Mainframe Connect

In this episode of Mainframe Coven, Jessielaine Punongbayan (Product Manager, Dynatrace) and Richelle Anne Craw (Software Engineer, Beta Systems Software) chat with Former SHARE President Pam Taylor, a historian turned mainframer who ended up making history herself. Pam shares her journey into enterprise tech, her advocacy for standards and user-focused solutions, and how she blends technical expertise with creative storytelling.Mainframe Coven is a 10-part mini-series honoring the past, present, and future women of IT. It's about real stories from the essential yet unseen minds behind the machines.The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.For a transcript of this episode, visit https://openmainframeproject.org/mainframe-coven/mainframe-coven-pam-taylor/Links and Resources Mentioned in the Episode:- SHARE's Women of Influence in Mainframe: https://blog.share.org/Article/shares-women-of-influence-in-mainframe- Pam Taylor's Website: https://pamela-taylor.com/

In this exciting episode of Mainframe Voices, we look forward to the Open Mainframe Project’s presence at three major 2025 events: SHARE, TechXchange, and GS UK. Featuring insights from leaders on the 2025 program committees, this episode explores what attendees can expect from these conferences and why they’re pivotal for the mainframe community.Our guests share their enthusiasm for the innovative sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities planned, highlighting how these events will showcase the latest advancements in mainframe technology and foster collaboration within the open-source ecosystem.Guests:• Donna Hudi – Chief Marketing Officer @Phoenix Software International• Fernando Rijo Cedeno – R&D Engineer Software 4 (Staff) @Broadcom Inc.• Elizabeth K. Joseph – Linux Systems Engineer, Open Source Program Office for IBM Z and LinuxONE• Maemalynn Nokdhes Meanor – Director of Marketing Communications & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ambassador @The Linux FoundationThe Mainframe Connect podcast, including the I am a Mainframer and Riveting Mainframe Voices series, under the Open Mainframe Project, an initiative dedicated to building community and adoption of open source on the mainframe.Join us to discover what’s in store for the mainframe community at these must-attend 2025 events!#Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices #SHARE2025 #TechXchange2025 #GSUK2025 #MainframeInnovation

In this episode of Mainframe Coven, Jessielaine Punongbayan (Product Manager, Dynatrace) and Richelle Anne Craw (Software Engineer, Beta Systems Software) look back at a time when women were central to computing and examine how and why that changed, even though the work didn’t. Together they reflect on software engineering, cultural bias, institutional gatekeeping, and the motivation to rewrite the narrative.Mainframe Coven is a 10-part mini-series honoring the past, present, and future women of IT. It's about real stories from the essential yet unseen minds behind the machines.The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.For a transcript of this episode, visit https://openmainframeproject.org/mainframe-coven/mainframe-coven-when-computers-wore-skirtsLinks and Resources Mentioned in the Episode:- She Was a Computer When Computers Wore Skirts: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/langley/she-was-a-computer-when-computers-wore-skirts/- Zeros and Ones: Digital Women and the New Technoculture by Sadie Plant: https://www.4thestate.co.uk/products/zeros-and-ones-digital-women-and-the-new-technoculture-sadie-plant-9781857026986/- Lovelace & Babbage and the creation of the 1843 'notes' by J. Fuegi and J. Francis, in IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 16-26, Oct.-Dec. 2003: https://doi.org/10.1109/MAHC.2003.1253887- Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire Evans: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/545427/broad-band-by-claire-l-evans/- Pioneer Programmer: Jean Jennings Bartik and the Computer That Changed the World by Jean Jennings Bartik: https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Programmer-Jennings-Computer-Changed/dp/1612480861/- The women of ENIAC by W. B. Fritz, in IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 13-28, Fall 1996: https://doi.org/10.1109/85.511940- Jean J. Bartik and Frances E. “Betty” Snyder Holberton, interview by Henry Tropp, April 1973, Computer Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution: https://mads.si.edu/mads/id/NMAH-AC0196_bart730427/- When Computers Were Women by Jennifer S. Light, Technology and Culture, vol. 40, no. 3, 1999: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25147356- ENIAC Programmers Project: https://eniacprogrammers.org/- Great Unsung Women of Computing: The Computers, The Coders and The Future Makers: https://www.wmm.com/catalog/film/great-unsung-women-of-computing-the-computers-the-coders-and-the-future-makers/- The Untold History of Women in Science and Technology (White House Archives): https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/women-in-stem/- The Queen of Code, directed by Gillian Jacobs. FiveThirtyEight, 2015: https://vimeo.com/118556349/- “Making Programming Masculine” In Gender Codes: Why Women Are Leaving Computing by Nathan Ensmenger: https://homes.luddy.indiana.edu/nensmeng/posts/2010/09/09/misa2010/- The Computer Boys Take Over: Computers, Programmers, and the Politics of Technical Expertise by Nathan Ensmenger: https://thecomputerboys.com/

