in driving growth and modernization. He encourages everyone, regardless of their language background, to get involved in the mainframe ecosystem.
In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Sam Golob delves into the history of the CBT Tape, a vital collection of user-created software for mainframe systems programming. Golob shares how the CBT Tape began in the 1970s, evolving from a physical tape to an online repository. He also discusses his role in maintaining this key resource, which continues to serve as a hub for systems programmers to share tools and solutions within the mainframe community. Be sure to catch this insightful discussion!
In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens sits down with Riya Sahu, a passionate mainframe developer at Kyndryl, to explore her inspiring journey in the world of mainframe technology. Riya describes her career move from India to Hungary, the challenges of overcoming a language barrier, and how she embraced new opportunities. As she dives into the exciting projects she’s leading at Kyndryl, Riya highlights her work with IMS databases, discussing their critical role in the banking sector.
Throughout the conversation, Riya reflects on her personal growth, offering advice to her younger self to stay open-minded and grateful for new opportunities. She also shares her thoughts on the future of mainframe technology, including its continued relevance and cutting-edge applications, such as its role in space missions.
Riya’s story is a testament to the evolving perception of mainframe technology and the exciting possibilities it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to the industry, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.
In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Darren Surch, CEO of Interskill Learning, the largest mainframe training provider in the world. Surch discusses his background in mainframe training and the evolution of Interskill over the past 30 years. He highlights the impact of the IBM digital badge program on training delivery and the increased engagement and motivation it brings to learners. Surch also discusses the importance of networking, mentoring, and community involvement in the mainframe industry. He predicts that AI will play a significant role in education and training, making processes more efficient, but emphasizes the continued need for experienced mainframers to provide valuable insights and real-world examples. Surch believes that the mainframe will remain at the center of data management and security, with companies leveraging AI to analyze decades of data for valuable insights and a competitive edge.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Dusty Rivers, a revered mainframe expert with 47 years of industry experience. Dusty recounts his remarkable journey from a COBOL programmer to his current role as Senior Director of US zSystems at Mainline Information Systems. He delves into his extensive work with database management systems, notably his contributions to the implementation of Db2 version one. Throughout the conversation, Dusty reflects on the evolution of the mainframe community and underscores the significance of modernization within the industry. He stresses the importance of pragmatism and the ability to embrace new technologies. Looking ahead, Dusty envisions a robust future for mainframes, predicting their continued growth and increasing power.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by featuring Jessielaine “Jelly” Punongbayan from Dynatrace.
Jessielaine recounts her inspiring journey as a COBOL programmer, beginning in the Philippines and expanding to various countries worldwide. She highlights the invaluable support from mentors and the mainframe community, shedding light on the unique advantages and vast opportunities within the mainframe industry. Delving into her role at Dynatrace, Jessielaine discusses the seamless integration of mainframe with modern tools and technologies. Her passion for mainframe is evident as she talks about her active participation in the open source community, especially in the Open Mainframe Project and OpenTelemetry.
Jessielaine's heartfelt advice to her younger self shares an optimistic vision for the future of the mainframe platform, emphasizing enhanced integration with contemporary tools and user-friendly interfaces. Tune in to this insightful and inspiring episode!
In this engaging episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Steven Dickens hosts a captivating conversation with Louisa Seers from IBM. As the product manager for the CICS portfolio and the technical steering committee chair for Galasa, an integral part of the Open Mainframe Project, Louisa shares insights into her journey at IBM. Beginning as an apprentice and blending work with education, she offers a unique perspective on her growth within the organization.
Louisa delves into her role as a product manager, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. She passionately advocates for the infusion of DevOps practices and open-source technologies into the mainframe platform, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the industry's future. Louisa underscores the significance of apprenticeships and mentorships in cultivating a diverse talent pool, echoing the need for a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Her insights not only provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of mainframe technology but also inspire a forward-looking perspective on its evolution.
In this episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens engages in an enlightening conversation with Cynthia Overby, the Director of Security and Customer Solutions Engineering at Rocket Software. Cynthia shares her remarkable journey – from her humble beginnings as an intern to becoming CEO and President of Key Resources.
Throughout the interview, Cynthia candidly recounts the challenges she encountered as a woman navigating the often male-dominated tech industry. Yet, her resilience and determination shine through as she reflects on the progress made and the evolving landscape of inclusivity.
