As AWS continues to lead in cloud innovation, its newest initiative — AWS Transform — gives customers a guided, supported path to modernize legacy environments and accelerate business outcomes. For enterprises running on IBM Z, VirtualZ brings a critical advantage: instant, no-code access to mainframe data — without disruption. With our patented software suite of PropelZ™, Lozen™, and Zaac™, VirtualZ extends AWS Transform to include the mainframe, making AWS Transform more actionable for IBM Z customers.
Why Mainframe Data Access Matters
Mainframes remain the system of record for some of the world’s largest enterprises, especially in regulated industries. But modernization efforts often stall due to the complexity of mainframe data access.
- Critical data is locked in VSAM files, SMF logs, COBOL copybooks, and DB2 tables
- Access methods are outdated, requiring ETL, custom scripts, and specialized skills
- Cloud transformation is delayed due to data silos and integration friction
AWS Transform aims to remove blockers to modernization — and VirtualZ does just that for IBM Z data.
VirtualZ + AWS Transform: Accelerate the Path from Mainframe to AI
VirtualZ gives AWS Transform customers a simple, secure, and scalable way to unlock mainframe data for:
- AI training and inference: Amazon SageMaker, Bedrock
- Hybrid application modernization: AWS Lambda, API Gateway
- Cloud analytics: Redshift, Athena, QuickSight
- Storage optimization: Amazon S3, Glacier
No middleware. No risk. No replication.
Meet the Products Powering AWS Transform for IBM Z
PropelZ: No-code data movement from IBM Z to AWS services, including:
- Amazon S3, Redshift, Athena, SageMaker, and more
- Structured extraction from VSAM, SMF, Db2, IMS, and even COBOL copybooks
- ELT without scripting, batch processing, or replication overhead
Lozen: Real-time, read-write access to IBM Z data, without replication or custom code:
- Enables hybrid applications running on AWS to access mainframe data instantly
- Supports phased modernization — keep data on Z while moving logic to the cloud
- Reduces latency and risk in cloud migration and transformation initiatives
Zaac: Modern storage for mainframe environments — delivered through the cloud.
- Instantly replaces DASD and physical tape with cloud or SAN
- Enables long-term archiving and cross-platform data access using Amazon S3
- Supports high-security storage needs, including encryption and access control
Use Cases That Align with AWS Transform
AWS Transform is about measurable outcomes, and VirtualZ helps deliver them:
| Business Goal | VirtualZ Use Case |
|---|---|
| Accelerate AI/ML | PropelZ feeds real-time data to SageMaker and Bedrock |
| Modernize Apps | Lozen enables cloud-native apps to read/write Z data |
| Optimize Storage | Zaac virtualizes DASD/tape with Amazon S3 |
| Migrate Reports | PropelZ moves batch/report data to Redshift or QuickSight |
| Improve Compliance | Secure access to logs (SMF) and real-time audit trails |
Why It Works for AWS Partners and Customers
VirtualZ makes AWS Transform even more actionable:
- Out-of-the-box deployment: No custom code or refactoring
- Fast time to value: Install in hours, configure in a day
- Secure by design: Data stays on Z or is moved intentionally, with encryption and access control
- No replication, no disruption: Integrate in real-time, without impacting legacy systems
- Designed for hybrid cloud: Lozen and Zaac bridge Z with AWS-native architectures
Final Thoughts
AWS Transform unlocks the full promise of cloud modernization. VirtualZ ensures your mainframe data is part of that journey — securely, immediately, and without compromise.
If your enterprise runs IBM Z and you’re exploring AWS Transform, it’s time to include VirtualZ in your plan.
Ready to get started? Visit our AWS Solutions page or schedule a custom briefing with our team.
Learn More
- Watch demos of Lozen, PropelZ, and Zaac.
- Try Lozen, PropelZ, and Zaac.
- Review all VirtualZ Use Cases, Thought Leadership papers, and Solution Briefs.
- Explore our YouTube channel, podcasts, and blog.
- Still have questions? Contact us.
