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.
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.
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!
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 of CMS and REXX is needed to get the most out of the presentation. The presentation will include examples that could be executed on any CMS system.
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, point-in-time data copies designed for cyber resiliency scenarios. We'll examine how GDPS coordinates storage, operating system, and middleware technologies to deliver integrated protection, forensic analysis, and recovery workflows using vaulted LCP copies. This presentation also includes updates from prior sessions, highlighting new scheduling options, best practices, and verification techniques to help ensure your cyber recovery strategy is resilient, testable, and operationally sound.
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 that should be learned to manage basic resources and pit-falls to avoid and overcome.
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.
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 in the virtualization space, and discuss considerations for making an informed choice which hypervisor can best fit your needs.
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 strong methods available to our community for addressing that need.
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'? This presentation aims to alleviate fear and uncertainty by explaining the IBM Z cryptographic 'stack': what the features do, how they help, how z/VM virtualizes them, and how a guest can capitalize upon them ... with as few security-related acronyms as possible. New features released in 1Q26 will also be introduced and discussed.
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?
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 insight.
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 →
