IBM Z and LinuxONE LinuxONE

 View Only

 Mainframe Modernization with AI

Venkat Davuluri's profile image
Venkat Davuluri posted 06/19/26 01:37 AM

Hi All,

Good day to Everyone !!

I have 15 years experience in Mainframe technologies i.e., COBOL, DB2, JCL, IMS/DB and now I am working as Manager role. Now, If I need to learn the skills related to AI, can I go ahead with Mainframe Modernization with AI ?

Or do I need to learn only Gen AI training Concepts ?

If I need to learn the Mainframe Modernization with AI, where do I get the training or sources to get the training ?

Can someone please suggest/guide on this ?

Thanks,

Venkat

Allan Solomon Mejia's profile image
Allan Solomon Mejia posted 07/17/26 12:07 PM
Hi Venkat,
Absolutely. In fact, your 15 years of mainframe experience gives you a significant advantage over someone learning AI without enterprise systems knowledge.
Rather than learning AI in isolation, I'd recommend focusing on AI for enterprise modernization:
  • Understand the fundamentals of Generative AI, LLMs, RAG, and AI agents.
  • Learn how AI can assist with COBOL code analysis, documentation, test generation, refactoring, and application modernization.
  • Explore IBM watsonx, IBM z17, and IBM Z Assist capabilities for AI on and alongside IBM Z.
  • Learn how to expose mainframe applications through APIs, integrate with hybrid cloud, and leverage tools like IBM Z Open Editor, Ansible, and Git-based DevOps.
 
Since you already know COBOL, DB2, JCL, and IMS, your focus should be on how AI enhances those skills, not replacing them.
 
For training, I'd recommend:
  • IBM SkillsBuild (free AI and GenAI courses)
  • IBM Training (IBM Z, watsonx, and modernization learning paths)
  • IBM Z Xplore and IBM Z Educator resources
  • Coursera or Microsoft Learn for AI fundamentals
 
The future isn't "AI instead of mainframe", it's AI-powered mainframe modernization. Professionals who understand both enterprise workloads and AI will be in a very strong position over the next several years.

Related Content