Connecting Mainframe to Cloud for Microsoft Azure Users
Best Practices
The mainframe remains a critical component of many organizations’ IT strategies, securely storing years’ worth of institutional data and powering mission-critical processes. Yet, the cloud’s flexibility and scalability make it a preferred choice for dynamic workloads and the rapid development of applications.
Fortunately, organizations no longer have to choose between mainframe and cloud. By harnessing the combined strengths of both types of infrastructure, organizations can marry cloud agility and mainframe reliability for seamless digital growth. But the problem lies in figuring out how to leverage cloud services, maximize the strengths of the mainframe, and ensure both platforms work together in the most efficient way.
To optimize mainframe efficiency and achieve seamless integration with the cloud, IT teams must prioritize mainframe modernization. However, innovation on mainframe systems is far from straightforward — especially for Microsoft Azure users with unique requirements. Today, Ensono’s Modern, Cloud-Connected Mainframe (MCCM) for Microsoft Azure users can help bridge the gap.
MCCM to the rescue: Overcoming mainframe modernization challenges
IT teams embarking on mainframe modernization with Microsoft Azure face a series of hurdles, including the need for low-latency connectivity between Azure and their mainframe.
Most organizations run their mainframe and related workloads next to each other in their data center. This allows the surrounding workloads to communicate directly with the mainframe and remain highly responsive due to the low latency connection.
If an organization attempts to move those applications to the cloud, they run the risk of compromising application performance and creating a frustrating user experience as it takes longer for those applications to communicate with the mainframe. As a result, this hinders an organization’s ability to fully leverage the cloud.
In addition, most internal IT teams lack the expertise and resources to modernize mainframe applications while maintaining business continuity. At the same time, most third-party cloud partners lack mainframe skills and experience — and vice versa.
In navigating these challenges, Ensono’s MCCM for Microsoft Azure users emerges as a key resource in helping your organization achieve its modernization goals.
3 ways you can enhance the value of your mainframe with Ensono’s MCCM
Tech modernization remains both a top challenge and priority for business leaders. With Ensono’s MCCM for Microsoft Azure, you can accelerate your digital transformation and get the most from your mainframe.
1. Solve the latency challenge and accelerate your move to cloud.
Ensono’s MCCM solution allows you to shift your mainframe to an Azure-Connected data center with low-latency connectivity. Your mainframe’s migration to the Azure-adjacent infrastructure enables an efficient flow of data between your cloud and mainframe — with no egress charges.
With effective collaboration between the two infrastructures, you can reduce mainframe operating costs while taking advantage of the flexibility and scalability of the cloud for certain business applications.
2. Unleash the full power of your mainframe data.
Your mainframe contains valuable data, but silos likely make it unavailable to wider application audiences. With the low-latency connectivity facilitated by MCCM for Azure, you can leverage this previously untapped mainframe data and gain access to key business insights.
We help move your mainframe data into the Azure platform where you can integrate it with data from other applications and leverage various AI and machine learning tools. With capabilities like intelligent reporting and predictive analytics, you can take data that was previously collecting dust and transform it into real-time insights.
3. Modernize your application architecture.
The monolithic nature of legacy mainframe applications makes them difficult to update, scale, and integrate with cloud services. With Ensono’s MCCM, you can leverage cloud functions to modernize applications with tightly coupled functions. One way to do this is by breaking monolithic applications into microservices.
Consider a legacy application that manages multiple, complex manufacturing processes. In this scenario, you could deconstruct the application and create microservices for each function: one for production planning, one for quality control, and one for inventory management. This approach not only makes it easier to update mainframe applications, but also boosts their operational efficiency.
From mainframe to cloud: Why Ensono is the right partner for all your modernization needs
As more enterprises take advantage of hybrid cloud, mainframe modernization remains a priority. Without the right approach, latency challenges and other technical complexities stand in the way of a successful digital transformation.
At Ensono, we have both the cloud and mainframe expertise you need to unite your IT infrastructures. Our MCCM offering provides support every step of the way so you can reap the unique benefits of cloud and mainframe while making strides toward modernization.
Ready to learn more about how Ensono’s MCCM for Microsoft Azure can help you get the most from your mainframe? Get in touch with our experts today.