Software vendor the Compuware Corporation has launched a data analytics program capable of working with data both on and off the mainframe.
Called Topaz, the software is aimed at those running their businesses on IBM System z, which the company argues addresses the problems caused when older system admins are replaced by younger ones with less experience of mainframes.
Chris O’Malley, chief executive of Compuware, said: "The impending retirement of skilled mainframe developers poses a threat to global enterprises that CIOs haven’t seen since the Y2K deadline — and that is even more problematic, given the increased importance of mainframe data in today’s digital economy."
Topaz includes a data visualiser, a data editor that works across different file types, and a file browser that enables users to drag-and-drop data between hosts.
Tim Grieser, program VP for enterprise system management software at the research firm IDC, said that "enterprises can gain tremendous business value from mainframe-resident data", but were hampered by "the mysteries" of software developed on CICS, a transaction server used on IBM mainframes, and COBOL, a programming language."
"Compuware is taking aim at this limitation by more broadly empowering IT professionals to understand and leverage data residing on IBM System z using graphical visualisation tools," he added.
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