Welcome to the January Issue of Mainframe Access Insights
This month’s issue highlights our recognition as one of CRN’s 10 Cloud Startups to Watch in 2025, thought leadership on hybrid cloud storage trends, and a packed Winter Webinar Series.
In this issue, explore:
- Industry Recognition: VirtualZ’s growing momentum in the hybrid-cloud space.
- Thought Leadership: Trends and solutions for hybrid cloud storage.
- Customer Success: AWS’s experience with Lozen installation.
- Webinar Series: Expert insights on modernizing mainframe data integration.
- Use Case Spotlight: VSAM to Db2 – Automate the process of making VSAM data accessible in Db2 on z/OS.
- Podcast Episode: Insights from Micro Focus (now Rocket Software) on leveraging Lozen for seamless data access.
In the News
VirtualZ Computing Named One of CRN’s 10 Cloud Startups to Watch in 2025
VirtualZ has gained significant attention for our patented solutions for hybrid-cloud, including Lozen, PropelZ, and Zaac.
This recognition reflects our commitment to driving seamless data integration across platforms and fostering strong partnerships with industry leaders such as AWS, Mainline, Snowflake, IBM, and Kyndryl.
We extend our gratitude to our team, partners, and customers for their
continued support. Together, we are shaping the future of data access and helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving cloud landscape.
Thought Leadership
“A New Era in Mainframe Storage: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions for the Hybrid Cloud Era.”
The decision to decommission a mainframe isn’t made lightly. These systems are deeply embedded in enterprise IT, running mission-critical workloads. However, organizations face pressures that compel them to consider this drastic step. So, the question remains: is it time to decommission trusted systems and move workloads elsewhere?
Mainframe computing continues to be a critical component for many large enterprises, providing reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure. However, as businesses undergo digital transformation, there is increasing pressure to modernize mainframe storage solutions to accommodate the growing demands of hybrid cloud environments, big data analytics, and cost management.
This thought leadership paper examines the top trends currently shaping mainframe storage, along with the challenges organizations face in adapting to these changes.
Read the Leadership Paper
Featured Blog
“Streamlining VSAM to Db2 Conversion”
Rather than undergoing a complete migration, many organizations choose to share their transactional VSAM data with SQL-based platforms to leverage industry-standard tools and advanced query capabilities.
This is where VirtualZ’s PropelZ™ comes into play. A no-code ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) solution, PropelZ simplifies the process of accessing VSAM data using SQL with minimal configuration and effort.
Read the Blog
Webinar
Join us January 28: Simplify VSAM to Db2 Data Sharing on z/OS with PropelZ. Make your mainframe VSAM data accessible to SQL-based platforms like Db2 without the complexity and risk of a full migration.
Register Now
Customer Testimonial
Gilberto Biondo, Seniro Specialized Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services.
In this testimonial video, Gilberto shares his firsthand experience with the installation and configuration of VirtualZ’s Lozen software. He discusses the seamless process, from downloading the software via ShareFile to installing and setting up on the mainframe, ensuring proper network configurations and security permissions. Key highlights include:
- Efficient installation process completed in just a few hours.
- No issues with security, Java versions, or network configurations.
- Smooth integration with existing environments, including Linux NFS drivers and large KSDS datasets.
- Over 90% workload offloaded to zIIPs, ensuring optimal performance.
Whether you’re considering Lozen for your modernization projects or exploring tools to simplify mainframe-to-cloud data access, this video provides valuable insights into the ease of implementation and robust capabilities of Lozen.
Watch Now
Winter 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.
Join us Live!
- January 28: Simplify VSAM to Db2 Data Sharing on z/OS with PropelZ. Make your mainframe VSAM data accessible to SQL-based platforms like Db2 without the complexity and risk of a full migration. Register Now.
- February 11: Unlock the Power of Mainframe Data with Snowflake and PropelZ. Seamlessly connect IBM Z mainframe data directly to Snowflake’s advanced cloud-based data platform — without the need for complex data replication or traditional ETL processes. Register Now.
- February 25: Simplify Mainframe Integration with AWS: Modern Solutions for Data Access, Migration, and Storage. Join us for an exclusive webinar to learn how VirtualZ solutions — Lozen, PropelZ, and Zaac — offer a simple and effective approach to modernizing mainframe integration with AWS. Register Now.
- March 11: Seamlessly Integrate Mainframe Data with Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Google Looker, and More! Discover how PropelZ simplifies mainframe data integration, enabling real-time access and visualization in your favorite analytics platforms — without coding or complex pipelines. Register Now.
- March 18: Modernize Your COBOL Applications with Lozen and Rocket Enterprise Server. Learn how VirtualZ’s Lozen seamlessly integrates with Rocket Enterprise Server to unlock effortless data access for COBOL applications during modernization. Register Now.
Each webinar features expert presentations, live Q&A sessions, and valuable resources to help you implement these solutions in your organization.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights that can transform your data strategy!
Use Case of the Month
“Unified Access and Processing: SMF and Mainframe Management Data.”
For businesses aiming to modernize their access to and archiving of mainframe logs (such as SMF records, system logs, console messages, job logs, network health and availability logs, APM data, and other operational metrics), PropelZ is the ideal solution.
PropelZ streamlines the access, extraction, and analysis of various logs, such as console messages, job logs, network health and availability logs, DB2 transaction logs, and Application Performance Management (APM) data.
Watch the Webinar
Visit the Solution Page
Skyward Data Podcast Episode
Hear from Graham Owen, Product Manager, Enterprise Solutions at Micro Focus (now Rocket Software), as he speaks to how Lozen™ can help mainframe customers explore new ways of using their Micro Focus data to optimize existing processes.
Seamless Data Access with Lozen and Rocket Enterprise Server (formerly Micro Focus Enterprise Server).
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.