Having recently completed a major mainframe migration project in Canada with a fantastic team from the customer, the systems integrator and LzLabs, I wanted to share some of the lessons we have learnt and the successes we have achieved together. This journey wasn’t without its challenges, but the results underscore why and particularly why now, mainframe migration is more than worth considering for any organisation looking to modernise its business-critical IT environments. The success of our project was a testament to the power of planning and teamwork.
The Migration Imperative: More Than Just an Upgrade
Mainframe migration is often perceived as a daunting overhaul, but it is a necessary evolution for organisations seeking to stay relevant and competitive. Our experience showed that this transition is not about abandoning legacy systems but revitalising them. Legacy environments often constrain agility, and moving to modern platforms enables businesses to react more swiftly to market changes and technological advancements.
From the outset, it’s crucial to build a strong business case. This involves highlighting potential cost savings, improved efficiency, and the strategic value of moving to a more flexible and scalable infrastructure. Transitioning from proprietary mainframes to commodity x86 hardware and Linux platforms, as we did in our recent project, can significantly reduce operational costs while opening up new technological possibilities that create strategic business value.
Planning and Execution: The Nuts and Bolts
Every successful migration begins with meticulous planning and a clear, well-communicated strategy. In our case, the first step was assembling a team that combined both internal expertise and external support. Engaging with a seasoned systems integrator and leveraging the knowledge of our own infrastructure staff was key in setting a solid foundation.
Governance was another critical aspect. Establishing an efficient governance model ensured that project phases were well-managed, risks were mitigated, and expectations were aligned. Notably, our team’s real-world experience played an invaluable role in navigating the intricacies of the transition. Efficient governance is the backbone of any successful migration.
Facing Challenges and Leveraging Available Skills
One of the significant hurdles in mainframe migration is the transfer and adaptation of skills. Legacy systems often rely on specialised knowledge, which can be a barrier. However, the shift to x86 hardware and Linux-based environments tapped into a broader pool of readily available skills and talent, allowing us to build a versatile team capable of handling modern technological demands.
Embracing new technologies like advanced backup solutions and stringent security protocols allowed us to construct a robust, scalable ecosystem. This blend of legacy system stability and modern innovation proved to be a powerful combination during our migration project.
Real-World Benefits: Cost Reduction and Efficiency Gains
From my experience, the most compelling reasons to undertake a mainframe migration are the tangible benefits. Our project demonstrated significant cost reductions not only in software licensing and hardware maintenance but also in other operations—about 60% in total. The switch to commoditised hardware and open-source platforms proved financially beneficial, highlighting the undeniable cost-saving potential of migration.
Moreover, the efficiency gains were palpable. For instance, in our latest project, we witnessed up to a 70% reduction in testing efforts. This not only shortened the time-to-market for new applications but also freed up valuable resources that could be redirected to other strategic areas of the business. Furthermore, the streamlined batch performance met very tight SLAs, which was a critical success factor for our client, ensuring operational continuity and reliability.
A Future-Ready Organisation
At LzLabs, our mission is to empower organisations to harness the transformative potential of modern technology for their competitive advantage. Mainframe migration is more than an IT project—it is a strategic imperative that aligns with this mission. From my recent experience, I can confidently say that the path to modernisation, although challenging, is immensely rewarding.
For my peers in technology and business leadership roles: If you’re contemplating the future of your legacy systems, consider the real-world successes we’ve achieved. The road to modernisation is paved with both challenges and triumphs, but with a thoughtful approach and a dedicated team, the benefits far outweigh the obstacles.
Watch my discussion with John Paul Duignan to obtain deeper insight into the learnings and outcomes of our recently concluded project.
Get inspired by our success story, “A Critical Business System Evolved for the Future”.