Offering invaluable insights, Cynthia advocates for the power of active listening and extending the benefit of doubt to others. Her foresight into the future of mainframe technology envisions mainframes seamlessly integrating with AI, revolutionizing security protocols and unlocking new realms of possibility.
Don’t miss this exciting conversation!
Dive into the fascinating world of mainframe technology with the latest episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast! Join host Steven Dickens as he delves into an insightful conversation with Andre Clark, a seasoned member of IBM's advisory level two support team.
In this episode, Clark provides valuable insights into his role, addressing customer issues related to CICS on a global scale. His journey into the mainframe industry, sparked by a college class on z/OS, showcases the power of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges for personal and professional growth.
Looking forward, Clark predicts an exciting evolution for the mainframe, envisioning the integration of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and cloud-like infrastructures. Don't miss out on this enriching episode as we explore the future of mainframe technology through Clark's insightful perspective on innovation and adaptation.
In this month's episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Donna Hudi, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Business Development at Phoenix Software, shares her career journey and insights into the mainframe industry.
Donna discusses her background in enterprise tech, her transition to the mainframe world, and her experience as the Executive Director of SHARE, a nonprofit organization focused on mainframe technology. She emphasizes the sense of community within the mainframe industry and the importance of making connections and seeking guidance from experienced professionals. Donna also discusses the role of open source in the future of the mainframe, highlighting the growth of collaboration and DevOps practices.
In this month’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Megan Rupert provides valuable insights into the evolving mainframe industry, underscoring the importance of diversity, community engagement, and the continuous adaptation of mainframe technology to meet future challenges. Here are the top takeaways from their conversation: Event Management in Tech: Megan discussed her pivotal role in event execution at Broadcom, where she handles conferences, one-on-one executive meetings, and third-party engagements. Her work is integral in bringing together professionals and experts in the mainframe industry. Share Conference and Industry Revival Post-COVID: The discussion highlighted the success of the recent Share conference in New Orleans, with Megan noting a significant increase in attendance, which, to her, indicated a resurgence in industry engagement post-COVID. The conference attracted a diverse group, including many new hires and students, signifying a fresh influx of talent in the mainframe sector. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Megan leads Broadcom’s diversity efforts, focusing on creating a more inclusive mainframe community. She discussed organizing quarterly webinars and sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), aiming to foster awareness and allyship. These efforts have grown significantly, from small beginnings to well-attended events and sessions at major conferences. Career Path Insights: Megan shared her unique journey into the tech industry, transitioning from marketing in the luxury sector to tech event management at Broadcom. Her story highlights the varied paths professionals can take into the tech world, encouraging listeners, especially students, to explore diverse career options. Future of Mainframe Technology: Looking ahead, Megan sees significant growth in integrating AI and cloud technologies with mainframes, especially in high-security sectors like banking and government. This integration points to an evolving landscape where mainframes continue to play a critical role, reinforced by new generations of tech professionals. Don’t miss this engaging conversation!
In this month's episode of the "I Am A Mainframer" podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Domenico D'Alterio shares insights into his career and the evolving mainframe industry. Currently working on the Zowe open source project at IBM, Domenico discusses how he joined IBM in 1999 as a developer, later transitioning into managerial and product manager roles, and reflects on the challenges he faced in adapting to mainframe technology and the skills required for it.
Domenico goes on to recount his career progression at IBM, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs and how that influenced his move to product management. He stresses the significance of predicting future customer needs and translating them into product features. His journey from a developer to a product manager showcases the value of diverse experiences within the mainframe industry.
Steven and Domenico also delve into the broader mainframe community's enthusiasm for modernizing the platform to appeal to newer generations of developers. Looking ahead, Domenico sees the mainframe continuing to evolve, with a focus on improving user interfaces and leveraging artificial intelligence for predictive problem-solving. He expects this approach will address skill gaps and add more value to users.
Finally, Domenico advises newcomers to the mainframe industry not to be intimidated by its complexities and encourages embracing the modern tools available today. He concludes by reflecting on the importance of adapting to changing technologies and customer needs to drive innovation in the mainframe space.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation!
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the October episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast features Luciano Gimeno, LinuxONE Sales Manager of North & Latin America at IBM. Host Steven Dickens, VP and Practice Leader at The Futurum Group, takes a deep dive into Luciano's journey from a z/OS programmer to a LinuxONE sales leader and how he embraced the continuous change in the mainframe world.
