VM Workshop 2026: Full Schedule

Several years ago, I presented a session on setting up Openshift Container Platform (RHOCP) on z. In new RHOCP releases, you have the option of multi-node or single node virtual machine to do all the work. I'll be reviewing the differences in installation process getting this working.

Speakers

Sam Cohen

LRS

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
1102

Linux

9:45am EDT

IBM z/VM Express System Install

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2201

We will cover the IBM z/VM Express System Install project. Covering the details explaining why the ESI deployment bundle for z/VM is becoming so popular and how much time z/VM ESI can save clients with their journey to hybrid cloud. We will also cover what has been added, improved, and enhanced with z/VM 7.4. The session will wrap up with customer discussions regarding potential new features and...
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Speakers

Vic Cross

IBM

Paul Novak

IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2201

Mixed

9:45am EDT

z/VM Platform Update

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

1201

An overview changes introduced with z/VM 7.4, the most recent release of z/VM as well as a preview of the upcoming z/VM 7.5 release.

Speakers

Frederik Hartmann

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
1201

9:45am EDT

21CS VSEn Secured with MFA

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2104

Every now and then, we get asked by VSEn customers, how to enable Multifactor Authentication with VSEn? So in this presentation we will show you a possible way, using the VSEn LDAP Client, and an LDAP Server outside of VSEn with connection to an MFA server, resulting on VSEn loging with MFA!

Speakers

Aleksa Medakovic

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2104

VSE

11:00am EDT

z/VM and Virtualization Hands-on Lab - Choose your own Lab - Part 1

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2107

In this multi-part hands-on lab you choose hands-on lab exercises from one of these options: z/VM 7.4 SSI Installation and Configuration z/VM Upgrade In Place from 7.3 to 7.4, Implement z/VM 7.4 Centralized Service Managment, Implement RACF on a z/VM 7.4 system using Alan Altmarks "RACF The Right Way" pattern, implement z/VM 7.4 Datapump, DPM and KVM (modify a dpm partition, install Ubuntu 24.04...
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Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2107

Labs

11:00am EDT

Introduction to Virtualization with z/VM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1102

An introductory class that covers some of the key reasons for virtualization technology, its fundamental concepts, and how z/VM fits into the 'big picture'; later relating these fundamental virtualization concepts to how they are actually implemented within z/VM itself.

Speakers

Montana Lee

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1102

Linux

11:00am EDT

Getting a lil' Rust on the Mainframe

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2201

WARNING: Talks about SMAPI, and Rust at fairly low levels. Will be looking at bits and bytes.
Join me to take a deep look at the SMAPI protocol and the work I've done to interact with it in a new way from the Rust programming language.

Speakers

Clayton Slaughter

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

11:00am EDT

Customer Experiences Implementing Databases on IBM Z and LinuxONE

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1201

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.

Speakers

David Simpson

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1201

11:00am EDT

What's new with 21CS VSEn?

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2104

In this session we will cover the announcements and news that have been happening since last year, things to consider when upgrading to 21CS VSEn 6.3 and 6.4 and the next steps you should take if you care about your VSE workloads.

Speakers

Gonzalo Muelas Serrano

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Sponsor Area

All

1:00pm EDT

z/VM and Virtualization Hands-on Lab - Choose your own Lab - Part 2

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2107

Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2107

Labs

1:00pm EDT

Introduction to XEDIT

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1102

The XEDIT editor is a sophisticated editor with a large subcommand set. It can be quite easy to use and yet extremely powerful and nearly infinitely tailorable. In this session, the speaker will cover a tiny bit of history, the anatomy of an XEDIT session, how to use the basic edit functions and navigation and even some intermediate topics to show how powerful the XEDIT environment is.

Speakers

James Vincent

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1102

Linux

1:00pm EDT

Optimization and Simplification Tips for Deploying z/VM Products

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2201

Acquisitions, scaling, or hardware upgrades often require product environment updates. In this session, we will share simple techniques and standard practices to save time, reduce effort, and eliminate errors through optimized processes. Learn why copying existing configurations beats starting from scratch. Review best practices for working with primary, alternate, and previous runtime...
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Speakers

Brian Jagos

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

1:00pm EDT

GDPS v4.9 Technical Update: New Capabilities for HA, DR, and Cyber Resilience

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1201

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...
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Speakers

Megan Hampton

Steven Cook

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1201

1:00pm EDT

21CS VSEn 6.4 New Installation, Upgrade and System License Key

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2104

In this session, you will learn what to consider when installing and upgrading to 21CS VSEn 6.4, and specially the new System License Key feature. If time allows, there will be a demo, if not, feel free to visit our hands-on-lab!

