Masters of Mainframe: ep. 1 – In Poughkeepsie With Connor Krukosky, Will Troutman and Ed Pryor

In this first pilot podcast episode of edition of Masters of Mainframe, Dez Blanchfield speaks with  three young and vibrant minds who have ventured into the realm of mainframe technology in Poughkeepsie, to get their the insights and experiences. These young mainframe champions bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the world of innovation on Big Iron.

Meet the Young Innovators at IBM Poughkeepsie

Will Troutman

• Will has been at IBM for about 8 months, with 4 months spent on an internship and 2 months as a full-time employee.
• He is part of the zSystems characterisation and bring-up team.

Connor Krakowski

• Known as the “mainframe kid,” Connor works in the Z chip bring-up and development team.
• He is involved in engineering data and configuring the chip from Cold Boot.

Ed Pryor

• Ed works in function test for Z-OS, specifically allocation and SMF.
• He is responsible for testing and breaking the system before it goes out into the wild.

Surprising Discoveries and Integration at IBM Poughkeepsie

Integration and Synergy

• The ease of cooperation and synergy among individuals of different age groups at IBM Poughkeepsie has been surprising.
• The intellectual environment fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, regardless of age or experience.

Quirky Collectibles

• The team members at IBM Poughkeepsie have a deep appreciation for the company’s history and heritage.
• Employees often receive quirky items such as dud SCM chips and MCMs, showcasing the company’s commitment to preserving its legacy.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

• Will emphasises the importance of finding a balance between passion and practicality in career choices.
• Ed encourages students to explore various subjects and try new things, even if they seem unrelated to their career path.
• Both Will and Ed stress the value of experimentation and hands-on experience, such as working with affordable technology like Raspberry Pis.

The Excitement of Working in Mainframe Technology

Challenges and Discoveries

• Will’s role involves running stress tests and simulating consumer processes to identify potential failures in the chip.
• Connor works on configuring the chip and developing tools to simulate the chip’s behaviour before it goes into production.
• Ed’s work revolves around testing and breaking the system to uncover potential vulnerabilities and issues.

The Thrill of Problem-Solving

• Each team member finds excitement in solving complex engineering challenges and identifying potential issues before they impact the final product.
• The ability to work on cutting-edge technology and collaborate with experienced professionals is a source of motivation for the young minds at IBM Poughkeepsie.

Final Thoughts and Crystal Ball Gazing

Integration and Learning

• The seamless integration and willingness to collaborate across different age groups at the Poughkeepsie plant, have been a pleasant surprise for the young professionals.
• The company’s commitment to preserving its history and heritage reflects a deep sense of pride and respect for its legacy.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

• Will and Ed’s advice to students and young professionals emphasises the value of experimentation, hands-on experience, and a balanced approach to career choices.
• The excitement of working in mainframe technology lies in the ability to solve complex engineering challenges and collaborate with experienced professionals.

the journey of these young innovators at the Poughkeepsie mainfame design and manufacturing plant showcases the blend of passion, innovation, and collaboration that drives the world of mainframe technology. As they continue to explore and contribute to this dynamic field, their experiences serve as an inspiration for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the world of technology.