Mainframes Make a Comeback: How This Legacy Tech Is Revolutionizing Modern IT

Information is the lifeblood of any organization. The way organizations store, use, and safeguard it is constantly evolving. While the migration of information to the cloud accelerates, another technology is experiencing a remarkable resurgence: the mainframe. These high-performance computers, capable of processing massive amounts of data at incredible speeds, serve as central data repositories, operating on-premises—meaning the software is installed and runs within an organization's own IT environment.

The Enduring Power of Mainframes

Developed in the 1950s, mainframes might seem like relics of the past. However, they are surprisingly relevant today, utilized by over 70 percent of Fortune 500 companies. Contrary to the perception of obsolescence, mainframes are not merely coexisting with cloud technology; they are actively working in tandem with it, showcasing their enduring power and adaptability.

Modern Advancements in Mainframe Technology

"The mainframe is one of the most advanced technology platforms on the market today," asserts Éric Cothenet, Pre-sales Infrastructure Solutions designer at NOVIPRO, a company focused on strategic IT investments for businesses. He highlights the ongoing relevance of on-premises environments, despite the cloud's agility and scalability advantages. This underscores the fact that mainframes are not simply being replaced; they're being integrated into a broader technological strategy.

Hybrid Architecture: The Best of Both Worlds

Cloud and mainframe solutions can, and often do, work together seamlessly. This hybrid approach offers unparalleled strength and robust security. To maximize this synergy, collaboration with experts is crucial. Partnerships with companies like OVHcloud help businesses optimize their IT resource utilization. This highlights the importance of leveraging external expertise for successful hybrid implementations.

The mainframe's enduring appeal stems from its capacity to process vast quantities of information rapidly and effectively, coupled with its exceptional security features—a critical asset in today's climate of frequent data breaches. The mainframe's architecture provides inherent security advantages not found in other systems. The computers have multiple central processing units, each storing its data independently. This compartmentalization significantly limits the impact of a breach; should one occur, the compromised data would remain isolated, minimizing the overall damage.

Unmatched Security Measures

Cothenet further explains, "There’s also encryption at many levels. So even if someone does get the information, they won’t be able to read it without the key." The encryption key is stored in a hardware security manager, and any unauthorized access attempts result in its immediate destruction. This multi-layered security approach significantly enhances data protection in the mainframe environment.

Addressing the Quantum Computing Threat

While mainframes offer substantial benefits to large enterprises, a common misconception persists that they represent outdated technology. This notion is inaccurate; the technology is not only advanced by today's standards, it's actively preparing for future challenges, such as the advent of quantum computing. Cothenet notes that many businesses worry about encryption keys generated by standard computers, which could be cracked in seconds by quantum computers. However, mainframes are proactively addressing this vulnerability.

The mainframes are designed with an encryption key that is considered "quantum safe"—meaning it is resistant to attacks from quantum computers. This foresight ensures continued data security in the face of emerging technological advancements. Cothenet emphatically states, "Despite what people may think, the mainframe isn’t old at all. It has evolved, and now you have huge advancements in technology happening on the mainframe that don’t exist on any other platform." This adaptability underscores the ongoing innovation within the mainframe ecosystem.

Scalability and Modern Upgrades: Hybrid Architecture

Despite its security and speed, the mainframe's physical size—often compared to a refrigerator—and its internal data storage presented challenges to scalability. However, technological advancements have addressed these limitations. Through hybrid architecture, mainframes now seamlessly integrate with cloud computing and open-source software, maximizing their capabilities. This integration leverages the scalability of the cloud while retaining the security benefits of the mainframe.

OVHcloud provides a solution through its containers—portable units storing cloud applications that operate effectively alongside mainframes. This hybrid approach provides organizations the advantages of both technologies. However, Reynolds, Partner and Corporate Account manager at OVHcloud, cautions that "Part of the strength of cloud is scalability, and I’m not sure that mainframes have that flexibility." This highlights a key consideration when integrating mainframes into a cloud-based infrastructure.

Balancing Security in Hybrid Environments

Organizations must carefully balance security considerations in both cloud and mainframe environments. Cloud providers may offer robust infrastructure and software, but security remains the responsibility of the individual business or organization. Reynolds clarifies the responsibility: "We’ll offer you operating systems, but we’re not going to look at any of that data that’s coming into our environment or look at how any of the applications are working. That’s the responsibility of the business or organization." This emphasis on organizational responsibility underscores the critical importance of proactive security measures.

Symphoni: A Turnkey Solution for Hybrid Security

To address this challenge, Blair Technology Solutions developed Symphoni, a turnkey solution combining cloud and cybersecurity. This solution not only provides a robust cloud infrastructure but also offers management tools, comprehensive compliance and security services, and optimization solutions to boost IT efficiency. Reynolds explains the value proposition: "What Blair has with Symphoni is a consolidated view of the entire infrastructure, whether it’s in the cloud or on-premises. They’re bringing it all together under the managed services structure and can have a view of the whole thing." This integrated approach streamlines security management in complex hybrid environments.

Compliance and the Future of Mainframe Technology

The enhanced security provided by Symphoni ensures data protection and compliance with evolving privacy regulations such as Law 25 in Quebec and the upcoming federal Bill C-27 (the Consumer Privacy Protection Act). Small, director of Sales at Blair Technology Solutions, emphasizes a common issue among companies: "Many companies have a limited understanding of expectations versus real needs. They typically underestimate the impact and human investment required to comply." This highlights the importance of proactive planning and resource allocation for compliance.

Specialized Expertise: A Critical Resource

Finding skilled professionals to manage both mainframes and cloud computing can be difficult. The specialized nature of mainframe technology creates a significant talent gap. Cothenet observes, "Most of the IT people that have experience on the mainframe are retired, or they all have white hair. It does take expertise that’s very specialized." This underscores the need for specialized consulting and support services from companies like NOVIPRO and Blair Technology Solutions, who possess the necessary expertise to bridge this gap.

The Future Is Hybrid: A Symbiotic Relationship

The mainframe's resurgence demonstrates its ongoing value in today's technological landscape. The synergy between mainframes and cloud computing, facilitated by solutions like Symphoni, enables organizations to enjoy the benefits of both, maximizing efficiency, security, and compliance. It’s clear the future of IT infrastructure lies in the strategic integration of established technologies with modern advancements, fostering a symbiotic relationship between legacy and cutting-edge systems. The ability to effectively navigate this complex landscape will be a key differentiator for organizations in the years to come. The need for specialized expertise and proactive security measures cannot be overstated. By addressing these factors, businesses can fully realize the potential of this powerful combination and secure their future in the increasingly digital world.