Open Mainframe Project

'Native Americans in Tech' Webinar
2024-11-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Making Our Strong Community Stronger (MSCS) is hosting the ‘Native Americans in Tech’ Webinar Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. CT. The webinar will highlight Native American representation in the tech industry.
Moderated by Dean Dauphinais, a passionate advocate for Native communities and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, this webinar promises to be an inspiring session. Dauphinais will be joined by a panel of distinguished Native American tech leaders:

Jeanne Glass, the founder of VirtualZ Computing and MSCS
Phil Sutherin, a mainframe technical consultant at Broadcom
Jeremy Hamilton, strategic field CTO at BMC Software

Together, they will share their journeys and insights, aiming to empower and inspire more Native Americans to explore careers in technology. Register here.
The Making Our Strong Community Stronger initiative is sponsored by BMC, Broadcom Mainframe Software, IBM, Open Mainframe Project, Rocket Software and TechChannel. In addition to the webinars, the initiative also produces articles and blogs about different diversity, equity and inclusion views, strategies, best practices and experiences.
Stay updated by joining our LinkedIn group here or watch our other videos here.

Mainframe Open Education Student User Group
2024-12-04 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Knowledge management involves consciously organizing, retaining, and sharing an organization’s knowledge and experience. The primary aim is to connect those seeking information with those who possess it, enhancing operational efficiency and expertise within the organization. This is exactly what Mainframe Open Education does. it is the wikipedia of mainframe knowledge and experience.

Join the core team every first Wednesday of the month for a live discussion about Mainframe Open Education. We’ll hear from contributors and students who have engaged with the project to learn about how to get involved, best practices, badges and more!
Speakers include:

Nanxi Meng, Instructional Designer at Broadcom and contributor to Mainframe Open Education
J.J. Lovett, Head of Education and Customer Engagement at Broadcom Mainframe Software
Tiiso Senosha, contributor to Mainframe Open Education and past Open Mainframe Project Mentor

Register here.

Mainframe Open Education Student User Group
2025-01-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-05-07 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-09-03 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 2 more dates
Knowledge management involves consciously organizing, retaining, and sharing an organization’s knowledge and experience. The primary aim is to connect those seeking information with those who possess it, enhancing operational efficiency and expertise within the organization. This is exactly what Mainframe Open Education does. it is the wikipedia of mainframe knowledge and experience.

Join the core team every first Wednesday of the month for a live discussion about Mainframe Open Education. We’ll hear from contributors and students who have engaged with the project to learn about how to get involved, best practices, badges and more!
Speakers include:

Devonte Hawkins, IBM zStack Technical Specialist at IBM
Taylor Hrupek, Mainframe Business Specialist at Broadcom
Nanxi Meng, Instructional Designer at Broadcom
J.J. Lovett, Head of Education and Customer Engagement at Broadcom Mainframe Software
Tiiso Senosha, contributor to Mainframe Open Education and past Open Mainframe Project Mentor

Register here.

GSE UK Virtual Conference 2025
2025-02-20 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The GSE UK Virtual Conference 2025 is happening from Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1, 2025 and Open Mainframe Project will have a track at the conference. Whether you’re an industry expert, a tech enthusiast, Open Mainframe Project ambassador or a rising star with valuable insights, we invite you to share your knowledge with the vibrant mainframe community.

If you would like to speak at the event, submit a speaking proposal here. Submit your proposal by Monday, March 17.

Learn more about the event at the main conference site here.