Speakers

Michael Ibikunle

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

2:15pm EDT

z/VM and Virtualization Hands-on Lab - Choose your own Lab - Part 3

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2107

Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2107

Labs

2:15pm EDT

Modernizing zLinux DASD storage

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1102

DASD storage on zLinux has seen improvement over the years. HyperPAV, EAV, ESE - these technologies can make life much easier for administering a large number of guests. I will go over the project we undertook to modernize our zLinux disk implementation - from setting up new disks on the DS8K to the IOCDS and user directory changes and finally the steps to migrate zLinux systems to HyperPAV.

Speakers

James Nelson

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1102

Linux

2:15pm EDT

VFILE coming to a Reader Near You

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2201

VFILE provides NJE-like interconnect using open standard UFT protocol to include Linux and Windows in your collection. It mimics spool space on systems which don't have that providing a "delivery dock" so that files arrive safely, isolated from user filespace until received by the user. VFILE is a powerful alternative to services like FTP, more secure, easier to automate. And, yes, messaging works...
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Speakers

Rick Troth

Senior Software Developer, VSSI

It's all about trust!

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2201

Mixed

2:15pm EDT

Modernizing the Mainframe with the Modern Muscle of z/Cobol

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1201

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...
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Speakers

John Rankin

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1201

2:15pm EDT

Securing 21CS SMDMU (DITTO) ...the right way

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2104

In this session we will show you how to granularly secure SMDMU, to be able to still leverage some functionality less dangerous for colleagues that might need to use it but without a risk that they will bring the system down ;-)

Speakers

Aleksa Medakovic

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2104

VSE

3:15pm EDT

Coffee Break

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Sponsor Area

All

3:30pm EDT

z/VM and Virtualization Hands-on Lab - Choose your own Lab - Part 4

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2107

Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2107

Labs

3:30pm EDT

z/VM I/O Update for 2026

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

1102

This presentation provides a closer look at several upcoming z/VM updates for I/O, including new 1-END HYPERPAV HYPERSWAP enablement, FICON RAS support, SCSI recovery improvements, PCIe device pooling, and more IO-related z/VM upgrades.

Speakers

Steven Horvath

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
1102

Linux

3:30pm EDT

Enabling workloads under z/VM for AI

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2201

Let's talk about the steps needed to enable your IFL-based Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform cluster for AI workloads using the Spyre adapter! In this session we will perform a live walk-through of the steps involved, from attaching the adapters to the cluster compute nodes through to installing required Operators. We'll even deploy a model and try some inferences!

Speakers

Vic Cross

IBM

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2201

Mixed

3:30pm EDT

VCU Student Panel

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

1201

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...
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Speakers

Len Santalucia

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
1201

3:30pm EDT

Monitoring VSE with zVPS

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2104

Using zVPS to monitor VSE is quick and easy. This session will go through the process and show the data that can be displayed. CICS and the TCP/IP stacks can also be monitored. In addition, some new features will be discussed.

Speakers

Rich Smrcina

Sr. Systems Engineer, Velocity Software Inc.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2104

VSE

4:45pm EDT

From Installation to Impact: Making IBM Operations Manager, Tape Manager, and Backup & Restore Manager for z/VM Work for You

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

1102

You’ve installed the tools—now it’s time to make them deliver value. This “beyond the basics” session focuses on practical configuration and real-world usage of IBM Operations Manager, Tape Manager, and Backup & Restore Manager for z/VM. Learn how to: - Configure console monitoring and establish automated operations schedules with Operations Manager - Provision and manage tape resources...
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Speakers

Jim Porell

Director, Solutions Advisors, Rocket Software

Jim Porell is a Rocket Software Director of Solutions Advisors, focusing on pre and post sales technical assistance for System, Storage and Security products from IBM. Prior to joining Rocket, he was an independent consultant and retired IBM Distinguished Engineer. He held various... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
1102

Linux

4:45pm EDT

Bit Talks with Friends

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

1201

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.

