New to Z

New to IBM Z

Deepen your technical skills, expand your global network, and connect with mentors and other early tenure professionals on the mainframe platform.

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Introductions please ..

  • 1.  Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed April 09, 2025 02:42 PM

    Our New to Z Group has been growing, and I thought it provided an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better. 

    • What is your job role? 
    • How long have you been working on the mainframe? 
    • What mainframe technology are you passionate about, or excited to learn more about? 
    • Share a fun fact about yourself, or your favorite hobby.  

    I'm looking forward to learning more about each of you.  



    ------------------------------
    Shari Chiara
    Program Manager, IBM Champions and Community - IBM Z and LinuxONE
    IBM
    Charlotte NC
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed April 09, 2025 02:49 PM

    I thought I'd get started by introducing myself.   I'm  excited  to be the person at IBM that has responsibility for our New to Z User group, our global chapters, as well as our IBM Champions program (for IBM Z and LinuxONE) as well as external advocacy.  I've been in the mainframe space for 3 years, I arrived with the z16, and was excited for the z17 launch yesterday.  There's a lot of technology that interests me, but I'd say what has my attention currently is watsonx assistant for z.  I think there is such incredible power in being able to train for your unique technical environment, and being able to simplify the ability to get accurate answers that are tailored for your organization.  Being early in my Z journey, I really see the value in it in my everyday.   Outside of work, I'm truly passionate about cooking and baking, and I've loved trying some recipes shared with me from some of our IBM Champions. 



    ------------------------------
    Shari Chiara
    Program Manager, IBM Champions and Community - IBM Z and LinuxONE
    IBM
    Charlotte NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Fri April 11, 2025 05:26 AM

    Hi all,  my name is Niall Ashley and I am a Security Consultant for Vertali Ltd in the United Kingdom.  🇬🇧

    Most of my days have been spent supporting clients with Security Administration and Audits, but recently I have become increasingly involved in Security Assessments and ESM Migrations for international clients. 🛡️🔒

    I joined this industry in November 2021 and haven't looked back since:  There really is no day where I regret my career change onto the Mainframe 🥳

    I'm really passionate about RACF and the zSecure Product Suite, although I am trying to become more familiar with Open-Source technologies like Zowe! 💻

    Some people may know that I do a lot of volunteering in education, such as my time teaching STEM and also my engagement with Mainframe Society and WAVEZ 😊

    My favourite hobby is playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, because it's a fun way to spend time with people and you rarely focus on winning or losing but instead get to live in the moment with the people who you feel comfortable around 🎲



    ------------------------------
    Niall Ashley (he/him)
    Consultant in Mainframe Security (RACF)
    Vertali Ltd
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Tue May 27, 2025 09:21 AM

    I work for Brazilian IT service, focused on performance and capacity planning for Z, specially on zVM/Linux on Z. I'm working with z since 2008. I'm also a Linux specialist in general. 

    My main hobbies are cosplay, photography, RPGs and podcasting, although all of them on hold because I'm on my final essay time for my second graduation as a Data Scientist (my first one is on Computer Programming)



    ------------------------------
    Fábio Emilio Costa
    Performance Analyst
    SERPRO
    Sao Paulo
    +551121731676
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed April 09, 2025 02:57 PM

    I'm not so "New to Z" but I'll start ( I expect to see an intro from Shari at some point :) )

    • What is your job role?   I am currently retired but have been a systems programmer installing, maintaining, and supporting IBM operating system, IBM products, and ISV products. I have also been a software developer and currently I am an open-source for system z software developer.
    • How long have you been working on the mainframe?  Since 1972

    • What mainframe technology are you passionate about, or excited to learn more about?  I am passionate about all things Z - but mostly my focus over the years has been to create tools and documentation so that the users of the systems that I supported were able to be as productive as possible in their jobs. I have found fun and joy in developing ISPF dialogs for the TSO user and in developing shell text user interfaces for the shell (ssh) user.

    • Share a fun fact about yourself, or your favorite hobby.  I am a proofreader for a historical fiction author and for a science fiction (space opera) author.


