On October 5, 1959, IBM announced the IBM 1401, a variable-wordlength decimal computer. The first member of the IBM 1400 series, was aimed at replacing unit record equipment for processing data stored on punched cards and at providing peripheral services for larger computers. Over 12,000 units were produced and many were leased or resold after they were replaced with newer technology. IBM called the 1401's character code BCD ("binary-coded decimal"), even though that term describes only the decimal digit encoding. The 1401's alphanumeric collating sequence is compatible with the punched card collating sequence.

The genesis of mainframes can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s, when electronic computers superseded mechanical calculators. These behemoths, housed in entire rooms, employed vacuum tubes, magnetic drums, and tape drives. Data input and output relied on punch cards, stiff paper cards with holes representing binary codes. While slow, bulky, and error-prone, punch cards were the only viable means of data storage and transfer at the time

The mainframe has a history that dates back to the 1950s. While its extensive history gives the idea of antiquity, it is nevertheless a dynamic and evolving field. Some people may be familiar with mainframes and associate them with history, whereas others may be hearing the term for the first time. Despite its age, the mainframe is nevertheless a thriving realm, from its early contributions to NASA studies to its current role in facilitating a large amount of our daily transactions.

The origin of mainframe computers dates back to the early days of computing in the 1940s and 1950s. Mainframes, which referred to the large cabinets housing the central processing unit (CPU) and memory of early computers, were the first machines capable of handling complex calculations and data processing tasks on a massive scale. In 1952, IBM introduced it's first large-scale electronic computer IBM 701. It was based on the stored-program concept, where instructions and data were stored in memory. It used used electrostatic storage, with a memory capacity of 2,048 36-bit words. This was later expanded to 4,096 words.

Mainframes evolved from punch cards to cloud computing. Initially, punch cards were data input, but by the mid-20th century, mainframes advanced with direct-access storage for quicker retrieval. Online transaction processing brought real-time capabilities, and systems like IBM's OS/360 enhanced manageability. Despite challenges, mainframes endured as potent back-end servers. In the late 20th century, virtualization enabled running multiple operating systems, optimizing resources. Fast forward to the 21st century, mainframes seamlessly integrated into cloud computing, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness—underscoring their enduring relevance in technology's dynamic landscape.

The IBM System/360 (S/360) was announced by IBM on April 7, 1964. This family of mainframes were sold and delivered from 1965 to 1978. Since the architecture was separate from the hardware, this allowed the flexibility to offer many different models of this system. This system also allowed customers to grow and expand their system based on their evolving needs, which was innovative for its time. This enabled users to upgrade in place without the need to re-write all of their computer applications. Many consider the s/360 to be one of the most influential computer systems of all time.

Credibility is lost when there isn't mention of the System 360 architecture being introduced in 1964, which, for some people, is where the definition of mainframe begins.

Imagine mainframes like super-strong, reliable granddads of computers. Back in the day, they used punch cards but now they're keeping up with the latest tech (cloud, mobile, etc.). even when everyone thought they were outdated, mainframes adapted, becoming even better at what they do best - keeping things safe and secure. They handle super important stuff like bank transactions and medical records, things you wouldn't trust to a shaky newbie. Now, cloud computing is the new kid on the block, but guess what? They can work together! It's like a tag team, cloud for flexibility and mainframes for rock-solid security. Past hailed, future bright! Embrace mainframes: partners in tech's next chapter.

Unveiled on April 7, 1964, the IBM System/360 (S/360) marked a pivotal era in computing, spanning 1965 to 1978. With its groundbreaking architecture divorced from hardware, it ushered in unparalleled flexibility, accommodating diverse system models for both commercial and scientific applications. The name "360" symbolized its all-encompassing nature. In 2000, the IBM Z family continued this legacy with the z900, supporting 64-bit z/Architecture, an extension of System/390. Today's IBM mainframes run on operating systems like z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, z/TPF, and Linux on IBM Z, showcasing the enduring influence of the System/360 lineage.

In the early 90s, we saw the release of the IBM System/390, which was the first generation to be powered by CMOS processors. In this time period we also saw the introduction of ESCON fiber optic channels for I/O connectivity, integrated cryptographic co-processors, and Sysplex allowing 8 LPARs to work together in a system complex. By the end of the 90s, IBM offered a mainframe SDK called, “S/390 Application StarterPak” hoping to make software development and testing easier on these platforms.

Navigating mainframe challenges involves harmonizing legacy systems with contemporary needs. Legacy applications, vital for business, may encounter compatibility hurdles. Integrating new technologies while upholding robust security presents complexities. For example, transitioning from batch processing to microservices demands meticulous planning for enhanced agility. Ensuring a skilled workforce for mainframe maintenance and innovation remains pivotal. Despite challenges, mainframes endure due to their reliability. A hybrid cloud approach, leveraging mainframes for core systems and the cloud for modern distributed systems, offers a strategic solution to optimize the strengths of both environments.