Speakers

Bill Bitner

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
1201

4:45pm EDT

Updates on CSI International Development

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

2201

This presentation will bring our z/VSE and VSEn customers up to date on new and important progress from CSI International. With the new announcement of the z17, CSI has been working hard to provide new and comprehensive advances. This presentation will highlight CSI International’s continued commitment to the z/VSE and VSEn platform. We will explore all the exciting changes and enhancements...
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Speakers

John Rankin

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
2201

4:45pm EDT

21CS VSEn SCRT: The process...And How to Review for Correctness

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

2104

In this session we will review the process of setting up, creating SCRT input files and report and uploading them... and most important how to check that the report is valid and what the different sections in the report mean.

Speakers

Jonah Hall

Wednesday June 10, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
2104

VSE

6:00pm EDT

VM Workshop Banquet

Wednesday June 10, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Speakers

Arty Ecock

Wednesday June 10, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

All

7:30am EDT

Registration

Thursday June 11, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Thursday June 11, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm EDT
Sponsor Area

Registration

7:45am EDT

Breakfast

Thursday June 11, 2026 7:45am - 8:30am EDT

Sponsor Area

Thursday June 11, 2026 7:45am - 8:30am EDT
Sponsor Area

All

8:30am EDT

Linux for IBM Z Installation Hands-on Workshop - Part 1

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2107

This hands-on lab will provide an opportunity to install Linux for IBM Z into a z/VM virtual machine, do some basic system administration and configure commonly used packages such as Apache. There will also be an opportunity to install the docker engine and create some basic images and run those images in containers. The choices for installation will be RedHat 9.7, SUSE SLES 15 SP6, and Ubuntu...
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Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2107

Labs

8:30am EDT

Build Your Own Linux

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

1107

This session will expose the secrets of z/VM for amazing tricks Linux can do nowhere else. z/VM is the original personal computer and more powerful than any other hypervisor. Linux is the one truly open source Unix-like system and more flexible than all else. Together they serve everyone from hobbyist or student to Fortune 100 enterprise. This session will discuss and demonstrate building from...
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Speakers

Rick Troth

Senior Software Developer, VSSI

It's all about trust!

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
1107

Linux

8:30am EDT

What's new with the VSE SSH Client Suite

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2201

Our initial release of the SSH Client Suite for VSE was batch-oriented. We've now enabled a 3270 interface to the suite and, experimentally, added a browser-based GUI. In this session I will describe and, if the presentation muses allow, demonstrate both interactive interfaces.

Speakers

Neale Ferguson

Principal Engineer, Sine Nomine Associates

As principal engineer at Sine Nomine Associates, I have been doing Linux on the mainframe since it was a skunkworks project within IBM.
I have authored several articles in publications such as Enterprise Technical Journal (and its predecessors) and have presented on z/VM and Linux... Read More →

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2201

Mixed

8:30am EDT

zVM: Beyond the Horizon

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

1201

An update and discussion on the current z/VM focus, strategy, planned enhancements and upcoming changes.

Speakers

Frederik Hartmann

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
1201

8:30am EDT

21CS VSEn Hints and Tips

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2104

In this presentation we will show a mixed collection of experiences from the 21CS team on different areas while working with VSEn customers and upgrading to/using 21CS VSEn 6.3 and 6.4.

Speakers

Aleksa Medakovic

Gonzalo Muelas Serrano

Edward Jordinson

Thursday June 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2104

VSE

9:30am EDT

Coffee Break

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

Sponsor Area

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Sponsor Area

All

9:45am EDT

Linux for IBM Z Installation Hands-on Workshop - Part 2

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2107

Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2107

Labs

9:45am EDT

z/VM Memory Management Update

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

1107

Several new memory management functions are being developed for z/VM. This presentation will cover the following topics: 1. Active Drain 2. Memory Terminology Changes 3. Memory Overcommitment Control 4. Memory Management Infrastructure

Speakers

Romney White

Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM

Virtualization, LinuxONE

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
1107

Linux

9:45am EDT

Standing up and administering a public-access VM/SP system

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2201

Did you know there is a publicly accessible, historically accurate VM/System Product system? Travel back in time to the 1980s with VM/SP! Our incredibly diverse team of volunteer systems programmers has undertaken quite a journey and overcome some incredible hurdles to bring the PUBVM system to life! Join us to hear about how a college student, a young public-sector sysprog, a sysprog from IBM's...
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Speakers

Paul Novak

IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2201

Mixed

9:45am EDT

Rexx Language Primer

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

1201

In this session you will learn about what the Rexx Programming Language can do, how to use some of the basic instructions and functions to get started with and resources to have on hand for reference.