    ------------------------------
    Lionel Dyck - IBM System Z Champion
    System Z Open-Source Advocate
    Retired
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed April 09, 2025 03:38 PM

    Howdy,

    My name is Robert Garrett.  I've been a mainframe guy for what, going on 50+ years at this point?  I started as an operator in 1974 while still attending university at what was then West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M since the school was annexed into the Texas A&M system.   I've been in a system programmer role since 1976.  I now have my own independent consulting company now and am still actively working, having "retired" (haha) from my last real job in December 2017.   I've worked on everything from 370/145 up through and including z16, DOS/VS ("good old" R34, not VSE), OS/VS1, VM, MVS/370, MVS/SP, MVS/XA, MVS/ESA, now z/OS.  I've pretty much "done it all" on every system and subsystem across all those platforms.  I've continuously worked with CICS ever since 1.1.2 (two releases prior to the "new fangled" command level API) and am still involved, now as a business partner/beta tester for new but yet unreleased CICS/TS versions.  I've done mainframe networking ever since VTAM II was free and bundled with the operating system (and have the scars to prove it).  I also have been providing pro-bono system programmer support for my alma mater, WT A&M, for several years and mentoring the professors who teach mainframe-centric classes there.   I write in Assembler, REXX, COBOL, and quite a few other languages.  REXX is my favorite for getting something done quickly, but for the heavy-lifting nothing beats Assembler.    What am I passionate about?  Supporting the mainframe and the software that runs on it in all its various forms,  combating the erroneous ideas about it "going away" or is somehow inferior just because of how long the technology been around.   (In a age where a year-old smart phone is considered to be a relic, how does a technology even begin to survive to be 60 years old?  You don't accomplish that by "getting it wrong.")   I'm also passionate about teaching, something I do almost daily on my current contract with people who aren't necessarily mainframe-savvy.   

    Fun fact?  Favorite hobby(s)?  I feel really fortunate to have enjoyed as much as I do the same work that has paid my bills and fed my family for as long as it has.   It's like getting paid to go play.  I wondered for years why I so much loved going to CICS conferences in Hursley UK and just being in that area of England.  Then after much wifely prodding got me to do one of those DNA tests, I found out that this 100% intensely proud to be a Texan turns out to be 75% British.  Go figure.  Hobbies: besides computers and software they extend to all kinds of mechanical, working with my hands endeavors including those surrounding a 1969 Pontiac GTO that I've had since my college days and have done all the work restoring it myself, woodworking, metal working, welding,  managing my home/business network which, from the way I treat it any time there's a problem, you'd think I was hosting nuclear launch codes on it, aviation, racing, and on and on.   



    ------------------------------
    J Robert Garrett
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Thu April 10, 2025 09:14 AM

    Hi Everyone,

    I'm a new mainframe administrator, coming from the distributed side of the house.  I have been in my role for a little over a year now.  I have been all over the place, taking it all in like a fire hose.  I'm excited about all of it, so I am not sure yet where I want to focus in.  

    Outside of work, I like reading, walking trails and taking in nature and billiards.



    ------------------------------
    Mo Ferrante
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Tue May 06, 2025 02:49 PM

    Hi New-to-Z group members.  Sorry I am late to the discussion.

    • What is your job role? 
      • I am an Enterprise Architect with ICE, Inc.  In this role I spend my time working mostly with IBMZ and Storage infrastructure and application integration with our distributed applications.  I started as a COBOL/ASM programmer and eventually moved over to Systems Programming working on VM and MVS.
    • How long have you been working on the mainframe? 
      • Gasp!  This is my 40th year
    • What mainframe technology are you passionate about, or excited to learn more about? 
      • IBM Z Hardware, IBMz Security, Parallel Sysplex, IBM Storage and replication are my favorite topics
    • Share a fun fact about yourself, or your favorite hobby.  
      • Hobbies include Guitar and Golf
      • Fun fact - I was once a volunteer motorcade driver for President Reagan.


    ------------------------------
    Phillip Allison
    Enterprise Architect
    ICE, Inc
    Jacksonville FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Tue May 27, 2025 08:14 AM

    Hi All,

    I'm excited to join the group... I am currently working as Director-Mainframe System programming at Ensono, responsible for managing Software Lifecycle Management teams (zOS, CICS, MQ, WAS). Have around 23 years of experience - started as a Mainframe System Programmer at HCL Technologies. 

    • 13 years at Product experience, working in zOS development, training customers, internal teams on IBM z
    • 10+ years of experience in Infrastruture Support Services on IBM z - zOS and other subsystems at IBM GTS (now Kyndryl), DXC and currently Ensono

    Mainframe has been evolving through the years and the new AI era, interested to lean more on AI capabilities built on Mainframes from IBM and other ISV vendors like Broadcom, BMC, Rocket Software etc.,

    Hobbies: Photography, Movies.

    Also, happy to contribute to the group in sharing knowledge gained through years to group members new to IBM z platform.



