A 2021 Coleman Parkes Research survey of 400 business and IT professionals at enterprises predicts that in the next one to two years, 87% of enterprises are planning a legacy system modernization program.

Flexibility and financial upside are motivating the modernization of some mainframe-based systems. More than half of respondents say legacy modernization helped accelerate digital transformation, while 60% say modernizing just one legacy system could cut IT costs by one-third.

But what does it take to modernise legacy mainframe systems? And how do enterprises address the technical and experience skills gap that exists today?

Praveen Kumar, General Manager, Asia Pacific at ASG Technologies, offers his take on mainframe modernisation and how to bridge the generational gaps for young IT professionals in Asia.

1.       How active in the enterprise is the mainframe today?

2.       Does the mainframe of 2021 need to be modernised? If yes, in what ways?

3.       Given all the awareness around cloud computing, do users care what technology powers their applications?

4.       What is the state of talent availability/scarcity as it relates to mainframe technology compliance? Do you see this taking a turn for the better/worst in the years to come?

5.       What should industry bodies, educational institution, and private organisations/businesses do to spur interest in mainframe technology?

6.       What is your advice for enterprises to ensure that they have the kind of skills needed to keep systems and applications running across the different systems?