Speakers

Rich Smrcina

Sr. Systems Engineer, Velocity Software Inc.

James Vincent

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
1201

9:45am EDT

Jumpin' Jack, Flash VSE

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2104

We finally decided to use Flashcopy and how it helped our backup strategy. - Reducing backup window time - Increasing data integrity in backups

Speakers

Steve Weifenbach

Tony Thigpen

Thursday June 11, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2104

VSE

11:00am EDT

Linux for IBM Z Installation Hands-on Workshop - Part 3

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2107

Speakers

Richard Lewis

Executive I/T Specialist, IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2107

Labs

11:00am EDT

Saying Hello to z/VM V7.5 Security

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1107

z/VM V7.5 has been announced in preview, and while the future isn't here quite yet, changes are coming in the space of security -- not limited to RACF for z/VM, but especially in that space. The goal of this presentation is to start you thinking about what the future may hold for security on your favorite platform, and what you may need to do to prepare.

Speakers

Brian Hugenbruch

Security Nerd, IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1107

Linux

11:00am EDT

Solving Customer Problems with Velocity Software

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2201

Velocity Software's zLOV version 610 stack of products, zVPS, zPRO, zTUNE and zVRM is focused on solving IBM Z and LinuxONE customer issues, along with support for IBM's latest z17 and LinuxONE 5 offerings. The goal of this session is to show the concerns brought to Velocity Software, and how this new product release resolves these problems, all while still using less than 1% of a processor. This...
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Speakers

Kurt Acker

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

11:00am EDT

Lessons Learned From Being Struck by Lightning - Private Cloud on IBM Z and LinuxONE: How to Create a Stable, Manageable, High-Performance Environment

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1201

Learn about the recommended practices based on experience, lab testing, development recommendations, and customer experiences for Making z/VM and Linux Guests "Production Ready". Design and Configuration Planning Considerations, Installation/Configuration Recommendations, Basics for Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Performance, and more!

Speakers

Paul Novak

IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1201

11:00am EDT

A Mainframe Update from Germany

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2104

From relocating a rack-mounted IBM z16 and DS8910F storage system to experimenting with AI-assisted COBOL documentation, there is currently no shortage of activity in my mainframe environment at SDK. In this session, I provide an update from Germany on current infrastructure and development projects. Topics include the upcoming datacenter relocation, insurance consolidation activities,...
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Speakers

Michael Tores

Thursday June 11, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Thursday June 11, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Thursday June 11, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Sponsor Area

All

1:00pm EDT

Deploying Encrypted Filesystems in Linux under zVM

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1107

The CITI LinuxONE team was asked to provide encrypted Mongo database to meet PCI-DSS global requirments. Using zVM and custom built processes we were able to deploy hundreds of LUKS based filesystems

Speakers

Phil Tully

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1107

Linux

1:00pm EDT

The Evolution of z/VM - 25 years of innovation

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2201

z/VM was released 25 years ago in 2001. Its existence was sometimes in doubt but the influence of several individuals eventually ensured that it would be delivered. Since the initial release, there has been a continuing stream of enhancements. This presentation will review the background and describe some of the major innovations that have been introduced.

Speakers

Romney White

Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM

Virtualization, LinuxONE

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

1:00pm EDT

CMS Pipelines Basics

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1201

CMS Pipelines is a facility included with the z/VM CMS component that includes a set of some 350 programs that can be used to build application to run in CMS. Each programs is known as a stage. In this session, the speaker will provide an overview of the Pipeline concepts, an overview of many of the basic stages, and the how to use CMS Pipelines to enhance programming in CMS. A working knowledge...
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Speakers

Rick Barlow

Velocity Software

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1201

1:00pm EDT

21CS OLTP transaction looping, you can take care of it! (and other enhancements)

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2104

Did you ever had a situation where a yield transaction was looping so bad, that you had to shutdown the whole OLTP region in order to stop it? Well, we have come up with a solution, that will make the transaction stop without you having to stop the whole OLTP region. We will also mention, some other enhancements to make your OLTP environment more resilient.

Speakers

Aleksa Medakovic

Thursday June 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

2:15pm EDT

Putting the ME in MainfraME

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2107

With the constant allure of trendy, new technologies, like AI, ML, and VR, why should you consider a career in mainframes? Join me as I share advice I've learned in the first five years of my career journey working on the mainframe, as well as how you can apply what you've learned in college as you start your role, to inspire your career decisions.

