Unlock Microsoft Azure with Lozen, PropelZ, and Zaac
As organizations embark on their digital transformation journeys, the seamless integration of on-premises mainframe environments with cloud platforms becomes increasingly vital.
VirtualZ™ Solutions for Azure provides an innovative approach to bridge the gap between IBM Z mainframes and Microsoft Azure. Based on our innovative products Lozen™, PropelZ™, and Zaac™, this solution empowers organizations to access, manage, and modernize their data effortlessly, unlocking the full potential of a hybrid cloud strategy.
Data Access Challenges
Organizations operating on the IBM Z mainframe often face several significant data access challenges when migrating to or integrating with Azure:
- Limited Real-Time Access: Traditional data replication methods can lead to delays in accessing up-to-date information, hindering real-time decision-making and analytics.
- Complex Data Migration: Moving large volumes of data to Azure can be cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring extensive planning and execution to ensure data integrity.
- Data Silos: Existing data may remain trapped in mainframe silos, making it difficult to leverage alongside cloud-native applications and services.
- High Costs: Replicating data for cloud access can incur significant expenses, including data transfer fees and resource allocation for ongoing maintenance.
- Security and Compliance Concerns: Ensuring that sensitive data remains secure and compliant with industry regulations during migration and integration can complicate data access efforts.
- Skill Gaps: Organizations may lack the necessary skills or tools to effectively manage data access across both mainframe and cloud environments, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk.
Solutions for Microsoft Azure from VirtualZ
Real-Time Data Access with Lozen
Lozen transforms data access by providing real-time, read-write capabilities directly from the IBM Z platform, eliminating the need for data replication. Key benefits include:
- Efficient Data Integration: Connect Azure applications directly to mainframe data, reducing latency and avoiding costly duplication.
- Cost Efficiency: By minimizing the need for data replication, organizations can significantly lower their operational expenses.
- Enhanced Security: Keeping sensitive data securely on the mainframe ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while allowing controlled access for Azure applications.
In addition to these benefits, Lozen offers an OpenAPI Connector that facilitates access to mainframe data (such as VSAM files) from Azure Logic Apps.
With Lozen’s OpenAPI implementation, users can embed steps in Azure Logic Apps workflows to read or update mainframe datasets just like they would access any other data type.
This approach requires zero custom coding and is entirely declarative, allowing users to configure an OpenAPI object to connect to the desired Lozen server and embed access to mainframe data wherever needed.
You can learn more about our connector here.
No-Code ETL for Cloud Migration with PropelZ
PropelZ simplifies the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of mainframe data into Azure, providing a no-code approach for users. Key features include:
- User-Friendly Interface: Business users can easily extract and load mainframe data into Azure without extensive technical expertise.
- Streamlined Data Migration: Automate the data migration process, reducing the time and effort required to move data to Azure.
- Compatibility with Azure Services: Integrate seamlessly with Azure tools like Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Power BI for enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
On-Demand Mainframe Storage with Zaac
Zaac offers innovative storage capabilities that connect cloud storage with mainframe applications, optimizing data storage strategies. Key advantages include:
- Cost-Effective Cloud Storage: Replace traditional Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD) and tape storage with virtual disk and tape in Azure, significantly lowering storage costs.
- Flexible and Scalable Solutions: Zaac provides on-demand storage capabilities, allowing organizations to adjust their storage based on current usage and needs.
- Seamless Integration: Works with existing mainframe security protocols and storage infrastructures, ensuring a smooth transition to cloud storage.
Customer Use Cases
- Data Analytics: Leverage our solutions to enable real-time analytics by integrating mainframe data with Azure’s analytics services, enhancing business intelligence and decision-making.
- Legacy Application Modernization: Transition legacy applications to Azure while maintaining access to critical data, allowing for a phased modernization approach.
- Cost Management: Optimize data storage costs by managing mainframe data in Azure, reducing reliance on on-premises storage solutions.
Conclusion
VirtualZ provides comprehensive solutions tailored for organizations looking to integrate with Microsoft Azure for enhanced data accessibility and operational efficiency.
Our innovative products empower businesses to tackle the challenges of cloud integration, enabling them to modernize their data management strategies while achieving cost savings and maintaining security.
Unlock the potential of your mainframe data in the cloud with VirtualZ solutions for Microsoft Azure.
