Welcome to the April Issue of Mainframe Access Insights
As enterprises race to harness the power of AI, they’re discovering that their most valuable data assets aren’t new — they’re legacy. According to IBM, over 100 exabytes of enterprise data remain stored on tape, much of it in mainframe environments. This data isn’t just archived — it’s an untapped resource for powering tomorrow’s AI-driven innovations.
That’s why we’re honored to be named to CRN’s 2025 Storage 100 List — recognized for our breakthrough innovation in storage modernization. With PropelZ, we help organizations seamlessly migrate mainframe tape data to the cloud, making it instantly accessible for AI, compliance, and analytics. And with Zaac, we enable IBM Z environments to dynamically scale cloud-based storage — spinning it up or down on demand as if it were native DASD. Together, these solutions
unlock legacy data and future-proof enterprise storage strategies.
In this issue, explore how VirtualZ is helping organizations modernize faster, cut costs, and unlock legacy data for the AI era.
Industry Buzz: What the Experts Are Saying
“We’re pleased to highlight the companies on the Storage 100 list for their commitment to working hand in hand with the channel to deliver transformational storage solutions,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. content and executive editor, CRN, at The Channel Company.
VirtualZ was selected for its breakthrough innovation in software-defined storage, specifically its patented solution, Zaac for instant mainframe storage, which enables IBM Z environments to seamlessly access and dynamically scale cloud-based storage — spinning it up or down on demand — as if it were a native direct access storage device (DASD). This advanced capability allows enterprises to significantly reduce storage costs, eliminate reliance on physical DASD and legacy tape, and extend mainframe performance and resilience into hybrid cloud environments without disruption.
Insights & Innovation
The Future of ETL for IBM Z: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Modern, Cloud-Ready Solutions
By modernizing their data integration workflows with tools like no-code platforms, cloud-native architectures, and AI-powered transformations, businesses can stay competitive while navigating the complexities of the evolving data landscape.
From the Blog: Must-Read Insights
Top Trends in Mainframe Modernization for 2025
In 2025, the focus is shifting from legacy maintenance to innovation — driving efficiency, agility, and scalability while maintaining mainframe reliability. In this blog, we explore the top trends in mainframe modernization, and share how VirtualZ Computing enables organizations to modernize seamlessly with PropelZ, Lozen, and Zaac.
Spring Webinar Series
Master Hybrid Cloud Data Access!
We are excited to announce a comprehensive webinar series featuring our innovative solutions designed to enhance storage and data access and integration in today’s hybrid-cloud landscape.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Simplify Mainframe Log Integration with Exabeam, Splunk, Elastic, and More
Learn how VirtualZ simplifies the integration of mainframe logs into SIEM platforms like Exabeam, Splunk, and Elastic, enhancing your security operations and reducing complexity.
To learn more, read the White Paper “Modern Observability for Hybrid Cloud Environments” and join us to learn how VirtualZ can help you enhance your security posture, reduce costs, and simplify the integration of mainframe logs into your SIEM environment.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Modernize Mainframe DevOps with VirtualZ and GitHub
Discover how VirtualZ enables seamless integration between IBM Z mainframes and GitHub, supporting version control, and CI/CD pipelines.
What Experts are Saying:
“Perhaps most challenging to conventional thinking is the company’s Zaac solution, which allows mainframe applications to use cloud storage as if it were native DASD (Direct Access Storage Device). This brings the kind of flexible storage options that distributed systems have enjoyed for years to the mainframe world, but without compromising on the platform’s renowned security and reliability characteristics.”
— Dale Vile, Co-founder, Freeform Dynamics
Read the blog and join us to learn how VirtualZ can transform your mainframe DevOps workflows.
Don’t miss these opportunities to gain insights that can modernize your data strategy!
Webinar Spotlight
Accelerate AI-Driven Application Modernization
Watch on Demand to learn how VirtualZ’s patented software delivers instant, real-time access to mainframe data — no ETL or CDC required. Discover how leading organizations are modernizing faster, cutting costs, and connecting legacy systems to today’s AI platforms.
What You’ll Learn:
- Real-time data access for AI and analytics
- How to simplify modernization and reduce risk
- Real-world customer success stories
What Experts Are Saying:
“Lozen integrated smoothly with our AWS and mainframe environment. It was easy to install, configure, and delivered secure, real-time data access right away.”
— Gilberto Biondo, Business Development Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Don’t miss this chance to see how VirtualZ can accelerate your modernization journey.
New Episode: Skyward Data Podcast
Join us for an in-depth look at PropelZ, the no-code solution for seamlessly integrating mainframe data with BI platforms.
What You’ll Learn:
- How PropelZ enables real-time mainframe data streaming to cloud and BI platforms like Tableau, Snowflake, and Power BI.
- Key differences between PropelZ and traditional SQL-based solutions like IBM DVM.
- The architecture of PropelZ and how it eliminates the need for SQL expertise and complex ETL processes.
- A demo showcasing end-to-end data movement from the mainframe to MySQL and into Tableau in minutes.
- Use cases beyond BI, such as mainframe tape migration, SMF data streaming, and log management.
Unlock the Power of Mainframe Data for Power BI.
Skyward Data is THE podcast for professionals who want to gain a competitive edge in the evolving data landscape. Join us on your favorite platform, and subscribe to remain ahead of the competition.