Speakers

Arielle Goldberg

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2107

Labs

2:15pm EDT

Visualization is Key

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1107

Mainframe operating systems produce A LOT of performance data. It isn't enough to look at screens and reports anymore. Data can be delivered to InfluxDB and Prometheus for use with new visualization tools like Grafana. These tools are becoming more and more important for data display. We will show how these tools can be integrated into your existing performance management landscape. Sending data...
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Speakers

Rich Smrcina

Sr. Systems Engineer, Velocity Software Inc.

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1107

Linux

2:15pm EDT

21CS: Then, Now, Next

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2201

For over 30 years, 21CS has been at the forefront of mainframe data protection, recovery, and performance planning. Central to their success is the strategic alliance with IBM, which led to 21CS entering into a z/VSE source code agreement in 2021. Discover how 21CS continues to drive innovation in the z/OS and VSE space through its perfect mixture of expertise and new skilled talent and bold...
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Speakers

Clarence Waldrop

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2201

Mixed

2:15pm EDT

GDPS Cyber Resiliency: Securing, Vaulting, and Recovering Critical Data

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1201

Threats to business critical data can originate both outside the enterprise and from within; including privileged users. GDPS Logical Corruption Protection Manager (LCP) enhances your security and recovery posture by helping prevent unauthorized compromise of production systems, critical data, and protected copies. In this session, you'll learn how GDPS LCP enables the regular creation of secure,...
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Speakers

Megan Hampton

Steven Cook

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1201

Mixed

2:15pm EDT

A Hardware Primer for System Programmers

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2104

Does it seem a bit daunting to set up a second-level Linux system or a z/VM guest for testing? This session will give you a primer on setting up Linux and z/VM to run as guests and even making them "gold images" so you can duplicate them to make more as needed.

Speakers

Alan Altmark

Thursday June 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2104

VSE

3:15pm EDT

Coffee Break

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Sponsor Area

All

3:30pm EDT

A Beginner's Perspective: Q&A With A VCU Student

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2107

A Beginner's Perspective: Q&A With A VCU Student (This is your opportunity to interrogate a student with all your questions!) Victoria Castagnola / [email protected] This will be an opportunity for mainframe experts, newbies, and anyone in-between to ask for a beginner mainframer's perspective on things. At the speaker's first SHARE, she noticed that a lot of people wanted to know...
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Speakers

Victoria Castagnola

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2107

Labs

3:30pm EDT

ZIP Through Install with GetShopz

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

1107

You may know GetShopz as a CMS utility that simplifies and secures the transfer of z/VM service from IBM Shopz and IBM ServiceLink to a z/VM system. New in the latest release, GetShopz dramatically speeds up second-level installation and upgrade by accelerating the transfer and decompression of installation media ZIP files. We will step through existing and brand-new workflows to benefit both new...
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Speakers

Sam Capodicci

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
1107

Linux

3:30pm EDT

Express Linux Automation and Networking: Ansible and scripting for z/VM

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2201

The z/VM ESI project provides a streamlined installation process for z/VM, along with a Linux system which we call the ELAN -- Express Linux Automation and Networking. Development of the ELAN is moving more Open, and this session talks about the changes to the development process, and what is currently included in the ELAN. We will also preview some exciting enhancements, along with new functions...
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Speakers

Vic Cross

IBM

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2201

Mixed

3:30pm EDT

Introduction to RACF Administration on z/VM

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

1201

No matter if you have a second-level z/VM test system or a full-on Production z/VM host, you had better have an External Security Manager. The RACF security server gives you a much higher level of security than CP can. But how does it "work" and why is it so scary - or painful - for a lot of z/VM system administrators? In this session, the speaker will cover the basic terminology, RACF commands...
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Speakers

James Vincent

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
1201

3:30pm EDT

21CS VSEn Connectors and VSCode - Efficient and modern ways of working with VSEn

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

2104

In this session we will show how to efficiently work with VSEn, both for Sysprogs and Application Programmers, by leveraging the VSEn Connectors tools and VSCode pluging to VSEn that we will release soon.

Speakers

Edward Jordinson

Thursday June 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
2104

VSE

4:45pm EDT

EMMA: A New Mainframe Education and Apprenticeship Engagement Model

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

2107

The current educational and apprenticeship engagement model is failing to fulfill the needs of individuals looking to enter into a mainframe career and the corporations that have specific legacy environment personnel. The model being presented by EMMA, focuses the individual training to meet the desires of individuals by training to a career path. The model focuses and streamlines corporate legacy...
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Speakers

Jeff Brown

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
2107

Labs

4:45pm EDT

Recommendations for Large-Scale Linux Deployment on LinuxONE

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

1107

An overview of best practices, recommendations and avoidable mistakes for large scale Linux deployments on IBM Z and LinuxONE.

