IBM Mainframe Forum Index
 
Log In
 
IBM Mainframe Forum Index Mainframe: Search IBM Mainframe Forum: FAQ Register
 

Mainframe oppurtunities in future.


IBM Mainframe Forums -> General Talk & Fun Stuff
Post new topic   Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
dilip_bangalore

New User


Joined: 29 Sep 2011
Posts: 27
Location: India

PostPosted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:13 am
Reply with quote

Hi all,

I have 6 years of IT experience in Mainframe technology. The kind of work I do my organization is supporting MF application.

Please let me know your views on the future of MF, has this technology had enough which existed forpast several decades for critical businsses, is it coming to an end with just supporting the existing applications with no major developments or enhancements. And lot of applications in Mainframe migrating to other open source OS using simulators like clerity and micro focus.Is it the same everywhere ?

Also provide your suggestions if this right tone to look for other emerging technologies like cloud, big data, BI etc. Or just let me know advanced features or skills available in Mainframe which keeps us competent to current latest technologies.

Thanks,
Dilip
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dick scherrer

Moderator Emeritus


Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 19244
Location: Inside the Matrix

PostPosted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:33 am
Reply with quote

Hello,

"Mainframe" is not coming to an end any time soon . . .

For more than 30 years, almost every new-hire states that they want to work on new development rather than maintenance. What they don't realize is that only a small % of the applications in an organization are actually somethihng new. Existing systems however will be maintained "forever".

One of the difficulties with having new do maintenance is that often a much more talented person is needd for maintenance. Some maintenance is trivial (change a field name in a header) other is not. I've believed there should be at least 2 levels of maintenance developers and the pay should be different accordingly.

By all means, learn whatever new technology you can. If you invest time in learning new technology, you then need to use it. If you do not use it for long enough to become fluent, it will fade rather quickly.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Gary McDowell

Active User


Joined: 15 Oct 2012
Posts: 139
Location: USA

PostPosted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 2:26 am
Reply with quote

When I started with mainframes all I wanted to learn was the "technical" side; COBOL, OS JCL, VSAM, and CICS. Along the way you learn Panvelet, Librarian, File Aid, Easytrieve, Endevor, Xpediter, and utilities, such as, IDCAMS, IEBGENER, etc. Then I moved on to IMS DB/DC, Macro4, DB2, XML, DB2, MQSeries, etc. There is always something to learn.

I guess what I'm seeing is plenty of MF work/applications from the "large" companies. Some platforms get converted (i.e. VSAM, IMS DB to DB2) but it's still all mainframe. Some presentations get converted (CICS, IMS DC to GUI) but it's still mainframe behind the scenes.

I think there are more opportunities now - mainframers, PC types (web, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, AJAX, ASP.Net-C#, web services, etc), specialized testers, business analysts, project leaders, etc.

Don't worry - just jump in and go!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dilip_bangalore

New User


Joined: 29 Sep 2011
Posts: 27
Location: India

PostPosted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:13 pm
Reply with quote

Thanks dick and Gary for your views and suggestions on mainframe technology.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dilip_bangalore

New User


Joined: 29 Sep 2011
Posts: 27
Location: India

PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 8:27 pm
Reply with quote

Hi,

Kindly suggest is mainframe with datastage would be good combination. How about the opportunities available for these two. Please advice.

Thanks,
Dilip
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dick scherrer

Moderator Emeritus


Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 19244
Location: Inside the Matrix

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 2:29 am
Reply with quote

Hello,

If your employer (or your prospective employer) uses datastage, it could be good to learn it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
View previous topic :: :: View next topic  
Post new topic   Reply to topic View Bookmarks
All times are GMT + 6 Hours
Forum Index -> General Talk & Fun Stuff

 


Similar Topics
Topic Forum Replies
No new posts Mainframe openings in Techmahnidra fo... Mainframe Jobs 0
No new posts Mainframe Programmer with CICS Skill... Mainframe Jobs 0
No new posts How to Reformat a file using File Man... All Other Mainframe Topics 14
No new posts NDM getting stuck - mainframe/JCL All Other Mainframe Topics 13
No new posts REXX to send an email in Mainframe wi... CLIST & REXX 3
Search our Forums:

Back to Top