In this episode of Mainframe Coven, Jessielaine Punongbayan (Product Manager, Dynatrace) and Richelle Anne Craw (Software Engineer, Beta Systems Software) dive into the origins of the term "Kilogirl", explore its historical context, and discuss the importance of women’s visibility in tech.Together, they reflect on the legacy of women in computing, share personal insights, and answer the powerful question:"Why is women visibility important?"Mainframe Coven is a 10-part mini-series honoring the past, present, and future women of IT. It's about real stories from the essential yet unseen minds behind the machines.The podcast is sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation project that aims to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating the value of the mainframe.For a transcript of this episode, visit https://openmainframeproject.org/main...Links Mentioned in the Episode:- Radical Software: Women, Art & Computing 1960–1991: https://kunsthallewien.at/ausstellung...Computing Power Used to Be Measured in 'Kilo-Girls': https://www.theatlantic.com/technolog...The Gendered History of Human Computers: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/scienc...The Glass Universe: The Hidden History of the Women Who took the Measure of the Stars by Dava Sobel: https://www.4thestate.co.uk/products/... as mentioned in An astronomical feat: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/a...Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire Evans: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...Anita B.org: https://anitab.org/The Bletchley Circle (2012–2014, ITV): https://www.world-productions.com/pro...Hidden Figures (2016, directed by Theodore Melfi) Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly: https://family.20thcenturystudios.com...Re-writing the code: https://rewritingthecode.org/

In this episode of Mainframe Voices, we dive into the critical role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) within the Open Mainframe Project. Featuring insights from esteemed TAC leaders, this episode explores how their leadership fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth in the open-source mainframe ecosystem.Our distinguished guests share their personal journeys in mainframe technology and highlight the value the TAC brings to advancing open-source initiatives. From shaping technical strategies to building a vibrant community, learn how the TAC is driving the future of mainframe technology.Guests:Lauren Valenti – Director, Mainframe Education, Customer Engagement, Vitality and Mainframe Expert Program at Broadcom SoftwareDonna Hudi – Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Business Development at Phoenix Software InternationalTom Slanda – Program Coordinator at The Linux FoundationJoe Bostian – Senior Technical Staff Member at IBMThe Mainframe Connect podcast, including the I am a Mainframer and Riveting Mainframe Voices series, under the Open Mainframe Project, an initiative dedicated to building community and adoption of open source on the mainframe.Watch the full episode to discover how TAC leadership is shaping the future of open-source mainframe technology!#Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices #TACLeadership #OpenSource #MainframeInnovation

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I Am a Mainframer series, host Steven Dickens welcomes Natalie Carrillo from IBM to share her fascinating journey into the mainframe ecosystem. From choosing marketing over systems engineering to becoming a key player in nurturing IBM Z's global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) community, Natalie discusses her role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and skill development. She dives into the excitement around the z17, the impact of AI in onboarding new talent, and the vibrant, welcoming mainframe community. Natalie also shares her advice for aspiring mainframers and her vision for the platform’s future, including advanced AI agents and quantum-safe cryptography. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, technology, and resilience!

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I am a Mainframer series, Richelle from Beta Systems shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to Austria in the mainframe industry. Starting as a COBOL programmer trainee, Richelle transitioned through roles in systems programming and open-source development, becoming a key contributor to the Zowe community as a Scrum Master for Zowe Explorer. She discusses mainframe modernization, the power of the Zowe community, and her passion for teaching modern mainframe tools like VS Code and CLI to apprentices and colleagues. A highlight of the conversation is Richelle’s vision for a hybrid mainframe future and her advocacy for greater visibility of women in the industry through the upcoming Mainframe Coven podcast.

