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SHARE Conference 2025: Mainframe Innovation Takes Center Stage
At the SHARE Conference 2025 in Washington DC, industry leaders highlighted the mainframe's ongoing evolution through AI, modernization, security, DevOps, and hybrid cloud integration.
Analyst Take:
The SHARE Conference in Washington DC, wrapped up this week, this long running event is a cornerstone event for IT professionals immersed in Mainframe technology. Celebrating over 65 years of fostering knowledge exchange, this year’s gathering brought together industry leaders, technologists, and visionaries to explore the evolving role of mainframes in today’s digital landscape.
For decades, SHARE has been the go-to venue for mainframe enthusiasts to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and chart the future of enterprise computing. Arguably the event was forerunner to what we know today as open-source, as participants ‘shared’ mainframe tapes to foster joint collaboration. This year’s event, hosted in the nation’s capital, lived up to its legacy with a robust agenda of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and forward-looking keynotes
I got to spend a few days at the event and speak to key vendors big and small. From key discussions with big players such as Broadcom, Rocket Software, IBM, and BMC Software, the conference underscored five pivotal trends: AI and automation, mainframe modernization, security and compliance, DevOps and Agile methodologies, and hybrid cloud integration. Here’s a deep dive into what unfolded and why it matters.
AI and Automation: The Future of Mainframe Efficiency
Numerous attendees stopped me to engage about my recent post about the role the mainframe is playing in the US Government and how the platform remains the most efficient for transactional workloads at scale. Obviously the attendees were supportive of the platform upon which many have built their careers, but I came away from these conversation resolute with a belief that if the Government is driving for increased for more efficiency the mainframe is well positioned to deliver.
One of the standout themes was the integration of AI and automation into mainframe environments. Sessions explored how AI can enhance operational efficiency through predictive analytics and intelligent automation. Broadcom and BMC Software, both leaders in mainframe software, showcased tools that leverage AI to streamline mainframe management - think automated performance tuning and anomaly detection. This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward smarter systems that reduce human intervention while boosting reliability, a critical factor for businesses relying on mainframes for mission-critical workloads. I also spent time with IBM leadership who shared a vision for AI driven operations that will reshape the dialogue - I can’t say much more, but watch this space.
Mainframe Modernization: Bridging Past and Future
Modernization emerged as a central focus, addressing the perennial challenge of keeping legacy systems relevant. Rocket Software, known for its multi-platform solutions, and IBM, the backbone of the mainframe ecosystem, led this conversation. IBM teased updates to its System z hardware and software that will come in the next few weeks offering a glimpse into how these systems can support next-generation applications. I also had the opportunity to dive deep into watsonx code assistant and came away impressed by the focus on infusing the Granite models with COBOL and other languages and the methodology that many organizations are taking when it comes to modernizing applications.
Meanwhile, I had a chance to engage with senior leaders at Rocket Software where they emphasized strategies for modernizing data management and application development, ensuring mainframes remain agile in a cloud-first world. This theme resonates with organizations seeking to balance their investment in legacy infrastructure with the demands of digital transformation.
Security and Compliance: Safeguarding the Core
With mainframes handling some of the world’s most sensitive data, security and compliance were top of mind. Broadcom and BMC Software, both with robust security portfolios, presented solutions to protect against evolving cyber threats while meeting stringent regulatory requirements. It wasn’t all big company updates, as the likes of Vertali and MainTegrity were also in attendance and shared war stories from penetration testing engagements and customer engagements. Discussions also covered encryption advancements, identity management, and compliance automation, areas where mainframes must excel to retain their trusted status. In an era of escalating cyberattacks, this focus underscores the mainframe’s role as a secure foundation for enterprise IT, a point of pride for SHARE attendees.
One surprising discussion was with the leadership of the Rocket Software’s terminal emulation team where we got into an in-depth discussion around its portfolio is being re-imagined as the first line of defence for mainframe access. Even after decades associated with this platform I can still be amazed at the innovation in the most mundane of spheres.
DevOps and Agile: Modern Practices Meet Mainframe
The adoption of DevOps and Agile methodologies in mainframe environments marked another key trend, signaling a cultural shift in how these systems are developed and managed. Rocket Software, BMC and IBM, amongst others, showcased tools and frameworks that enable faster, more collaborative software delivery - think AI powered code explanation and generation and tight integration with industry standard platforms such as VS Code and you wouldn’t be far off. I had the chance to nerd out with the BMC team and what they are doing with their DevOps strategy and the product roadmap continues to impress.
I also had an in-depth discussion with Broadom’s product management team during the event and came away impressed with the vision they have for how DevOps will evolve on the platform and how AI will be at the core.
Hybrid Cloud Integration: A Seamless Ecosystem
Finally, hybrid cloud integration took the spotlight as companies seek to blend mainframe strengths with cloud flexibility. All four big players; Broadcom, Rocket Software, IBM, and BMC Software contributed to this narrative, showcasing solutions that integrate mainframes with public and private clouds. IBM’s strategic vision emphasized seamless interoperability, while Broadcom and BMC Software offered tools to optimize hybrid workloads. This trend reflects the industry’s push toward a unified IT ecosystem, where mainframes serve as a reliable hub alongside cloud-native technologies, enhancing scalability and resilience. The key takeaway was that gone are the days when the mainframe is an island, and the platform is now, and has been for a while, a first-tier participant in a hybrid mulit-cloud landscape.
Looking Ahead
The SHARE Conference 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of mainframe technology; it was a roadmap for its future. For Broadcom, Rocket Software, IBM, and BMC Software and the many other exhibitors, it was a chance to demonstrate leadership in a space that remains vital to global enterprises. However, it wasn’t just big vendors who impressed; I spoke with senior leaders at the likes of Izzi Software about their ambitious plans, how 21CS is driving innovation on VSEn and expanding its global development workforce and how Vertali is growing its team and, how MainTegrity is experiencing explosive adoption for its solutions.
The emphasis on AI, modernization, security, DevOps, and hybrid cloud signals a mainframe renaissance - one where legacy systems evolve to meet modern demands without losing their core strengths. As businesses navigate digital complexity, events like SHARE continue to provide the insights and connections needed to stay ahead, not just for mainframe diehards, but also those early career professionals looking to get engaged with this enduring technology.
In conclusion, the Washington DC gathering reinforced the mainframe’s enduring relevance while pushing its boundaries into new territory. Whether you’re an IT leader, developer, or strategist, the trends from SHARE 2025 offer a compelling case for rethinking how mainframes fit into your enterprise strategy.
As the dust settles on this week’s event, one thing is clear: the mainframe isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving - and this is just the lull before the storm of Q2 which will elevate the discussion to a whole new level.
Steven Dickens | CEO HyperFRAME Research
Regarded as a luminary at the intersection of technology and business transformation, Steven Dickens is the CEO and Principal Analyst at HyperFRAME Research.
Ranked consistently among the Top 10 Analysts by AR Insights and a contributor to Forbes, Steven's expert perspectives are sought after by tier one media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and CNBC, and he is a regular on TV networks including the Schwab Network and Bloomberg.