The mainframe has long been the subject of decline predictions, yet its resilience has only strengthened its role as the undisputed bedrock of global enterprise computing. Now, as the BMC Mainframe Survey celebrates its 20th anniversary, the old narrative is obsolete. The mainframe isn’t just a legacy system you have to maintain; it’s a dynamic, growing platform essential for digital transformation. This new, exciting era is powered by two main forces: a fresh infusion of modern technologies like AI and cloud, and a major generational hand-off within the workforce. The 2025 survey confirms that the mainframe is evolving from a powerful, reliable workhorse into a strategic launchpad, actively attracting new workloads and driving innovation for the world’s largest organizations.