Using AI to modernize mainframes: Turning legacy tech into a strategic advantage

Source: CIO Magazine

Legacy mainframes are crucial yet underestimated components of large-scale organizations, processing thousands of transactions and handling data daily. Many businesses overlook the importance of modernizing these systems, resulting in outdated technologies that incur high maintenance costs and hinder innovation. According to a 2025 analysis, enterprises waste over $370 million annually due to inefficiencies stemming from legacy systems, with a significant portion of IT budgets consumed by maintaining outdated platforms.

AI is reshaping the modernization of mainframes by simplifying processes and enhancing productivity. Tools like IBM Watsonx Code Assistant and GitHub Copilot analyze legacy code to optimize and translate it into modern languages. While AI manages routine tasks, human expertise remains vital for strategic planning and design, creating a collaborative model that enhances delivery and minimizes errors. Successful AI-assisted modernization requires a clear organizational vision, appropriate tools, skilled teams, and a culture of innovation to effectively leverage AI capabilities for growth.

Looking ahead, autonomous AI will further revolutionize legacy systems by integrating intelligent solutions for cloud-native modernization. Companies that embrace these advancements will gain agility and innovation, turning mainframes from constraints into valuable assets in the digital economy.

👉 Pročitaj original: CIO Magazine