Speakers

Frederik Hartmann

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
1107

Linux

4:45pm EDT

CMS Shared File System Administration

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

2201

This session will describe how to configure and use the CMS Shared File System. Administration, space management, and security will be discussed. A modern approach to managing SFS will also be demonstrated.

Speakers

Rich Smrcina

Sr. Systems Engineer, Velocity Software Inc.

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
2201

Mixed

4:45pm EDT

RACF: The Right Way

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

1201

In this session we will talk about the right way to deploy RACF on z/VM. The speaker has done many RACF deployments and has strong opinions on what constitutes the right way. (Yes, Virginia, there is a wrong way!) We'll talk not only about policy, but about the mechanics of deploying RACF the right way the first time, including the latest updates to RPIDIRCT in z/VM 7.4.

Speakers

Alan Altmark

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
1201

4:45pm EDT

VSE's Blueprint for Achieving Formula One Success

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

2104

Success on the track depends on a finely tuned race car supported by a well-equipped, high-performing team. Similarly, navigating the VSE ecosystem effectively requires the right tools and the expertise to use them. Join us as we take you through the VSE circuit and explore how a comprehensive portfolio of solutions can drive you all the way to victory lane.

Speakers

Robert Dougherty

Thursday June 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
2104

VSE

6:45pm EDT

Dinner on Your Own!

Thursday June 11, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm EDT

TBD

Thursday June 11, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm EDT
TBD

All

7:45am EDT

Breakfast

Friday June 12, 2026 7:45am - 8:30am EDT

Sponsor Area

Friday June 12, 2026 7:45am - 8:30am EDT
Sponsor Area

8:30am EDT

21CS VSEn Hands-on-Lab - Part1

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2107

In this session you can use one of our provided laptops to exercise the new installation and/or FSU from IBM z/VSE 6.2 or 21CS VSEn 6.3 to 6.4

Speakers

Michael Ibikunle

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2107

Labs

8:30am EDT

IBM Cloud Infrastructure Center (ICIC): Core Architecture and Recent Advancements

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

1102

This presentation is a foundational deep dive into the ICIC architecture, exploring how it simplifies IaaS management for IBM z/VM and other hypervisors. Focus will be given to recent release cycles, specifically highlighting the high-impact enhancements introduced in the recent General Availability (GA) V1.2.5. Attendees will learn about improved scalability, security hardening, and revamped user...
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Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
1102

Linux

8:30am EDT

Git for Vmers

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2201

"A look at git, a source code management tool from a VMer's perspective. - The world according to CNTRL, AUX and update files. - The journey from file cabinets to being scattered across the globe. - Eek! Waiter, there's a bug in my code, I would like to know how it got there. - Oh.. you already fixed it! - Branches are cheap. - Will the real clone please stand up. - Keeping up with main. -...
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Speakers

Cheyenne Wills

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2201

Mixed

8:30am EDT

z/VM - KVM - OpenShift Virtualization: Hypervisor choices for IBM Z

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

1201

Virtualization has always been a strength of the mainframe platform. Today, users can choose between a variety of hypervisor options to run their workloads, including IBM's z/VM, Linux' KVM technology, and Red Hat's OpenShift Virtualization. We will explore the main characteristics and unique capabilities of those solutions, look at our strategy around future development and upcoming enhancements...
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Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
1201

8:30am EDT

Introduction to z17 Channel Performance Management

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

2104

Channel performance management is rarely as straightforward as it first appears. To further complicate this, the IBM z17 introduces new considerations with the addition of the Network Express Adapter, FICON Express32-4P Adapter, and Data Processing Unit (DPU). This presentation will begin with a brief overview of channels and the z17 channel architecture. It then moves into a deeper exploration of...
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Speakers

Tyler Rossi

Friday June 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
2104

VSE

9:30am EDT

Coffee Break

Friday June 12, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

Sponsor Area

Friday June 12, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Sponsor Area

All

9:45am EDT

ZTRUST

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

1201

The requirement of "code signing" and related cryptographically supported attestations is growing. Some organizations and environments will not run software which is not cryptographically signed. The ZTRUST project provides a trust anchor for the Z community (z/VM, z/Linux, z/VSE, even z/OS) facilitating code signing and related functions. This talk will introduce the need and illustrate the...
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Speakers

Rick Troth

Senior Software Developer, VSSI

It's all about trust!

