Solving application modernization challenges with the mainframe

Banks rely on mainframe computing power for high-volume online transactions, batch data processing and high-frequency trading. But novel imperatives—driven by shifting consumer expectations and competitors using new technologies—require that banks reshape customer experiences and business models to support integrated ecosystems.

IBM expertise in financial services is critical to banking’s digital transformation. IBM understands the regulatory complexity and increased security risks associated with modernization and cloud native operating models. As banks that work with IBM continually improve customer experiences and revenue streams, they can be confident their modernized mainframes—with workloads running on premises or in hybrid clouds—are designed to survive disruptions and meet stringent regulatory compliance.

Insurance providers use mainframes for core processes, including assessing risks, setting prices and investing in the right markets. However, declining profit margins and increasing competition from nimble enterprises and digitally native startups have created the need to embrace new business models and channels. At the same time, insurance companies face increasing regulations, privacy requirements and security threats.

IBM helps insurance companies effectively compete in the new digital ecosystem by quickly transforming digital operations and leveraging new operating models and technologies. By pragmatically and incrementally modernizing mainframe application estates, while optimizing for cloud native technologies, insurance firms can deliver highly personalized products and services with speed, agility and security.

Healthcare IT departments are wrestling with changing business models, mergers and a complex regulatory environment. Further, the explosion of healthcare-related data and the changing demands of the digitally empowered consumer have created further complexities. Because healthcare data requires the highest levels of security, speed and control, healthcare organizations need modern, optimized computing environments.

IBM can help healthcare firms use the power and security of the mainframe as they run workloads in both traditional and multicloud environments. And, as they look to access AI and specialized resources to help with diagnoses, treatment plans and other decisions, IBM experts can help to ensure their systems are reliable, available and protected—all while future-proofing their application estates.

Data is being consumed at a voracious pace—and being created at an even faster one. Government agencies struggle to keep up with growing data center workloads. They also face the threat of security breaches and disruptions from weather events, natural disasters, social unrest and policy change. They need the right technology, people and processes to serve constituents and protect data while having flexibility to adapt.

The IBM approach to modernizing existing mainframe environments helps governments strengthen traditional core workloads, increasing resiliency and reducing risk. By working with IBM, government agencies can keep critical infrastructure and applications updated without compromising efficiency or security. Agencies can be confident that data across clouds is protected at rest, in flight and during processing across agencies.

Proliferating digital touchpoints, changing consumer expectations and evolving privacy requirements are putting new pressure on retailers and consumer products companies. They must maintain high-volume transaction processing and keep track of inventories all while digitally transforming operations to support new, profitable business models.

By using mainframe application modernization tools, IBM can help retailers engage personally and seamlessly across touchpoints to enhance customer experiences. Such modernization enables retailers to differentiate themselves with dynamic supply chain and partner collaboration—all while minimizing risk and maintaining security.