This session will share customer experiences implementing "Data Serving" workloads such as Oracle, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Kafka and Cockroach DB with Linux on System Z. Performance considerations for CPU, memory, network topologies (OSA, NetH, Hipersockets), and I/O optimizations using various benchmarking tools will be discussed.
IBM GDPS is the premier solution for continuous availability, disaster recovery, and cyber resiliency on IBM Z. It enables automated, end-to-end management of z/OS, z/VM, Linux, and containerized workloads along with their critical data across single or multiple sites. Built on deep integration with IBM Z hardware and software capabilities, GDPS also extends protection beyond the mainframe to heterogeneous platforms, delivering coordinated availability and recovery across the enterprise. In this session, you'll get a comprehensive update on the latest GDPS innovations, including new product offerings and the newest release, GDPS V4R9. Learn how these enhancements help simplify operations, strengthen cyber recovery, and further reduce downtime for mission-critical workloads.
z/COBOL™ is a new COBOL compiler, specifically designed for the future of VSE and VM, that embraces the power of the current IBM® mainframe. IBM has spent over 20 years innovating and enhancing the zSeries platform, and as the desire for more and more computing power arrives, so does the requirement to utilize the facilities that are within the zSeries IBM mainframe. z/COBOL is a cutting-edge COBOL compiler that is unmatched in performance. It is more than just paying for cutting-edge hardware; it is having the tools to maximize that investment. This presentation details how the z/COBOL language can combine the power of the mainframe environment with a wide range of tools that are required for the modern world. How Open AI can be integrated into database updates, credit card transactions can be facilitated and managed, SMS and RCS customer interactions can be delivered, the new SPYRE AI Complex can be fully utilized, JSON-RPC can be provided to completely participate in Block Chain and Crypto Currency interactions, WEB3 can be supported from DAPPs, and many other current and cutting edge tools. All of these important advancements within the data processing world, can now be added to VSE and VM.
This session will be a panel of VCU students moderated by their Adjunct Professor Len Santalucia. These students completed the Spring 2026 Semester IBM zXplore Course. They will discuss their experience with learning about IBM Z through the badges they earned with IBM zXplore and other presentations from industry experts they heard throughout the semester. The attendees of this session are welcome to ask students on the panel questions directly and speak with them privately throughout the conference. Please come spend time with the next generation of IBM Z.
We're back for another edition of this session where Bill sits and hears from three members of the community: how they got involved in the mainframe world, what influenced them along the way, and some of their favorite moments. This series has proven to be enjoyable and reminds us how our stories connect us. This year joining Bill will be Phill Tully, Rich Smrcina, and James Vincent.