In this special episode of Mainframe Voices, we explore the excitement surrounding IBM's April 8th announcement of the z17 mainframe through the perspectives of those newer to the mainframe ecosystem. For many of these professionals, this was their first-ever IBM mainframe launch experience.Our guests share what excited them most about the new IBM Telum II processor's AI capabilities, the full-stack approach to innovation, and how these advancements might shape their future careers in the mainframe space. Gain insights into how the next generation of mainframers views these technological developments and the potential impact on their professional journeys.We are delighted to have our guests:Meena Chand - Computer Science Graduate @University of WolverhamptonAleksandr Charcikov - Senior Solutions Advisor @Rocket SoftwareLuisa Barril - Software Engineer @Swedbank Kyle Pressley - Computer Science Student @Bedford CollegeSoner Coşkun - Mainframe Storage Associate System Engineer @Garanti BBVA TechnologyThe Mainframe Connect podcast includes the I am a Mainframer series, Riveting Mainframe Voices series, and other content exploring relevant topics with mainframe professionals, sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation initiative.#IBMz17 #Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices #IBMzDay #NewMainframers #AIonZ #TelumII

In celebration of Women's History Month, this special Mainframe Voices episode features first-time IBM Champions of 2025 sharing the influential women and advice that shaped their careers. Learn about the mentors, role models, and wisdom that helped these professionals succeed in the mainframe ecosystem.Discover powerful insights as these leaders reflect on the women who had the biggest impact on their professional journeys and the advice that guided their success.We are delighted to have our guests:Jessielaine Punongbayan - Product Manager @DynatraceNoor Aftab - Sr. Program Manager @AWSChristine Jenkins - Country Manager, Director of Common Services @21CSHannah Templeton - zOS @IRSElitsa Popova - Mainframe Consultant @BMC SoftwareThe Mainframe Connect podcast includes the I am a Mainframer series, Riveting Mainframe Voices series, and other content exploring relevant topics with mainframe professionals, sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project.#WomensHistoryMonth #IBMChampions #Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #WomenInTech #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I Am A Mainframer series, Gerald Mitchell, Chief Testing Tools Architect and Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM, shares his journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days as an intern at IBM in 1997 to his current role revolutionising testing tools, Gerald offers unique insights into mainframe modernisation. He challenges common misconceptions about COBOL and other mainframe technologies, emphasising that modernisation isn't about abandoning platforms but optimising usage. Gerald discusses his work with Watson Code Assistant and the critical importance of validation in the development process. A highlight of the conversation is Gerald's vision for the future of mainframe technology, focusing on sustainability, AI integration, and bringing testing closer to code.

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I am a Mainframer series, Steven Perva, Expert Mainframe Innovation Engineer at Ensono, shares his unique journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days fixing point-of-sale systems with his father to winning IBM's Master of the Mainframe contest in college, Steven's path led him to IBM Poughkeepsie and eventually to Ensono. He discusses the evolution of mainframe modernization, emphasizing that it's not just about technology but about creating a more integrated and cohesive IT strategy. A highlight of the conversation is Steven's role in building a vibrant mainframe community through Discord, which has grown to over 2,600 members.

In this episode of the I am a Mainframer podcast, Steve Steuart, mainframe modernization lead at Accenture, shares his fascinating journey in the mainframe industry. Starting as a computer operator in Panama during the 1980s, Steve has built a career focused on migration projects and modernization strategies. He reflects on the enduring role of mainframes, stating, “The mainframe got us to the moon; the cloud will take us to Mars.” Steve advocates for a hybrid approach, blending mainframe and cloud technologies to meet evolving business needs. He also dives into the human side of modernization, emphasizing that the biggest challenges often lie in "people and processes," not just technology.

In this episode of I Am a Mainframer, we sit down with Gary Thornhill, CEO and founder of PopUp Mainframe, to explore his intriguing journey through the IT industry. From an unexpected start at IBM to navigating challenges in banking, Gary shares how his expertise in mainframe technology, MQSeries, and DevOps shaped his career. Hear how these experiences inspired him to launch PopUp Mainframe, a company dedicated to modernizing and democratizing mainframe access. Plus, Gary offers his insights on the future of mainframe computing, touching on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and why this technology remains essential in an evolving digital landscape.

