IBM i an Z are at the heart of western technology… let’s acknowledge it

I’ve spent almost my entire career working in the IBM Z and Power environments and almost every conversation I have with non-mainframers involves playing defense. I can’t count the number of times people have asked me, “are those things still around?” I then have to spend a few minutes explaining that even though these systems may have been invented decades ago, they are still used by almost every large organization in the world. I’m pretty good at making the case, but it often feels like I have to be on defense even before I start talking about exactly how much mainframes and midrange systems do to power the western world that many people are simply ignorant of. So my New Year’s resolution for 2026 is simple: I’m not apologizing anymore.

Mainframes and midrange systems are foundational technologies that have shaped today’s digital landscape. These systems emerged to address the critical need for processing and managing vast amounts of complex data. Mainframes, known for their reliability, scalability, and security, became the backbone of industries such as banking, insurance, government, and healthcare, just to name a few. Their architecture allows for simultaneous processing of millions of transactions, ensuring that business operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Midrange systems fill the gap between the massive mainframes and smaller business servers. They give organizations a cost-effective way to handle complex, cross-departmental workloads, delivering robust performance and multi-user capabilities. These systems allow businesses to decentralize their IT resources, making data and applications more accessible across different units.

Both mainframes and midrange computers are designed to solve specific challenges: handling large-scale transaction processing, ensuring data integrity and security with built-in redundancy and resiliency. By making complex data accessible to business leaders, these systems empower data-driven decision-makers with real-time information that support strategic planning and, ultimately, organic growth.

Over time, principles pioneered by mainframes and midrange systems, like centralized data management, high availability, and secure multi-user access, have shaped today’s IT infrastructure, influencing technologies such as cloud platforms and enterprise servers. Their legacy endures in the reliability and scalability expected from today’s technology solutions, reinforcing their role as the foundation upon which much of the digital world is built.

Every iconic building in the world has a foundation that has stood the test of time. And just as architects should never apologize for the core elements that keep their buildings standing tall, software professionals who work in the IBM Z and Power Server platforms should never feel anything but pride in the systems they use.