Brian Hugenbruch

Security Nerd, IBM

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
1201

9:45am EDT

21CS VSEn Hands-on-lab - Part 2

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2107

In this session you will be able to use the different VSEn Connectors, including VTAPE, Navigator, Health Checker and VSCode plugin to VSEn.

Speakers

Edward Jordinson

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2107

Labs

9:45am EDT

Solutions for Real Customer Challenges Managing z/VM and Linux

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

1102

Whether implementing hybrid cloud or supporting server consolidation projects, customers are implementing mission critical applications on Linux on IBM Z and LinuxONE. In this session, the speakers will focus on real customer problems and associated solutions with managing this new infrastructure, including monitoring messages, monitoring spool space, sending alerts, feeding data to analytics...
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Speakers

Tracy Dean

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
1102

Linux

9:45am EDT

IBM Stories: Innovation from Passion

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2201

Some of the greatest innovation has come from a passion. It might be the desire to right a wrong or to help those in need or whatever else drives our hearts. In this session, you'll hear two stories of IBMers who felt a conviction to pursue something that had an impact much bigger than themselves. The stories involve the embracing of the internet and a machine that would save lives.

Speakers

Bill Bitner

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2201

Mixed

9:45am EDT

GDPS Overview: Availability, Disaster Recovery, and Cyber Resiliency for z/OS, z/VM, and Linux on Z

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

2104

This session provides an overview of GDPS, IBM's multi-site application availability solution, and how it integrates key availability technologies; including z/OS, z/VM, Linux on Z, LinuxONE systems, and remote disk copy with automation to enhance application availability and strengthen disaster recovery across IBM Z environments. Attendees will learn how GDPS delivers state-of-the-art performance...
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Speakers

Steven Cook

Friday June 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
2104

VSE

11:00am EDT

Networking with the z/VM Virtual Switch

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1102

The z/VM virtual switch is a powerful option for connecting your virtual machines to an external network. We'll discuss various deployment options, including IEEE VLANs, link aggregation, global VSWITCHes with shared link aggregation port groups, the HiperSocket bridge, and the new support for the Network Express (OSH) adapter. We'll even spend some time talking about how to diagnose problems.

Speakers

Alan Altmark

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1102

Linux

11:00am EDT

Unlocking VSEn Data for Real Time Operational Use Cases and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leverage and Acceleration

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2201

Your mainframe is your most valuable AI asset. Here's how to unlock it. Imagine an Operational Data Fabric (ODF) that provides real time and non-disruptive access to mainframe sources without requiring the data to be moved. The ODF simply makes the data consumable. This Operational Data Fabric doesn't just move raw data — it assembles it into business entities. For example, the ODF pulls...
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Speakers

Boris Bulanov

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

11:00am EDT

Keys to the Kingdom: Managing Cryptographic Resources on z/VM

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

1201

IBM Z provides cryptographic features to protect your data--and your client's data. Intrigued by the possibilities inherent in IBM Z cryptographic features? Uncertain as to what all these acronyms mean? Confused about which features operate when running under z/VM? Wondering about the basics of guest crypto configuration? Unsure of what to do with all those keys? Scared by the word 'cryptography'?...
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Speakers

Brian Hugenbruch

Security Nerd, IBM

Steven Horvath

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
1201

11:00am EDT

21CS SDB (DB2) Client supporting up to 60 chars length password

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

2104

In this session we will show the latest enhancement from 21CS SDB, based on customer/compliance requirements, to support longer that 8 chars passwords when connecting to an IBM DB2 Server outside of VSEn. If there is time, we will be happy to show a demo.