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, guest host Donna Hudi chats with Fernando Rijo Cedeno, a research and development engineer at Broadcom. Fernando reflects on his roots in the Dominican Republic and how his Hispanic heritage has influenced his work in the mainframe community. As a Zowe CLI squad leader, he led efforts to make Zowe’s tools multilingual, increasing accessibility for non-English speakers. Fernando shares his passion for the mainframe community and his vision for its future, highlighting the role of open-source initiatives like Zowe in driving growth and modernization. He encourages everyone, regardless of their language background, to get involved in the mainframe ecosystem.

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Sam Golob delves into the history of the CBT Tape, a vital collection of user-created software for mainframe systems programming. Golob shares how the CBT Tape began in the 1970s, evolving from a physical tape to an online repository. He also discusses his role in maintaining this key resource, which continues to serve as a hub for systems programmers to share tools and solutions within the mainframe community. Be sure to catch this insightful discussion!

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens sits down with Riya Sahu, a passionate mainframe developer at Kyndryl, to explore her inspiring journey in the world of mainframe technology.  Riya describes her career move from India to Hungary, the challenges of overcoming a language barrier, and how she embraced new opportunities. As she dives into the exciting projects she’s leading at Kyndryl, Riya highlights her work with IMS databases, discussing their critical role in the banking sector.  Throughout the conversation, Riya reflects on her personal growth, offering advice to her younger self to stay open-minded and grateful for new opportunities. She also shares her thoughts on the future of mainframe technology, including its continued relevance and cutting-edge applications, such as its role in space missions. Riya’s story is a testament to the evolving perception of mainframe technology and the exciting possibilities it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to the industry, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Darren Surch, CEO of Interskill Learning, the largest mainframe training provider in the world. Surch discusses his background in mainframe training and the evolution of Interskill over the past 30 years. He highlights the impact of the IBM digital badge program on training delivery and the increased engagement and motivation it brings to learners. Surch also discusses the importance of networking, mentoring, and community involvement in the mainframe industry. He predicts that AI will play a significant role in education and training, making processes more efficient, but emphasizes the continued need for experienced mainframers to provide valuable insights and real-world examples. Surch believes that the mainframe will remain at the center of data management and security, with companies leveraging AI to analyze decades of data for valuable insights and a competitive edge.

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Dusty Rivers, a revered mainframe expert with 47 years of industry experience. Dusty recounts his remarkable journey from a COBOL programmer to his current role as Senior Director of US zSystems at Mainline Information Systems. He delves into his extensive work with database management systems, notably his contributions to the implementation of Db2 version one. Throughout the conversation, Dusty reflects on the evolution of the mainframe community and underscores the significance of modernization within the industry. He stresses the importance of pragmatism and the ability to embrace new technologies. Looking ahead, Dusty envisions a robust future for mainframes, predicting their continued growth and increasing power.

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by featuring Jessielaine “Jelly” Punongbayan from Dynatrace. Jessielaine recounts her inspiring journey as a COBOL programmer, beginning in the Philippines and expanding to various countries worldwide. She highlights the invaluable support from mentors and the mainframe community, shedding light on the unique advantages and vast opportunities within the mainframe industry. Delving into her role at Dynatrace, Jessielaine discusses the seamless integration of mainframe with modern tools and technologies. Her passion for mainframe is evident as she talks about her active participation in the open source community, especially in the Open Mainframe Project and OpenTelemetry. Jessielaine's heartfelt advice to her younger self shares an optimistic vision for the future of the mainframe platform, emphasizing enhanced integration with contemporary tools and user-friendly interfaces. Tune in to this insightful and inspiring episode!

In this engaging episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Steven Dickens hosts a captivating conversation with Louisa Seers from IBM. As the product manager for the CICS portfolio and the technical steering committee chair for Galasa, an integral part of the Open Mainframe Project, Louisa shares insights into her journey at IBM. Beginning as an apprentice and blending work with education, she offers a unique perspective on her growth within the organization. Louisa delves into her role as a product manager, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. She passionately advocates for the infusion of DevOps practices and open-source technologies into the mainframe platform, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the industry's future. Louisa underscores the significance of apprenticeships and mentorships in cultivating a diverse talent pool, echoing the need for a collaborative and inclusive environment. Her insights not only provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of mainframe technology but also inspire a forward-looking perspective on its evolution.