Hailing from Argentina, Luciano has dedicated nearly two decades to the mainframe world. His career trajectory is a testament to his dedication and the versatility and dynamism that mainframes offer. Beginning as a z/OS system programmer, Luciano transitioned to a more sales-oriented role while retaining his technical roots.
Their conversation emphasized the benefits of continuous learning. Adaptability is key, whether it's the shift from a purely technical role to a client-facing one or the evolution of the mainframe from its early days to the present hybrid cloud era. Luciano's journey at IBM is a testament to this. Despite being in the mainframe space for almost two decades, his role and responsibilities have constantly evolved, underlining the importance of staying updated and adaptable.
Luciano's insights also offer encouragement to newcomers in the tech world. He started with a strong technical foundation, working deeply embedded in the nuances of the z/OS. With time, he progressed, embracing sales, client interactions, and a broader landscape of mainframe functionalities – from z/OS administration to spearheading LinuxONE sales across the Americas. His success is partly due to the support he has received from his mentors in the mainframe community. As he and Steven highlighted, while the mainframe community is closely knit, industry veterans readily share their expertise with those new to the arena, fostering a culture of growth and knowledge-sharing.
This is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss!
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Jabrell McPherson, Shariif Ali, and Jason Lowe — all students at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. Jason, a senior graduating in December, is interested in the mainframe space and is particularly drawn to the z/OS operating system and COBOL programming language. Jabrell is a senior graduating next fall. He was initially interested in front-end development, but after learning more about the mainframe at SHARE, he is now interested in exploring the back-end area. Shariif, a senior graduating next fall, is also initially interested in front-end development. Still, after learning more about the mainframe at SHARE, he is now interested in exploring the z/OS operating system. Their conversation with Steven highlighted their first-time experience at the SHARE Conference in New Orleans, their interest in learning more about the mainframe, and the potential impact the mainframe can have on their future careers. The students were impressed by the history and evolution of the mainframe and its importance in the modern world. They were also intrigued by the wide range of technologies the mainframe encompasses and the opportunities for growth and advancement in the field. What surprised them most about attending SHARE New Orleans was how open and welcoming everyone was to them and their fellow students. They all felt it was one of the best experiences they've had in their college career and are looking forward to attending again. When asked about their advice for other college students interested in a tech career, they shared three key things:
This was an energetic and inspiring conversation you won't want to miss! The "I Am A Mainframer" podcast explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens, Senior Analyst at The Futurum Group, each episode is a conversation that highlights the modern mainframe, insight into the mainframe industry, and advice for those looking to learn more about the technology. The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.
Guilherme Cartier de Palma, Associate Director of Infrastructure/Cloud Architecture at Kyndryl, joined host Steven Dickens to share his insights on mainframe transformation in a recent episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast.
Cartier has over 10 years of experience working with mainframes, beginning his career in SysOps at IBM when he was 18 years old. He believes that a balanced approach is needed for mainframe transformation, with a strong focus on people, processes, and tools. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural impact of transformation and being prepared to change the way you work when adopting new technologies.
Cartier is optimistic about the future of the mainframe, believing that it will continue to be a core pillar of IT organizations and become even more powerful as it is integrated with the cloud. He highlighted the following key points during his conversation with Steven:
Cartier’s insights provide valuable guidance for organizations that are considering mainframe transformation. His emphasis on the importance of people, processes, and tools, as well as the cultural impact of transformation, is a reminder that mainframe transformation is not just a technical project. It is also a cultural change that requires careful planning and execution.