I understand that mainframes comes from the past... The world mainframe is often associated with COBOL. Even if there are more modern tecnologies to deploy complex business application, that old COBOL tecnology is not "replaceable" with modern languages: the stability and security of IBM Cobol is intrinsic! And how is possible to replace an entire business application with modern solutions like C# or VB.NET? It's matematically impossible! It' is possible today to develop COBOL applications with complex graphical user interfaces (especially with Acucobol and Veryant), I made a lot of them, but for those kind of interfaces there are better solutions like .NET (and I can confirm). Mainframes can be only integrated with modern systems.

Mainframe Market to hit $5.6 billion by 2032! Despite predictions of decline, the mainframe market is thriving! As per the research report from AlliedMarketresearch.com, the global mainframe market was valued at $2.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $5.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032. Continuous innovation and modernization initiatives by mainframe suppliers are essentially defining the mainframe market. The global mainframe industry is dominated by key players such as IBM, Broadcom, DXC Technology, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, Atos Se, Dell, HCL Technologies, BMC Software, Cognizant etc. Reliable & secure, mainframes are here to stay!

As energy and cooling costs began to rise, consolidation became more important to minimize both the power envelop of data centers along with the reducing the total cost of ownership of all IT infrastructure. Mainframes provided a solution to both of these problems and started to shine compared against distributed platforms.

One thing I have observed during my long career of being involved with mainframes, and the energy considerations, was to switch from bi-polar technology used in the huge, water cooled, mainframes to the switch using CMOS technology in the early 1990's. This drastically reduced the power consumption and footprint of the mainframes and paved the way for the current machines of today, adopting the same principal and design.

IBM Mainframes run 70% of all world transactions. 99.999999% uptime. 75% less energy consumption vs x86 50% less floor space vs x86 Also to include AI, Cyber Resilient, Quantum Safe technologies. IBM System Z “ Mainframe” has been around for years and will continue to be a viable choice for companies to optimize workloads while reducing emissions.

Mainframes are, and will continue, to be on the leading edge of technology. Offering the best in breed of quantum safe crypto technologies, AI integration in both hardware and software, and improved integration with CI/CD pipeline tools. With security, reliability, and hybrid cloud integration, as the main tenets of the platform, you can expect continued development in these areas for decades to come.

We will see mainframes around for the foreseeable future, especially in Financial Services. However, having said that, there are countless workloads and many use-cases where it makes perfect sense to modernize and move to the cloud thereby saving companies unnecessary expenditure but more importantly, mitigating the resource risk associated with all legacy languages including COBOL, PL/1, Assembler, RPG and the list goes on….. Any mainframe user not considering some level of modernization is doing themselves a disservice, as the benefits are clear and substantial. NOTE: These opinions are mine and mine alone and not representative of any organization, including my employer.

This is an interesting topic and something that I'm keenly following. IBM Mainfarme have long been the lynch pin of enterprise computing, especially in Financial and mission critical systems requiring high reliability, processing power and security. However going forward, mainframe adaptability will depend on how it embraces the new technologies - artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain technologies. Another significant direction I see Mainframes going is on how they collaborate with Emerging technology from moving from a monolithic/isolated architecture.

I think many insititutes and companies will not host the entire mainframe into their data centers: in my opinion they are moving the entire mainframe structures into the cloud: why have expensive IBM-Z on premises, when the same power or more can be achieved on a cloud provider, eradicating the hardware maintenance? Everything can be hosted in Azure or AWS today.

While mainframes have a long and storied history, the platform continues to innovate into the future. The path to continued success and evolution lies in platform simplification and ease of use, leveraging open source projects and their supporting communities, and investing in the people and skills that make mainframes what they are today.

Not bad for greatly simplified explanations of the history of mainframes. It probably should have contained more details of the history of operating systems and virtual storage, which were not available in the first or second generation of mainframes.

The Cloud Debate: Modernization vs Migration The cloud revolution has brought exciting new options for businesses, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. In today's world dominated by flashy new tech, it's easy to forget the workhorses that keep things running smoothly. Imagine a giant computer playground in the sky. That's kind of like the cloud! It provides 1. Storage Locker (IaaS): 2. Building Blocks (PaaS): 3. Ready-made Tools (SaaS): But MaaS (Mainframe as a Service) is a game-changer for businesses that already rely on mainframe technology. It combines all of the above services into one. The pay-as-you-go-model, provides scalability on demand without asking you to move your mainframe business to clouds.

What is MAAS - Mainframe as a Service? MaaS offers a compelling alternative to traditional mainframe ownership, but it's still a relatively new concept Mainframe as a Service (MAAS) isn't a random occurrence – it's a direct consequence of the cloud computing revolution. Cloud technology has become the engine that fuels MAAS, enabling its modernization, scalability, and accessibility for businesses of all sizes. Some of the benefits of MAAS are- 1. Elasticity - Adapt Mainframe environment to fluctuating workloads 2. Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-use - Goodbye Big Upfront Buys 3. Mobility -Manage your mainframe environment from anywhere with an internet connection 4. Built-in Backup for sturdy DR Read my blog MASS vs SAAS for more info.