Speakers

Jake Haggen

Friday June 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Friday June 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Sponsor Area

Friday June 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Sponsor Area

All

1:00pm EDT

(B.Y.O.D) Hands-on Lab: Managing z/VM and Linux on IBM Z or LinuxONE

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2107

This lab lets you choose from several monitoring, automation and backup/recovery scenarios for z/VM and Linux guests. You can choose from separate hands-on labs using IBM Operations Manager for z/VM or IBM Backup and Restore Manager for z/VM. Lab exercises include viewing and interacting with service machine and Linux guest consoles, taking an action based on a console message, monitoring user IDs...
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Speakers

Tracy Dean

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2107

Labs

1:00pm EDT

A high-level View of TCP/IP Version 4 Networking

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1102

In my experiences with network teams, they seem to not understand how IBM z networking (specifically OSA hardware) works. Their reality of having a single physical wire carrying potentially over 100 IP addresses is beyond their "norm". Meanwhile, many IBM z SysProgs do not have mucn experience with TCP/IP (or VTAM, for that matter), which can impede working with the network team to solve...
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Speakers

Sam Cohen

LRS

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1102

Linux

1:00pm EDT

Mainframe Evolution: Securing, Monitoring, and Scaling with Next-Gen Open Source

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2201

The open source movement has fundamentally redefined enterprise computing, proving that the traditional mainframe is not only alive but thriving as a modern, agile pillar of business infrastructure. The Open Mainframe Project currently stands as the vendor-neutral home for global community collaboration on the mainframe. This session delivers a comprehensive look into the cutting-edge milestones...
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Speakers

Len Santalucia

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2201

Mixed

1:00pm EDT

Networking on IBM z17 with EQDIO and z/VM: What it Means for You

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1201

When IBM z17 made its debut last year, new chip hardware was been introduced to offload IO and enable faster CP processing. The transition from QDIO to EQDIO is taking place, and the NETH card introduced alongside z17 consolidates adapter hardware. What does all this even mean for YOU and z/VM?

Speakers

Montana Lee

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
1201

1:00pm EDT

21CS VSEn AI ChatBot - on your premises and supervised by you!

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2104

In this session we will talk about the VSEn AI ChatBot that we've been working the past months, specifically trained for VSEn users, to run on your premisses and without needing too costly HW resources.

Speakers

Gonzalo Muelas Serrano

Friday June 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
2104

VSE

2:15pm EDT

Operational Monitoring and Automation of Multiple z/VM LPARs with Linux Guests

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2107

As the Linux on IBM Z and LinuxONE environments continue to grow, the need for software and solutions to manage these environments also grows. This session focuses on operational monitoring and automated operations across multiple z/VM LPARs, with or without SSI: (1) taking actions on other LPARs based on events on one LPAR, (2) automatically take action based on messages on z/VM service machines,...
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Speakers

Tracy Dean

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2107

Labs

2:15pm EDT

Python, a GUI, openSSH, and an SSH Server for CMS

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1102

Over the past couple of years I have worked on providing CMS with a SSH Server capability. I now have a working PoC that enables a full interactive SSH session or a 'one-shot' command mechanism. In addition, I have worked on providing CMS with a Python implementation (3.10+) which necessitated porting OpenSSL (1.1.1k and 3.6.0) in order to use pip3 to install packages from external repositories....
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Speakers

Neale Ferguson

Principal Engineer, Sine Nomine Associates

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1102

Linux

2:15pm EDT

This LinuxONE Security Session was Generated by AI

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2201

Brian Hugenbruch is an IBM Z and LinuxONE security expert with more than 20 years in teaching the full security stack for the platform around the world. But what happens when AI generates his slides for him? In a mash-up of technical presenting and PowerPoint karaoke, we're going to find out. This presentation will, in theory at least, cover technical detail regarding the security of our favorite...
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Speakers

Brian Hugenbruch

Security Nerd, IBM

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2201

Mixed

2:15pm EDT

From Setup to Insight: Building a Complete z/VM Performance Monitoring Pipeline

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

1201

Learn how to rapidly stand up a comprehensive z/VM performance monitoring environment using IBM tools. Beginning with core data collection and the Performance Toolkit, you’ll then enable OMEGAMON for deep system and Linux visibility, and finalize your solution with the z/VM Performance Data Pump for data integration and analytics. Walk away with a clear, repeatable blueprint for operational...
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Speakers

Jim Porell

Director, Solutions Advisors, Rocket Software

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
1201

2:15pm EDT

21CS Customer Portal

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

2104

In this session we will show how to use the 21CS Customer Portal as opposed to Box and what features will be available soon. Looking forward for your feedback!

Speakers

Liz Barnes

Friday June 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
2104

VSE

3:15pm EDT

VM Workshop Closing

Friday June 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

1201

Speakers

Arty Ecock

Friday June 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
1201

All

4:15pm EDT

Committee Meeting

Friday June 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Committee Room

Friday June 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Committee Room

Committee