    ------------------------------
    Narayanan Vinoba
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed May 28, 2025 10:32 AM

    Hello! My name is Matt Shalberg and I've worked in Technology for over 25 years.  Almost 20 of that has been in the Mainframe environment.  My current role as System Engineer for Union Pacific Infrastructure Engineering team has me focused on the Mainframe environment and SAN.  I perform many functions/roles in our mainframe environment including but not limited to, automation, capacity planning, hardware support, wlm, rmf, ca1/tms, vtape, VTL, Db2, MQ, z/OS, Rexx, ca7, JCL, cobol/asm, and training for our operations support groups.  I am passionate about automation and cloud technologies on the mainframe.  These two facets of technology, automation and cloud, not only make my job easier but also help save the company money (which means more money in my pocket).  A fun fact about myself, is I am a father of two kiddos.



    ------------------------------
    Matthew Shalberg
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Mon June 16, 2025 07:55 AM

    Hi everyone,

    My name is Uriel Ofir, and I'm excited to be here! I'm currently working as a COBOL programmer at Mizrachi Bank, which is my first role working with mainframes. Before this, I was a JavaScript programmer, so stepping into the mainframe world has been a new and exciting challenge.

    I've joined this group with the goal of deepening my COBOL programming skills, particularly with an eye on best practices within a banking context. I'm eager to learn from your collective experience and insights. I also plan to share my progress and would genuinely appreciate any guidance or feedback on my journey in this challenging field. I believe sharing our journeys helps everyone, and I'm excited to contribute to that.

    Looking forward to connecting with you all!



    ------------------------------
    Uriel Ofir
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed June 18, 2025 08:48 AM

    Welcome Uriel. You are welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn, I'm the only Glenn Havelock on LinkedIn, working daily with mainframe related products for an IBM business partner.

    Regards,

    Glenn



    ------------------------------
    Glenn Havelock
    Systems Engineer
    UNICOM Systems, Inc.
    Whitehouse Station, NJ USA
    +1 973 526 3822
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted Wed June 18, 2025 09:47 AM

    Be in touch :)



    ------------------------------
    Uriel Ofir
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 7 days ago
    • What is your job role? 
      • Business and Innovation Director
    • How long have you been working on the mainframe? 
      • I'm Just starting.
    • What mainframe technology are you passionate about, or excited to learn more about? 
      • AI and Telus 
    • Share a fun fact about yourself, or your favorite hobby.
      • I like to practice air rifle long range shooting.


    ------------------------------
    Antônio Guimarães Jr
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 3 days ago

    Hello! I'm university student from Argentina, currently preparing myself to start a career as a COBOL Application Developer trainee.

    I'm just starting my journey the past year. I have completed the IBM Z Xplore badges (Concepts, Advanced, All Star, and Code-a-thon) and this year, I completed the Introduction to Enterprise Computing course on Coursera. I'm now continuing with the IBM Mainframe Developer Certificate.

    I'm very excited to deepen my skills in COBOL, JCL, Db2, and CICS. For that reason, I'm very interested in gaining access to the Application Developer 201 Path (COBOL Programming Series) within Interskill Learning.

    A fun fact: I love training and running, that's give me a lot of happiness and learn new things about coding is the best.

    I'm looking forward to connecting with you all and learning from this community 🚀.



    ------------------------------
    Florencia Sombra
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 2 days ago

    Hello

     My name is Derez Lusk, I am a Mainframe system's analyst at BlueCross BlueShield  of Illinois (HCSC) here in Chicago.  I have the luxury (ha ha) of being responsible for triaging  CICS abends using QUERY MONITOR  on both mainframe and GUI. using IBM Debugger to  step through programs.  Using IBM  Application Discovery (ADDI) and Watson Code Assistant for Z   to evaluate mainframe code  to understand business requirements and guide Application Developers  on where to update code for new functionality or fix bugs.  I also write  DB2 programs in batch as well as online .  IBM CICS for Zowe explorer in VSCODE  as well as other essential plugins. Been in this industry for over 40 years . I love Skydiving and would love to try Squireling  one day.  



    ------------------------------
    Derez Lusk
    Systems Analyst
    Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana (HCSC)
    Chicago IL
    1-312-653-7378
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 2 days ago

    We are thrilled to have you here.  Love seeing that you are in Chicago -- that is actually on my list of places to build and launch a New to Z chapter -- so we can create  localized in person meetups.  Let me know if you'd be interested in being part of it!!



