Abstract for IBM Mainframe to Microsoft Azure Reference Architecture
In businesses today, across all market segments, cloud computing
has become the focus of current and future technology needs for the enterprise.
The cloud offers compelling economics, the latest technologies and platforms,
and the agility to adapt your information systems quickly and efficiently.
However, many large organizations are burdened by much older, previous
generation platforms, typically in the form of a mainframe computing
environment.
Although old and very expensive to maintain, the mainframe
platform continues to run the most important information systems of an
organization. The purpose of this reference architecture is to assist business
and IT professionals as they prepare plans and project teams to start the
process of moving mainframe-based application portfolios to Microsoft Azure. We
will also share various techniques and methodologies that may be used in
forming a complete and effective Legacy Modernization plan.
In this document, we explore:
·
Why modernize a mainframe
·
The challenges associated with mainframe
modernization
·
An overview of the IBM mainframe
·
The IBM Mainframe to Azure Reference
Architecture
·
An overview of Azure services
·
A look at the Astadia Success Methodology
This document is part of
the Astadia Mainframe to Cloud Modernization
Series that leverages Astadia’s 25+ years of mainframe platform
modernization expertise.
The Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform is an excellent
target environment for transitioning from a mainframe workload to a cloud
implementation. With the security features of Azure and the ability to scale
based on demand for the services, Azure offers a complete operational
environment in support of mainframe workloads that have been migrated to the cloud.
In addition, Azure supports innovation of the application portfolio, previously
held captive by the inflexible nature of a mainframe computing model, improving
the productivity of application developers and support personnel.
Even more than a typical IT project, planning to modernize mainframe
applications is the most important phase of the total project effort. A good
place to begin is with a thorough assessment of the existing overall mainframe application
portfolio. Through the assessment process, all aspects of the existing portfolio
will be inventoried and examined in detail, resulting in a catalog of each
application, database, technology platform and business user profile currently
in use. Once completed, the results of this application rationalization will then
guide the sequence of application migration, as well as the different modernization
strategies and techniques that may be called upon over the course of the entire
project. We’ve included an overview of how Astadia tackles Legacy Modernization
projects with our Success Methodology to give you an idea of what’s involved.
Don’t let the enormity and importance of a mainframe
modernization project deter you from getting started. The skilled individuals
needed to continue to maintain mainframes are increasingly leaving the
workforce through retirement and are not being replaced. Hardware and software maintenance costs
continue to escalate and the demands of customers, employees and partners
require greater innovation than mainframe platforms can support.
How to Use This Reference Architecture
Begin by reading the “Why Should I Migrate” section
first. From there:
Mainframe Experts: Skip to
the IBM Mainframe to Azure Reference Architecture and the Understanding Azure
sections
Azure Experts: Start with
the Understanding Typical IBM Mainframe Architecture section, followed by the
Reference Architecture.
Business Leaders: Spend time
with the “Why Should I Migrate…” section and the Ensuring Project Success
section at the end.
About Astadia
Astadia is a Microsoft Gold Partner that has been in the legacy
modernization business since 1994 and has successfully completed more than 200
mainframe modernization projects.
Our repeated success has allowed us to develop a
comprehensive methodology, proprietary software tools and techniques, as well
as the “know how” that comes with more than 25 years of experience handling
mission critical applications and data.
We’re pleased to share some of that experience with you
through our Mainframe to Cloud Modernization Series of reference architectures,
webinars, whitepapers and more.
Visit our website at www.astadia.com for additional
information.