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens talks with Rick Perret, Head of Analyst Relations with Broadcom Mainframe Software. Their conversation highlights the growing importance of mainframes and how the Open Mainframe Project (OMP) is actively working to raise awareness and bring together professionals from various backgrounds to contribute to the platform's development and future growth. Rick talks about his involvement with the Open Mainframe Project and the importance of marketing and communication in the open-source community, emphasizing that contributions are not limited to technical skills. Steven and Rick also explore the misconceptions around mainframes and how the platform will continue to be relevant in the future, playing a crucial role in hybrid cloud strategies and digital resilience. Rick shares some advice for younger professionals, stressing the importance of doing what you love and appreciating the contributions of those who came before you, as well as learning how to be resilient in the face of change. He also envisions that in the next three to five years, the mainframe platform will be widely recognized for its significance and will be better integrated into hybrid cloud strategies, leading to a more diverse talent pool in the mainframe ecosystem and encouraging younger generations to explore opportunities on the platform. The "I Am A Mainframer" podcast explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens, Senior Analyst at The Futurum Group, each episode is a conversation that highlights the modern mainframe, insight into the mainframe industry, and advice for those looking to learn more about the technology. The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe. #mainframe #opensource #opensourceadoption #IamaMainframer #podcast #openmainframeproject #LinuxFoundation #ZareenRydhan #RocketSoftware #StevenDickens #TheFuturumGroup
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Zareen Rydhan, Software Development Engineer in Test II and Lead Test Automation Engineer with Rocket Software. During their conversation, Steven and Zareen talk about the mainframe being the foundation of many of the world’s most critical applications and how, as the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for mainframes is only going to grow. Zareen emphasizes that what this means for developers if that if you want to be successful in the tech industry, you need to know how to develop for the mainframe. Zareen also shares a few reasons developers should consider mainframe development: a high demand for mainframe developers with very competitive salaries, challenging and rewarding work, and long-term career security, with skills that will be in demand for years to come. When asked for advice and tips for mainframe developers, Zareen shared: * Learn the basics. The first step to becoming a mainframe developer is to learn the basics of the platform. This includes COBOL, JCL, and the mainframe operating system. * Get involved in the community. There are a number of online and in-person communities for mainframe developers. These can be great resources for learning, networking, and getting help. * Stay up-to-date. The mainframe is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current on the latest trends. You can do this by attending conferences, reading relevant blogs, and taking courses. The "I Am A Mainframer" podcast explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens, Senior Analyst at Futurum Research, each episode is a conversation that highlights the modern mainframe, insight into the mainframe industry, and advice for those looking to learn more about the technology. The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe. #mainframe #opensource #opensourceadoption #IamaMainframer #podcast #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #ZareenRydhan #RocketSoftware #StevenDickens #TheFuturumGroup
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Shuang Chen, PhD, a seasoned entrepreneur, senior technologist, inventor, and recognized industrial leader. Shuang brings over three decades of industrial experience in technology innovation, software, large-scale internet systems, entrepreneurship, and business executive leadership.
Previously a senior research and development leader at IBM TJ Watson Research, the founding CEO of an internet venture, and the Chief Engineer of the world's largest e-ticketing system project (designed for 5 billion tickets annually), Shuang’s experience is vast. He also launched the first and largest e-ticketing cloud service for intercity bus operators in Asia — a service that averages 20 billion tickets per year!
Shuang received the “Top 50 Chinese Americans in Business” award in New York State, holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from Rutgers University, and studied EMBA at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Shuang is also the author of 20+ patents and a frequent speaker at global industrial conferences.
During their conversation, Steven and Shuang talk about his current role at Weather Corporation, how he got his start in the mainframe space, and his early work in AI with pattern recognition, image recognition, voice recognition, machine vision, and core machine intelligence. Shuang also encourages everyone to learn and understand AI and deep learning because it’s much more than a trend.
The "I Am A Mainframer" podcast explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens, VP and Practice Leader at The Futurum Group, each episode is a conversation that highlights the modern mainframe, insight into the mainframe industry, and advice for those looking to learn more about the technology.
The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.
#mainframe #opensource #opensourceadoption #IamaMainframer #podcast #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #ShuangChen #WeatherCorporation #StevenDickens #TheFuturumGroup
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, guest host John Mertic, Director of the Open Mainframe Project, is joined by Salisu Ali, a current mentee of the organization.
A final year medical student at Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria, Salisu was introduced to the mainframe in 2017 through IBM’s Master the Mainframe contest. He participated in the contest for three years and joined the Open Mainframe Project when he started looking for an internship in the mainframe space.
In addition to being an Open Mainframe Project mentee, Salisu is a TechChannel zSystems Rising Star and is helping to modernize the mainframe through his contributions to ZEBRA, an open-source incubator project under ZOWE.
During their conversation, John and Salisu talk about the valuable advice he’s received and that he shares with others: You can’t learn everything overnight, be patient as it takes time to see results, and get involved and contribute — that’s how you’ll get where you want to be.
Connect with Salisu on LinkedIn.