    ------------------------------
    Shari Chiara
    Program Manager, IBM Champions and Community - IBM Z and LinuxONE
    IBM
    Charlotte NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted yesterday

    I am a systems programmer and consultant. I have been working for VBT Software Co.  My primary area of expertise is mainframe cybersecurity, specifically RACF and zSecure.

    "I'm particularly excited about z/OS and its integration with modern technologies like containerization and cloud environments. The way IBM has evolved the mainframe to support technologies like z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) and OpenShift on Z is fascinating. It combines the reliability and performance of traditional mainframes with the agility of modern DevOps practices.

    Additionally, I'm very interested in learning more about RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) and zSecure. Security is more important than ever, and zSecure and RACF's fine-grained access control is a powerful model that I'd like to master, especially in regulated industries like finance or healthcare.

    Overall, the intersection of legacy systems with modern hybrid cloud and automation tools is what excites me the most. I believe there's a lot of potential to bring new efficiency and scalability to long-standing mainframe environments."

    "A fun fact about me is that I love solving logic puzzles and brainteasers in my free time-anything from escape room games to Sudoku and cryptic crosswords. I think it's a fun way to keep my problem-solving skills sharp, and it's surprisingly similar to debugging code or troubleshooting systems!"

    "A fun fact about me is that I practice calligraphy in my free time. I love the focus and precision it requires-it's a relaxing yet creative hobby that lets me slow down and appreciate the beauty in details. It also helps me stay patient and disciplined, which carries over into my work with code and systems."



    ------------------------------
    iyi çalışmalar, saygılar / Regards
    ________________________
    Kayhan TANRIVERİR
    Sn. Systems Programmer & Consultant
    VBT Yazılım A.Ş
    www.vbt.com.tr
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted yesterday

    Derez, I used to work for CA and did onsite technical support at HCSC in both the Chicago and Dallas locations for quite a few years. Great bunch of folks and hope all works out well for you there!

    Regards,

    Glenn Havelock

    UNICOM Systems, Inc.



    ------------------------------
    Glenn Havelock
    Systems Engineer
    UNICOM Systems, Inc.
    Whitehouse Station, NJ USA
    +1 973 526 3822
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 2 days ago

    Hello, my name is Dan Bean and I am a Senior Product Manager at Ensono, LLC.  I managed our Data Resiliency products (Safeguarded Copy, Tape to Cloud, LWORM) and data migration strategies.  Previously, I also managed our Mainframe as a Service offering for both dedicated and multi-tenant Z infrastructure.  I have been in the IT industry for over 20+ years, and mainframe/power for about 5 years.

    Data protection and ransomware recovery within the Z infrastructure is becoming a very hot topic and something that interests me as more and more organizations are facing cyber attacks.

    Hobbies include playing baseball and softball, hunting, fishing and any outdoor activity.  I have a 14-year old stepson and 3-year old daughter that keep me busy with sporting activities and enjoying our time in the outdoors together.

    I look forward to collaborating with many of you in the future.

    Dan Bean

    daniel.bean@ensono.com



    ------------------------------
    Daniel Bean
    Senior Product Manager - Mainframe Managed Services
    Ensono, LLC.
    Downers Grove IL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted 2 days ago

    Welcome Daniel -- like me, you are not new to IT, but new to the mainframe.  Thrilled to have you here. 



    ------------------------------
    Shari Chiara
    Program Manager, IBM Champions and Community - IBM Z and LinuxONE
    IBM
    Charlotte NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Introductions please ..

    Posted yesterday

    Hi everyone in the New-to-Z group!

    • What is your job role? 
      • I am a Systems Engineer for UNICOM Systems / Macro 4, which means I provide technical support for our client base as well as participate and present in webinars informing our customer base about product updates
    • How long have you been working on the mainframe?
      • Since 1978, and the mainframe hasn't gone away yet....)
    • What mainframe technology are you passionate about, or excited to learn more about? 
      • New z/OS operating systems, CICS Transaction Server new release features, and am always interested in DB2/IMS/IBM MQ release updates  
    • Hobbies / fun facts?
      • Like to travel (over 100 countries and counting); just returned from a trip to Mongolia, and enjoy talking to other mainframers (happy to connect here or on LinkedIn), and used to be a train conductor!

    Regards,

    Glenn



    ------------------------------
    Glenn Havelock
    Systems Engineer
    UNICOM Systems, Inc.
    Whitehouse Station, NJ USA
    +1 973 526 3822
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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