ISG Researching Future of Mainframe Solutions and Services

ISG Focuses on Mainframe Services in Groundbreaking Research

Information Services Group (NASDAQ: III), a prominent technology research and advisory firm, is taking significant steps to aid enterprises in modernizing and optimizing their mainframe computing environments. The firm has initiated a research study aimed at identifying service providers that excel in this area.

Upcoming ISG Provider Lens Reports

The findings from this extensive research will culminate in the ISG Provider Lens™ series of reports titled Mainframes – Services and Solutions 2025. Scheduled for release in March 2025, these reports will shed light on various companies that specialize in mainframe optimization, outsourcing solutions, and mainframe-as-a-service (MFaaS), alongside support for transitioning applications to the cloud.

Empowering Enterprises with Informed Decisions

Enterprise buyers will find these reports invaluable in assessing current vendor relationships, exploring new opportunities, and evaluating available services. ISG advisors will leverage this rich data to recommend the best providers to their buy-side clients, ensuring that enterprises make informed choices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Rising Demand for Modernization

The demand for modernization has surged, particularly due to the rising interest in generative AI (GenAI) solutions that require access to mainframe data. Organizations recognize the need to upgrade their mainframe infrastructures to mitigate technical debt, incorporate AI technologies, enhance business analytics, and maintain compliance. Heiko Henkes, managing director at ISG Provider Lens, expressed that new automation capabilities along with requirements for business resilience and sustainability goals are forcing companies to rethink their data center strategies.

Surveying Industry Leaders

In a bid to gather comprehensive insights, ISG has reached out to over 140 providers of mainframe products and services. The research team, alongside ISG's global advisors, will craft five distinct quadrants that reflect the mainframe support services enterprises typically seek based on ISG's extensive client interactions.

Mainframe Solutions Evaluated

The five quadrants of the report are:

• Mainframe Optimization Services: This quadrant examines providers focused on modernizing legacy mainframe systems while preserving original programming languages like COBOL, aiming to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Mainframe-as-a-Service (MFaaS): This section evaluates service providers that offer shared IBM mainframes under a pay-per-use model, providing flexibility and scaling options.
• Mainframe Operations: Here, traditional outsourcing firms with a wealth of mainframe service experience are studied, particularly those who manage both legacy and new mainframe releases.
• Mainframe Application Modernization Software: This quadrant looks into software vendors that assist with comprehensive assessments and transformations of mainframe applications, participating in essential processes such as rewriting and re-engineering.
• Application Modernization Services: Evaluating service providers that utilize advanced methodologies to update and rewrite applications crafted in legacy programming languages.

Global Insights and Participation

The upcoming reports will also focus on geographical markets, providing a global view of the mainframe services landscape while assessing product availability across regions including the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. Well-qualified analysts Pedro L. Bicudo Maschio and Oliver Nickels will lead the charge in authoring these reports.

Organizations interested in reviewing the list of recognized service providers and vendors, along with comprehensive study details, can reach out directly to ISG. Additionally, non-listed companies wishing to participate in the study can contact ISG for inclusion.

Deep Dive into Public Sector Solutions

Beyond corporate settings, ISG will also release a focused report on the U.S. Public Sector Mainframes – Services and Solutions 2025 tailored for entities such as state and local governments and educational institutions.

Enhanced Customer Experience Data

All reports within the 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ series will incorporate expanded customer experience data, reflecting real enterprise experiences with specific providers. This ensures that the insights provided align closely with the needs of potential clients. Enterprise customers are encouraged to contribute their perspectives about various providers to assist in creating authentic evaluations.

About ISG Provider Lens Research

The ISG Provider Lens™ Quadrant research series stands as the foremost evaluation of service providers, integrating data-driven research with firsthand insights from ISG's advisory team. This unique perspective helps enterprises navigate their sourcing decisions effectively while arming ISG advisors with validated knowledge for client recommendations.

About ISG

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Stamford, Conn., ISG (NASDAQ: III) serves as a trusted partner to over 900 clients, including more than 75 of the top 100 global enterprises. The firm excels in digital transformation services encompassing AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and extensive advisory solutions that span various sectors. With a deep-rooted commitment to operational efficiency and growth, ISG is recognized for its innovative workforce and superior analytical capabilities worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of ISG's upcoming reports?

The reports aim to evaluate service providers assisting enterprises in optimizing and modernizing their mainframe operations.

Who will benefit from these ISG reports?

Enterprise buyers and ISG advisors will both benefit by utilizing the reports to assess vendor relationships and guide recommendations respectively.

What trends are driving modernization in mainframe environments?

The rise of generative AI and the need to reduce technical debt are key factors prompting modernization initiatives.

How will ISG gather data for these reports?

ISG has distributed surveys to over 140 mainframe product and service providers to gather detailed insights.

Is there a specific focus on public sector solutions?

Yes, ISG will also examine providers tailored to the U.S. public sector for mainframe modernization services.

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