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Megan Conklin, the WW Director of LinuxONE and Linux on System Z Sales at IBM. Megan brings a wealth of experience in IBM systems, including more than 15 years of leading large enterprise clients. For the last 18 months, Megan has led the global team that drives innovation with IBM clients worldwide. Under her leadership, the LinuxONE brand has experienced unprecedented adoption and growth across various industries. From architecting digital asset custody solutions to helping clients reduce their data center energy consumption, Megan and the WW Linux team are committed to their clients' success on the LinuxONE platform.
Megan is passionate about building a better and more sustainable planet and works closely with the global IBM team and customers to adopt the LinuxONE platform, which is more than just a product but rather a solution that solves critical issues in the world – sustainability, security, and scalable IT infrastructure.
During their conversation, Steven and Megan talk about all her family members who worked for IBM and how, even though she resisted following in their footsteps, the summer internship she accepted with IBM opened the door to a lifelong career she truly loves. Megan also shares her advice for those just starting out in their technology career: Trust your instincts, understand that you have value, and challenge others on your team — that's what makes us all collectively better.
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn.
On this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Benjamin Daniels, Cloud Solutions Engineer at Oracle. While an undergrad at North Carolina A&T State University, Ben's professor for Java and mainframe classes was Dr. Cameron Seay. Dr. Seay because Ben's formal mentor and opened the door to many opportunities for Ben, and they continue to stay in close touch.
After doing well in Dr. Seay’s Java class, Ben noticed that the other excelling students also participated in the Master the Mainframe Competition. Ben’s competitive nature — and his goal to be as attractive as possible to employers — inspired him to participate in the competition. Ben credits his competitive drive and curiosity to his continued growth.
During their conversation, Steven and Ben discuss how Ben’s career hasn’t followed the path of a traditional mainframer. However, the foundational mainframe education he got paved the way for an internship at Cisco, and a career rich with exciting opportunities now and in the future.
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Meral Temel, Mainframe Platform Leader for JFORCE. Meral has been in the mainframe industry for more than 20 years, starting as a mainframe system programmer and becoming the Director of Systems in the largest private banks in Turkey. She is currently the Mainframe Platform Leader at JForce, a leading technology and software development firm focused on client-centric digital transformation.
During this in-depth conversation, Steven and Meral explore her mainframe career journey, and how she supports and gives back to the mainframe by volunteering as a project manager for SHARE, teaching mainframe courses in universities, mentoring next-generation talent, and speaking at global mainframe events. Meral is well-known in the industry and passionate about technology trends that help organizations get the most value from IT and the mainframe. This is a conversation you're sure to enjoy!
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by Bryan Foley, Worldwide Sales Director for IBM Cloud. His team helps define the major approaches to help clients meet their toughest challenges in a hybrid multicloud world. Bryan has served in numerous technical, management, strategy, and product management positions during his career at IBM, much of which was spent in IBM Systems and IBM Z. This included leading the initiative to bring the LinuxONE system to market.
During this inspirational and informative conversation, Bryan shares his career arc with IBM, his long-standing commitment to the military and recent retirement from the U.S. Army, and a fun look at how Linux’s Tux the penguin came to be. This is one conversation you won't want to miss!
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, host Steven Dickens is joined by Enzo Damato, a high school senior, self-proclaimed mainframe nerd, researcher, and teacher. During this fascinating and inspiring conversation, Enzo shares his passion for the mainframe and how he has been self-teaching and building systems since the fourth grade. They also explore what it has meant to Enzo to have supportive parents who have encouraged his technical development, the creative way in which he obtained his own z114 — what it was like to unbox it when it was delivered — and his plans for what will certainly be a bright future. This conversation will inspire and delight — and it’s one you won't want to miss!
The "I Am A Mainframer" podcast explores the careers of those in the mainframe ecosystem. Hosted by Steven Dickens, Senior Analyst at Futurum Research, each episode is a conversation that highlights the modern mainframe, insight into the mainframe industry, and advice for those looking to learn more about the technology.
The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by Leonard (Len) Santalucia, Chief Technology Officer at Vicom Infinity. During this fascinating conversation, Len shares his family's long history as IBMers — both his father and grandfather worked for IBM — and traces the beginning of his own career "origin story" to when he was 11 years old in 1964 with the announcement of the 360 mainframe. Len has been told by family members that he actually touched the first 360 when he went with his family to see it on IBM's family day. Their conversation also dives into Len's instrumental role in bringing Linux to the mainframe, his involvement in the Linux Foundation's Open Mainframe Project which is close to having its own mainframe infrastructure, and what that's going to mean for the community. This is one conversation you won't want to miss!
