Mainframes + AI: Where past meets future

It’s been decades since the first mainframe computers were introduced, yet they continue to play a critical role in business and IT. As modern AI makes its exciting-but-controversial rise, IBM has joined other major tech companies by introducing its own AI solutions.

Meet the newest member of the mainframe family: the IBM z16, which was introduced in April 2022 and comes equipped with the latest features and support for today’s most powerful AI applications.

What's powering AI on the z16?

The IBM z16 is set to revolutionize the way enterprises use AI on their mainframe. Packed with features such as Watson for z/OS and Db2 AI, businesses can now enable advanced analytics and AI without leaving the mainframe environment.

Watson for z/OS delivers such features as:

• Automated machine learning (ML) models to help businesses gain better insights from their data
• Natural language processing (NLP) capabilities that turn people's questions and conversations into meaningful results
• Advanced cognitive search capabilities that make it easier to find the right information quickly
• An array of AI-driven analytics tools for faster business decision-making

Meanwhile, Db2 AI empowers organizations to seamlessly integrate AI into their applications and databases to:

• Automate generation of ML models based on existing datasets
• Enable real-time insights on data trends and anomalies
• Reduce manual efforts by auto-scaling routine tasks
• Improve performance tuning by offering intelligent recommendations

Along with the newly launched watsonx, IBM’s cloud-based AI and data platform that gives businesses even more exciting AI potential, the IBM z16 is set to be a force in enterprise AI.

In this article, we’ll be exploring why mainframes are a great match for AI, how businesses can start to use AI on their existing mainframes, and what the future holds for this dynamic tech duo.

Why mainframes are well-suited for AI

Mainframes are specifically designed to be true standouts in the IT world. Reliable, robust, and secure – which are all features that are essential for AI applications – mainframes also process huge amounts of data quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for AI’s heavy workloads.

And while we're barely scratching the surface, here are some of the main reasons why mainframes are great for AI:

• Scalability: Mainframes can support large-scale applications that require a great deal of data storage and processing power, with AI being one of many.
• Reliability: Mainframes deliver reliable performance for running AI programs and other programs at once, as well as robust protections against unseen vulnerabilities.
• Security: With no single point of failure, mainframes provide a secure environment for deploying and using AI applications that protect sensitive data from malicious actors.
• Efficiency: Mainframe technology enables businesses to deploy powerful AI solutions quickly and easily, saving time, money, and other resources.

Combined, these features make mainframes an attractive choice for organizations looking to take advantage of AI’s potential.

But what if buying the IBM z16 isn't a budget-friendly option for your business?

Modernizing your mainframe for AI

While having the latest and greatest technology is a dream for every business and IT team, it's not always workable from a budget perspective. This is where modernizing your mainframe and overall IT environment can help.

If you’re looking to use AI on your existing mainframe, here are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s up to the task:

• Upgrade your hardware and software: Make sure your mainframe is running the latest operating system (OS) and software. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ensure that your hardware meets current industry standards for running AI applications.
• Invest in a cloud or hybrid solution: Look at hybrid and cloud solutions that can help you move workloads off your mainframe, give you access to more AI tools, and free up your computing power for other mainframe-critical tasks.
• Develop an AI strategy: Create a roadmap that outlines your business goals and needs for using AI on your mainframe. That way you can be sure you’re investing in the right technologies at the right times to maximize performance and minimize costs.

By simply modernizing your mainframe, you may be able to reap the benefits of AI without making big investments in new hardware.

The future of mainframes and AI

As AI continues to grow and evolve, so will mainframes. IBM is already showing us the way with their z16 and watsonx platform. And as other companies follow suit, new opportunities for businesses and IT teams will arise.

From faster development cycles to better security and data protection, AI-powered mainframes are revolutionizing how organizations approach IT and data management. They’re also creating a bright future for two technologies that are separated by time but connected by a common goal: to help people, businesses, and humankind achieve more.