IBM Announces the End of ZPDT
IBM has confirmed the end of life for its ZPDT (System z Personal Development Tool):
- End of sales: December 31, 2025
- End of support: December 31, 2026
ZPDT allowed developers to emulate a System z environment on a Linux x86 server, enabling work on z/OS without a physical mainframe. This product was strictly intended for development, demonstration, and training, never for production.
A Cloud Alternative for z/OS Development
IBM now offers a z/OS on Demand solution hosted in the cloud:
- Access via the IBM Partner Plus program
- Environments based on standard IBM z/OS images, regularly updated
- Production use prohibited: strictly for development and testing
This move aligns with IBM's cloud-first strategy to modernize access to mainframe environments.
Impact on ISVs
Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) will need to adapt their practices:
- Reorganize workflows to integrate cloud environments
- Plan for variable costs due to pay-per-use billing
- Strengthen compliance and security measures
While this transition offers an opportunity to adopt more agile methods, it requires proactive planning.
Predictable Impacts for ISVs Using ZPDT Intensively
- Higher Operational Costs
ISVs running ZPDT continuously enjoyed a fixed amortized cost. With IBM z/OS on Demand, hourly billing (USD $1–$3 per hour) can skyrocket for long-running tests or 24/7 environments.
- Workflow Reorganization
Moving from a stable on-premise model to a dynamic cloud model requires automation tools to manage provisioning and reduce costs.
- Increased Dependence on IBM
Loss of full control over the environment and risk of vendor lock-in, as IBM dictates access, pricing, and conditions.
- Compliance and Sovereignty Challenges
ISVs in regulated sectors must ensure data location compliance (e.g., GDPR).
- Competitive Pressure
ISVs that fail to adapt risk slower development cycles or margin erosion.
Impact on Sovereignty
The shift to cloud raises digital sovereignty concerns:
- Data location: often outside national borders
- Technological dependence: reduced autonomy over infrastructure
- Contractual and geopolitical risks: changes in terms or restrictions could disrupt operations
For sensitive organizations (banks, government, defense), recommended actions include:
- Maintain ZD&T on-premise environments for critical needs
- Demand guarantees on data location and reversibility
- Explore partnerships with sovereign clouds or hybrid solutions
Quick Comparison: On-Premise vs Cloud
|
Solution
|
Initial Cost
|
Recurring Cost
|
Flexibility
|
Heavy Usage
|
|
ZPDT
|
High
|
Low
|
Low
|
✅
|
|
ZD&T
|
Medium
|
Medium
|
Moderate
|
✅
|
|
Cloud
|
Low
|
Variable
|
✅
|
❌
|
Innovation or Dependence?
By ending ZPDT and pushing a cloud solution, IBM claims to modernize mainframe access. But this raises a critical question:
Is this truly a step toward agility and performance, or a strategy to deepen enterprise dependence on IBM's ecosystem?
Conclusion
The end of ZPDT marks a turning point for the mainframe ecosystem. Organizations must prepare their transition now, choosing between ZD&T on-premise or z/OS on Demand, while ensuring security and sovereignty.
------------------------------
Gatien Dupre (CPTO)
VIRTEL (Syspertec Group)
Phone: (+33)621166653
Email :
gatien.dupre@syspertec.com302 BUREAUX DE LA COLLINE SAINT-CLOUD (92210) France
------------------------------