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by Patrick Stanard, Chief Mainframe Architect at Kyndryl US, from the show floor at the SHARE Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Patrick shares his career journey that started in data input (using punch cards!) at Michigan Bell Telephone and moved into data center operations working with Unisys mainframes, and then 35 years with IBM before joining the Kyndryl team. Their conversation also touches on the massive changes in the industry over the last several years, what customers are looking for from their mainframe, and the rise of hybrid mainframe computing and disruptive technologies. Don’t miss this entertaining and informative conversation!
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by Eddy Ciliendo, VP of Worldwide Strategy & Technology at Model9. Their conversation explores how the movie "WarGames" sparked Eddy's early passion for computers, the early opportunities he was given in the mainframe space, and his genuine love of the work he does. Eddy also has a very positive outlook for the future of the mainframe platform. This is an insightful conversation you won't want to miss!
In this episode of the “I Am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by David Jeffries, VP, Development, IBM z/OS Software at IBM. Their conversation explores how David's extensive career has grown and developed, the importance of mentoring, and the bright future he sees continuing to take shape in the mainframe world. You won't want to miss this episode!
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens welcomes Lisa Dyer, Global Vice President, Systems Z & Power LOB Leader at Ensono. Their conversation dives into Lisa's 20+ years as a technologist building digital platforms, her fresh perspective as someone relatively new to the mainframer world, and what made her ultimately become a mainframer. Listen now to hear Lisa's career story.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens welcomes Misty Decker, Director of AMC Product Marketing at Micro Focus. Their conversation explores Misty's career arc in mainframe, advice for those starting out in the space, and how her unexpected journey as a Mainframer started with her first plane ride at the age of 21. Listen to learn Misty's refreshing industry insights.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens welcomes Jose Castano, VP of System Sales at IBM. Their conversation explores Jose's career journey, those who have influenced and guided him along the way, and how his experience has given him a unique perspective into the mainframe space. Listen to learn how Jose's extensive experience is his biggest differentiator.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens welcomes Rebecca Levesque, CEO of 21st Century Software. During their conversation, Rebecca shares her professional journey and how 21st Century Software fits into the overall mainframe ecosystem.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Mark Neft, CTO, Platform Modernization at EPAM Systems. During their conversation, Mark shares his unique "home remodeling" approach that helps clients figure out what they already have in place in terms of infrastructure. He goes on to talk about the tools and capabilities he's built to put roadmaps in place that will get them where they want to go with their mainframe.
In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens is joined by John Smith, Executive Vice President, Ecosystems at Zafin. John shares his earliest experiences with mainframe and how his continued pursuit of knowledge around it led him to a successful career in financial services. Their conversation also explores John's career, including the challenges he's seen in the fintech space, his time at Salway, HPE, IBM, and Zafin, and what Zafin is doing to revolutionize how financial institutions of all sizes modernize their core banking systems.
In today's episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, Steven Dickens talks with Dr. Cameron Seay, IBM Z Academic Thought Leader and Adjunct Professor at Tennessee State University and East Carolina University. Their conversation focuses on Cameron's longstanding support of the Mainframe community, his commitment to introducing students to the mainframe, and how that commitment, coupled with his teaching approach to development methodology, has helped nearly 300 students get mainframe jobs.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Tina Tarquinio, Director, IBM Z Product Management. In this podcast, Tina discusses her journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where she sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with John Mertic, Director of Program Management - Linux Foundation, ASWF, LF AI and Data, LF Energy and Open Mainframe Project. In this podcast, John discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, we flip things around Joe Winchester sits in as a guest host and interviews Steven Dickens, Vice President Sales, and Business Development, Senior Analyst at Futurum. On this podcast, they discuss Steven's journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Derek Britton, Director of Communications and Brand Strategy at Micro Focus. On this podcast, they discuss their journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where they see the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Paul Scott, Chief Architect Web Enablement Technologies at Phoenix Software International. On this podcast, Paul discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Frank Himes Staff Engineer at Canonical and Technical Lead for Ubuntu Server on s390x. On this podcast, Frank discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Brian Ross, Chief Product Officer at Privakey, Len Santalucia, CTO and business development Manager for Vicom