Kyndryl has announced an expansion of its partnership with Google Cloud to facilitate the transition of data from mainframe systems to the cloud using generative AI. The collaboration introduces the Mainframe Modernization with Gen AI Accelerator Program, which leverages Google Cloud’s AI services, including its Gemini large language models and BigQuery analytics platform.
The initiative aims to assist organizations in integrating mainframe data with cloud-based applications. By utilizing AI assistance, organizations can more effectively access and combine data to develop new applications. The program includes tools for COBOL-to-Java application coding assistance, and the ability to train AI models using customer data on-premises.
Through this service, Kyndryl plans to provide generative AI-driven code analysis and documentation for mainframe applications. Once an organization’s requirements are assessed, Kyndryl Consulting will deliver a modernization blueprint and plan. The program also addresses the testing and de-risking of modernization projects.
According to research from Information Services Group (ISG), there is a growing demand among companies adopting DevOps methodologies to improve the integration of their mainframe and cloud systems. Many firms need to integrate mainframe data with cloud systems to comply with emerging security standards, and they are turning to generative AI for help in modernizing legacy code.
ISG highlighted that generative AI can analyze code, explain its functionalities, and decrease dependency on senior staff, thus reducing costs linked to maintaining outdated applications. The technology is also helping clients re-engineer and rewrite their applications with thorough documentation and exhaustive testing, while streamlining the overall modernization process.
Despite these advancements, Kyndryl’s second annual State of Mainframe Modernization Survey indicates that not all customers wish to move all their mainframe applications to the cloud. Some prefer a hybrid model or to keep data on mainframes. Interestingly, more organizations reported increased usage of mainframes this year, suggesting a shift in strategy towards modernization while retaining some workloads on mainframe systems.
The use of AI is on the rise among enterprises, with a significant percentage planning to use generative AI tools as part of their mainframe modernization strategy. Kyndryl also collaborates with other cloud service providers, including Microsoft and AWS, to enhance its mainframe modernization offerings.
