Archive for category: Insights

Mainframe Skills in the Heartland

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Greg DeBo shares information on how we continue to build awareness of mainframe technologies in the heartland.

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How Important is Your Db2 Data-Mainframe Modernization from a Data Security viewpoint

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Check out Greg DeBo’s article on Planet Mainframe regarding Data Security and Db2.

Read: How Important is Your Db2 Data-Mainframe Modernization from a Data Security viewpoint

Mainframe for All – Empowering the future of the platform on the eve of its 60th anniversary

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Check out Krupal and Priya’s blog:

The Mainframe celebrates 60 years

Transforming IT Operations: Embracing Automation for Enhanced Infrastructure Support

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If you are responsible for managing and supporting IT Infrastructure, you know and understand the complexity involved in ensuring systems are available and stable.  Many organizations continue to manually manage their infrastructure but there are opportunities to automate repetitive tasks. Everywhere we turn, we hear about how artificial intelligence will impact so many aspects of our lives going forward. Enabling automation to manage your infrastructure will position your teams to absorb the changes AI will bring. Read more

Raise your hand if you’re hiring

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Recently I had the pleasure of attending my first ever SHARE Conference, and not only attend but led a panel discussion on how companies can find the mainframe skills to keep your company running for the next several decades as baby-boomers that built the critical infrastructure and applications are retiring.  It turned out to be quite the hot topic, as there were several other sessions addressing the same mainframe skills gap, and how companies can get a leg up on attracting and retaining talent.  As many companies are still limiting travel to conferences, I thought I would try to summarize what I heard to share with companies that were not able to attend and share some of the programs that might help. 

What Education is necessary? 

One of the common discussion items was what are you looking for in a mainframe employee?  Is a four-year degree a requirement?  A four-year degree specifically in an IT major?  Do they need to have mainframe training as part of that four-year degree?  COBOL?  I’m a huge advocate for universities teaching mainframe, that’s still where most companies recruit, but not every company has a university in their backyard teaching mainframe, and not every person has the desire or opportunity to get a four-year degree.  Many companies now use online profiling tools that weed out candidates before even having a chance to talk with a human.  In the environment that we are in, that practice seems to really eliminate some great candidates.  I talk about some options below where you can look for candidates if you are open to considering non-traditional routes. 

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TeamSWAMI turns one: reflections on the past year and 3 goals for the future

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Wow! I can’t believe an entire year has gone by since I launched TeamSWAMI! I am naturally an analytical person, so I spent a lot of time talking with mentors and others before I made the decision to launch my own firm. I researched the market, secured funding, created a business plan, and forged connections with current business owners who shared the joys and challenges of owning a small business. Bottom line:  I knew my journey was going to be challenging but also had the potential to be very rewarding.

Leaving a stable job to start a company is not for everyone, but I know I made the right decision for me. Prior to starting TeamSWAMI, I spent my career working in consulting and corporate America. I “grew up” around structure, process, rules, filling out approval forms, and the politics that accompany corporate leadership positions. I can’t explain the freedom that has come with starting this business. I can try different things and see what works, meet people from all kinds of backgrounds and organizations, continue to mentor students and technologists, and most importantly, provide value to our clients. Read more

3 Observations from IDUG NA 2022, a Db2 Tech Conference

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Last week I had the opportunity to attend IDUG North America. For those who aren’t familiar, IDUG stands for International Db2 Users Group. It’s a non-profit focused on education and services around Db2. There were many informative sessions, keynotes, and evening events throughout the week, and much of what I learned aligned with TeamSWAMI’s existing strategies and vision for the field. As I reflect on my experiences at IDUG North America, I wanted to share a few observations:

Innovation continues on Db2

All vendors associated with mainframe technologies continue to invest and innovate in Db2 (for z/OS, LUW and Cloud). For many organizations, Db2 is the system of record for core processing and business functionality. If you work for or with such an organization, and you’re thinking about moving your processing and data to the cloud, make sure to do your due diligence.  Almost all modernization efforts surpass their budget and timeline projections. Many times this is due to data dependencies and environmental complexities.

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I am an IBM Gold Consultant!

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I’m excited to announce a huge milestone, for myself personally, and for TeamSWAMI. I was recently accepted into IBM’s Gold Consultant program, there are around 40 Gold Consultants worldwide.

IBM’s Gold Consultant program recognizes independent consultants from all over the world. This elite group uses their expert knowledge to help clients navigate data and analytics initiatives using IBM’s tools and technologies. It’s an honor to be recognized for my strong consulting and technical skills with the IBM Gold Consultant designation. Read more

Team SWAMI’s culture and the secrets of a high-performing team

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When the news of my resignation and plans to launch my own firm became public, many people reached out to provide support and perspective. Their engagement influenced my focus prior to the firm’s mid-September launch. Although my offerings have evolved, one thing has stayed consistent:  My desire to build a healthy and open culture where team members grow, thrive and solve complicated problems. I knew an emphasis on culture would always be a pillar of Team SWAMI’s approach to business. Read more

Why I created Team SWAMI

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As I researched starting Team SWAMI, I spent a significant amount of time thinking about my background and the potential needs of the market. For many years, the IBM zDesign Council, BMC Mainframe Executive Council and technical conferences focused some agenda topics on the growing need for mainframe talent.

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