Infinity and Vinnie Terrone, Vicom Infinity. On this podcast, they discuss their journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where they see the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Greg Lotko is SVP and General Manager of the Broadcom Mainframe Software Division. On this podcast, Greg discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Sean Grady, Senior Software Architect, and Haseeb Jawad, Director Product Management & Operations, Power Systems Business Unit at Rocket Software. On this podcast, they discuss their journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where they see the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Thomas Amodio, President, Infinity Systems Software Inc., Vicom Infinity, Inc. On this podcast, Tom discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Anna Mckee, Db2 for Z/OS Systems Programmer, at IBM Z Dallas ISV Center. On this podcast, Anna discusses her journey with the mainframe, the Master the Mainframe Program, and where she sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Kip Twitchell, at IBM Global Business Services. On this podcast, Kip discusses his journey with the mainframe, the GenevaERS Project, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Rick Barlow, Senior z/VM Specialist, Velocity Software Inc. On this podcast, Rick discusses his journey with the mainframe, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Robert Garrett zOS/Mainframe Operating Systems Software Consultant at zResource. On this podcast, Robert discusses his journey with the mainframe, the changes he has seen over the year, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Dan Pavel Sinkovicz, OMP Mentorship Program Member and Student at the University of Northampton. On this podcast, Dan discusses his journey with the mainframe, the OMP Mentorship Program, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Ross Mauri, General Manager, IBM Z. On this podcast, Ross discusses his journey with the mainframe, confidential computing, advice for those just starting their journey with the Mainframe, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Jessielaine Punongbayan, Senior Software Engineer at Broadcom in Prague. On this podcast, Jelly discusses her journey with the mainframe, the challenges for the mainframe, Zowe, and where she sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Maggie Li, Chief Architect at Precisely. On this podcast, Maggie discusses her journey with the mainframe, the challenges for the mainframe, Zowe, and where she sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Eric Chevalier of Viking Software Solutions. On this podcast, Eric discusses his journey with the mainframe, bringing Linux onto the platform, advice to young people who are just beginning their journey, and where he sees the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Sebastian Wind, System Design at DATEV eG. On this podcast, Sebastian discusses his journey with the mainframe, the Open Mainframe Intern Program, becoming an IBM Champion, and where they see the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Shashank Motepalli, Ph.D. student at the Univerity of Toronto and Open Mainframe Project Intern Alumni. On this podcast, Shashank discusses his journey with the mainframe, the Open Mainframe Intern Program, and where they see the Mainframe going in the future.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Len Santalucia, Todd Schofield, and Jay Desai. The panel discusses their journey with the mainframe,...
The post I am a Mainframer: Panel Discussion with Len Santalucia, Todd Schofield, and Jay Desai appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Jeff Bisti sits down with Jordan Cain. Jordan is a Software Developer at IBM and a committer on the Zowe...
The post I am a Mainframer: Jordan Cain appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Jeff Bisti sits down with Elizabeth Joseph. Elizabeth is an author, systems engineer, and developer advocate at IBM working on...
The post I am a Mainframe – Elizabeth Joseph appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Jeff Bisti sits down with Rose Sakach. Rose is a Product Manager at Broadcom. Rose tells Jeff about her journey...
The post I am a Mainframer – Rose Sakach appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Jeanne Glass. Jeanne is the CEO at VirtualZ Computing. Jeanne tells Steven about her journey...
The post I am a Mainframer – Jeanne Glass appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Steve Hassett. Steve is the COO of GT Software. Steve tells Steven about his journey...
The post I am a Mainframer – Stephen D. Hassett appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In today’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven Dickens sits down with Usman Haider. Usman is a masters student at NUST University in Pakistan and an alumni...
The post I Am A Mainframer – Usman Haider appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In the latest episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, Steven chats with Alex Kim from Vicom. Alex tells Steven about his journey to the mainframe, how The Open...
The post I Am A Mainframer – Alex Kim appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In our latest episode of the “I am a Mainframer” podcast, Steven chats with Andy Youniss from Rocket Software. Andy co-founded Rocket back in 1990, and has served...
The post Andy Youniss: I Am A Mainframer appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
In our latest “ I am a Mainframer” interview series, Steven Dickens, WW Sales Leader – LinuxONE at IBM, chats with Sujay Solomon. Sujay has been in the Mainframe industry...
The post Sujay Solomon: I am a Mainframer appeared first on Open Mainframe Project.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.