Per Kroll, Senior Director of R&D at Broadcom Mainframe Division

In this blog post, we are going to delve into a fascinating conversation with Per Kroll, the Senior Director for R&D in the Mainframe Division at Broadcom. Per has extensive experience in the field of DevOps, Open Mainframe, and AIOps, and he has been at the forefront of the evolution of mainframe technology. Let’s explore some key insights from the conversation with Per and gain a deeper understanding of the mainframe’s role in the modern digital landscape.

The Surprising Relevance of Mainframes

Per Kroll highlights the fact that many people are unaware of the critical role that mainframes play in various essential processes. Whether it’s processing credit card transactions, managing insurance claims, or facilitating air travel, mainframes are at the core of these operations. Despite the misconception that mainframes are outdated, the reality is that their workload continues to grow at a significant rate, doubling every year.

Embracing the Evolution of Mainframe Technology

Per Kroll’s experience working with mainframes over the past six years has been eye-opening. He emphasizes the rapid evolution of technology within the mainframe space, particularly in terms of adopting open technologies and APIs. One of the key initiatives he mentions is the Zowe open source project, aimed at integrating modern development tools and practices with the mainframe environment.

Navigating the Shift to Hybrid Cloud

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, there has been a significant shift towards hybrid cloud models and the adoption of cloud design principles. Per Kroll emphasizes the mainframe’s role as a foundational platform for computing and networking, highlighting its ability to handle extreme workloads and complex data. The mainframe’s integration with the cloud has paved the way for a better hybrid cloud environment, enabling seamless connectivity and data processing.

The Rise of AIOps in Mainframe Operations

AIOps, or Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations, has emerged as a crucial concept in the mainframe space. Per Kroll discusses the challenges of managing increasing workloads, spiky workloads, and the complexities of hybrid architectures. He emphasizes the importance of contextual insight in making sense of vast amounts of data and driving data-driven decision-making. AIOps plays a pivotal role in proactively detecting patterns, identifying potential issues, and automating corrective actions.

The Journey Towards Self-Healing Systems

The concept of self-healing systems is a significant focus within the mainframe landscape. Per Kroll emphasizes the application of modern technology, design principles, and AI capabilities to address age-old problems in a rapidly evolving digital environment. The goal is to move towards systems that can proactively detect and address issues, automate corrective actions, and ultimately achieve a level of self-healing that minimizes disruptions and enhances reliability.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mainframe Technology

In looking ahead to the next 3 to 5 years, Per Kroll predicts two major trends that will shape the mainframe landscape:

• Widespread Adoption of AIOps: AIOps, currently more prevalent among early adopters, is expected to see broader adoption across the industry. The maturing of AIOps solutions will lead to significant advancements in applying machine learning and upgrading operational environments.
• Integration of Containers on ZOS: The introduction of containers on ZOS will bring about a new era of innovation in mainframe operations. With the ability to run containers on ZOS, there will be a clearer separation of infrastructure and application operations, leading to the evolution of solutions and operational practices on the mainframe.

Conclusion

The conversation with Per Kroll provides valuable insights into the evolving role of mainframe technology in the digital landscape. From embracing open technologies to navigating the shift to hybrid cloud and leveraging AIOps for proactive management, the mainframe continues to play a pivotal role in driving critical operations. As the journey towards self-healing systems unfolds, the mainframe’s resilience and adaptability remain key assets in the ever-changing world of technology.

In conclusion, the evolution of mainframe technology is a testament to its enduring relevance and its ability to adapt to the demands of modern digital operations.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and updates on the evolving landscape of mainframe technology!