Welcome to the September issue of AI-Ready Data Access Insights!

Enterprises are facing sharper pressures than ever: stricter compliance mandates like PCI DSS 4.0, which requires timely ingestion of operational data across all platforms including the mainframe; the need to modernize storage without disrupting critical systems, as mandated under DORA; and the ongoing demand to move data wherever it’s needed — including across Linux environments.

We’re also proud to share that Blocks & Files published a feature on VirtualZ, highlighting how Lozen, PropelZ, FlowZ, and Zaac connect mainframe data with x86 servers and the cloud — powering AI, modernization, and storage strategies.

Here’s what else you’ll find in this issue:

  • Announcing PropelZ for Linux — what it means for teams who want to land operational data directly into analytics platforms, data lakes, and AI pipelines.
  • On the Blog: DORA Compliance — why backup and recovery under Article 12 is so tough for mainframe customers, and how IT leaders are preparing.
  • On the Skyward Data Podcast — hear how Pellera is approaching reporting and storage modernization, recorded live at SHARE Cleveland.
  • On-Demand Briefings — explore solutions at your own pace in the Customer Briefing Center, with no sales pressure and clear guidance.

Whether you’re navigating compliance, rethinking storage, or extending your Linux strategy, this issue is designed to share insights and practical paths forward.


In the News: Blocks & Files Features VirtualZ

VirtualZ and x86 server/public cloud mainframe bridging software

Blocks & Files has published an in-depth feature on VirtualZ, highlighting how our growing product suite — Lozen, PropelZ, FlowZ, and Zaac — enables enterprises to connect IBM Z mainframes with x86 servers and the public cloud in ways that are simple, secure, and cost-effective.

The article explores how VirtualZ addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing CIOs today.

News - Blocks & Files Features VirtualZ

Together, these products give enterprises the ability to unlock mainframe data for AI pipelines, accelerate hybrid cloud adoption, and extend the life and value of their IBM Z investments — all while reducing complexity and maintaining governance.


Product Announcement: PropelZ Now Available on Linux

Blog - PropelZ™ Support for Linux

We’re announcing PropelZ — our no-code ELT engine for moving enterprise data to the cloud and modern databases — on Linux. That means Linux teams can land operational data into analytics platforms, data lakes, and AI pipelines with a lightweight install, JDBC targets, and cloud-native flexibility, JDBC targets, and cloud-native flexibility.


New on the Blog: Must-Read Insights

FlowZ: Enabling DORA Compliance for Mainframe Customers

Blog - FlowZ™_ Enabling DORA Compliance for Mainframe Customers

As financial entities in, or with operations across the EU prepare for the full implementation of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), Article 12 stands out.  It mandates robust backup policies, restoration and recovery procedures, and logically segregated systems to ensure operational continuity and data integrity during disruptions.

For organizations relying on mainframe systems, achieving these standards without introducing replication risks or compromising legacy security frameworks can be daunting.

That’s where VirtualZ Computing’s FlowZ comes in — a modern data backup solution is the perfect fit to help meet the resilience and compliance demands of DORA.

Register for the Webinar →


Fall webinar series email banner-min

  • September 30: For mainframe customers, DORA’s Article 12 poses unique challenges: FlowZ ensures logically segregated backup and recovery systems, minimizing downtime, maintaining redundant capacities, and testing procedures regularly — all without compromising legacy security frameworks.
    Register Now
  • October 7: Modern File Sharing: FlowZ simplifies DevOps and platform integration with modern, no – code file sharing. Learn how to replace brittle FTP scripts with streamlined automation that fits seamlessly into your workflows — accelerating delivery, reducing errors, and eliminating complexity.
    Register Now
  • October 14:PropelZ for VSE is here. Because the new runtime is pure Java, you can deploy PropelZ wherever Java runs — including VSE — to read files, transform data, and write to JDBC-compatible targets.
    Register Now
  • October 28: Because the new PropelZ runtime is pure Java, you can now deploy it on IBM i — and anywhere Java runs — to build governed, no-code pipelines that move data directly to JDBC-compatible targets.
    Register Now
  • November 11: PropelZ for PCI DSS 4.0: Accelerating Evidence Collection with Splunk.  PCI DSS 4.0 demands stronger monitoring, logging, and auditable evidence across all platforms, including IBM Z.
    Register Now

On the Skyward Data Podcast: Instant Mainframe Storage – as a Service

In this live session recorded at SHARE Cleveland 2025, explore how to modernize mainframe storage and streamline file sharing — instantly, securely, and without complexity.

Skyward Data Share25 On Demand Mainframe Storage and File Sharing with FlowZ and Zaac

In this live session recorded at SHARE Cleveland 2025, explore how to modernize mainframe storage and streamline file sharing — instantly, securely, and without complexity.

Learn how these no-code tools enable:

  • Instant provisioning of cloud or SAN storage for IBM Z
  • Seamless file sharing between mainframe and cloud environments
  • Transparent integration with enterprise storage and data architectures
  • Secure, real-time data movement with no disruption to existing systems

 

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.

 


On-Demand Customer Briefings

Today’s enterprise leaders want insight, not a sales pitch. That’s why we created the VirtualZ Customer Briefing Center — a self-paced, no-pressure environment where you can explore our patented, no-code data access software when and how it works for you.

VirtualZ Briefing On Demand

“These briefings are designed to put customers in control. They make it easy to explore how our solutions solve real-world problems — at your own pace, with clarity and no noise.”

— Vince Re, CTO, VirtualZ Computing


Thank you!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this month.

Whether you’re modernizing storage, accelerating AI, or powering compliance, VirtualZ is here to help you unlock mainframe data with less friction — with our no-code solutions, you can start delivering results today.

Ready when you are:

See you next month with more ways to modernize, integrate, and accelerate.

— The VirtualZ Team