IBM has unveiled the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Centre, a digital front door to training, resources and ecosystem partners to help IBM Z clients accelerate the modernisation of their applications, data and processes in an open hybrid cloud architecture.
With the IBM Z and Cloud Modernisation Center, clients can gain insights on maintaining their current IT estate, while focusing on the design and execution of a strategy for their core applications and data running on IBM Z to prepare for hybrid cloud. Leveraging decades of experience resident in IBM Consulting and IBM’s key ecosystem partners, this includes a detailed assessment of the client’s IT and business objectives, modernisation of existing apps and data to extend them to the cloud, including IBM Cloud and third-party hyperscalers, and developing new cloud native apps and integrating them with existing apps and data already on IBM Z.
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As part of the IBM Z Cloud and Modernisation Center, clients can access a digital journey showcasing comprehensive resources and guidance for business professionals, IT executives and developers alike. The main zones of the centre include:
- Domain-specific IBM expertise, including IBM Consulting assets, expertise and methodologies, co-creation with clients via IBM Consulting methodologies, demos, trials, minimum viable product (MVPs), workshops and other point services designed to help accelerate the digital transformation journey. Accelerators include IBM Consulting Garage, reference architectures and patterns, sample modernisation journeys and other technical solutions.
- A strategic ecosystem of leading global services and technology partners, including:
Services: Systems integrators with offerings and competencies including in-place modernization. Partners today include Capgemini and Deloitte Consulting LLP, with more expected to be announced in the coming months.
Technology partners: Software vendors and managed service partners including: Episode Six; Fiorano Software; Fujitsu Limited, Software Business Unit; HEXANIKA; Illumio; Luxoft, a DXC Technology Company; MuleSoft; Pennant Technologies; Software AG; Suntec Business Solutions; and Zafin.
Additional resources: such as links to a learning hub to enable architects and developers on application modernisation techniques, a reference centre with client use cases, analyst papers and other materials designed to help educate and empower.
“Until now, global businesses that run on IBM Z have had limited choices for a one-stop shop for information and steps to take toward modernisation. Coupled with confusing narratives by vendors in the marketplace and accounts of failed migrations, finding a resource IT leaders can turn to can be a challenge,” said Meredith Stowell, VP, IBM Z Ecosystem. “The reality is that the future is hybrid, where IBM Z and Cloud are better together. While lift and shift migration may seem like an attractive choice for modernisation, in many cases it can be a one-way street and lock-in to one public cloud which may have implications on cost, governance and security. IBM deeply understands the IBM Z environment, cloud ecosystem and the industries that rely on us, and we’ve brought together all the elements needed to help our clients adopt hybrid cloud in one place.”