SHARE Washington D.C 2025
2025-02-23 - 2025-02-27
SHARE is an independent volunteer-run information technology association that provides education, professional networking and industry influence. SHARE Washington D.C 2025 will be held from February 23-27, 2025 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, offering access to the latest enterprise IT news, key focus areas, prominent industry leaders, and product highlights on emerging technologies. SHARE is an associate member of the Open Mainframe Project and Open Mainframe ambassadors will be on-site. Check out these Open Mainframe Project -related sessions and register here.
Able Baker to Mainframer – What I Wish I’d Learnt at College About Enterprise Computing Systems – Joseph Winchester (IBM), Reg Harbeck & Steven Perva (Ensono)
Date & Time: Mon Feb 24, 2025; 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 66901
Abstract: The mainframe is a difficult system to onboard. EBCDIC codepages, Keyrings, Data Sets with Fixed Blocks and more as well as the need to become versant at 3270 dialogs for proficient system programming. To folks at college these are often barriers to entry, not because they’re difficult, but because there is a hill to climb and information disparate and often dated. This talk will provide the skills and tools to quickly summit, from the experience perspective of three mainframers with differing background, sharing what they wish they’d learnt at college and now want to share with the SHARE attendees, both new and experienced, about the tips and tricks, the cheat sheets, and the background behind why, as well as the solutions for, the idiosyncracies of the platform that make the IBMz such a fantastic enterprise computing system
To Test or Not to Test??? – Joseph Winchester (IBM) & Gerald Mitchell (IBM)
Date & Time: Mon Feb 24, 2025; 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 57615
Abstract: You want it? Open Source has got it. Check out Open Mainframe Project’s COBOL Check, a framework for COBOL to help with test driven development; or GenevaERS, the single-pass optimization engine for data extraction and transformation on z/OS is the tool. If you’re looking for more – there’s the newest project – Galasa, which allows you to test your applications at scale regardless of platform — including z/OS. Join us to learn about these testing tools and how they can bring value into your development process and ask all your testing questions.
Know It Before Installing It! A Starter Guide for Zowe API Mediation Layer Administrators – Brian Jagos (Broadcom) & Dan Kelosky (Broadcom Software)
Date & Time: Mon Feb 24, 2025; 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70003
Abstract: This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the Open Mainframe Project Zowe API Mediation Layer configuration options and installation methods to help System Admins understand each and determine what is best suited for their company. We will showcase an installation example using the industry-standard z/OSMF, PSWI and ZWE Command to serve as reference material for when you install on your own.
Zowe CLI and IBM Z NetView Plug-ins – Derrick Washington & Domenico D’Alterio (IBM)
Date & Time: Mon Feb 24, 2025; 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 39468
Abstract: The speakers will provide information on the Zowe Command Line Interface (CLI) and the NetView plug-ins that extend the CLI interface. Topics will include basics about the CLI, installation of the CLI and NetView plug-ins, and using the NetView plug-ins. A demo will be done.
BYOD Lab: DIY! Install and Configure the Zowe API Mediation Layer – Brian Jagos (Broadcom) & Andrej Chmelo
Date & Time: Mon Feb 24, 2025; 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70026
Abstract: If your company is interested in Open Mainframe Project Zowe and you are responsible for installing mainframe software don’t miss this opportunity. Participate in this hands-on lab where you will follow instructions to install and configure the API Mediation Layer on our Workshop Systems. We will include an overview of the latest configuration options, discuss “what-if” scenarios and reserve time to discuss potential challenges.
Making the Mainframe Great Again With Zowe Command Line Interface (CLI) – Joseph Winchester (IBM) & Eugene Johnston (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Tue Feb 25, 2025; 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 29997
Abstract: The Zowe Command Line Interface opens up IBM z/OS to non mainframers who want to do anything from ad-hoc scripting, building full DevOps automation pipelines, and everything inbetween. By providing simple easy to use intuitive commands to run commands covering everything from listing data sets, submitting jobs, running REXX, as well working with CICS, MQ and Db2, non-mainframers can become versant at how to become mainframers without needing to leave their familiar PC terminal or command window, and embed scripts in their laptop’s existing technology. This talk will cover 101 getting started with Zowe CLI through to advanced tasks such as console commands, substitution variables, and will cover many scenarios for the audience from beginner mainframe students to advanced system programming.
Why Zowe Is a Key Enabler for Mainframe Modernization: User Panel – Joseph Winchester (IBM Corporation), Steven Perva (Ensono), John Mertic (The Linux Foundation) & Rose Sakach (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Tue Feb 25, 2025; 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 61076
Abstract: This panel will bring together users, academics, students, vendors who have benefitted from the Zowe project being part of their modernization strategy. Together topics such as New to Z, empowering existing toolchains to adapt to hybrid cloud, familiar IDEs working with mainframe subsystems, will be discussed together with challenges, use cases, and solutions for rolling out Zowe with success (as well as failures).
Hidden Treasures, Advanced Features, and Administrative Tips for Zowe API Mediation Layer – Dan Kelosky (Broadcom Software) & Elliot Jalley (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Wed Feb 26, 2025; 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70015
Abstract: What are the Administration expectations and the art-of-the-possible for the Open Mainframe Project Zowe API Mediation Layer? Join this session to understand the day-to-day and future potential. We will include the what, why, and how capabilities like dynamic discovery, high availability, multifactor authentication, single-sign-on, OIDC integration, personal access tokens, and multi-tenancy work and the value they may provide your organization.
Generations in Sync: Unlocking the Power of Technology Through Collaborative Communication – Philip Sutherin, Sean Rooney (Broadcom), J.J. Lovett, Steven Perva (Ensono) & Joseph Winchester (IBM Corporation)
Date & Time: Wed Feb 26, 2025; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70016
Abstract: In this interactive session, we will develop actionable strategies to enhance communication and knowledge transfer among mainframers of different generations. Participants will be grouped 1-on-1 by experience level for focused discussions on mainframe introductions, “a-ha” moments, lifelong learning, and problem-solving. The goal is to actively foster collaboration to overcome industry wide barriers.
Automated Symphony: Orchestrating Automation Using Cutting Edge Tools Like VS Code, Python, and Zowe – Cody Giardinello (Broadcom) & Sean Rooney (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Wed Feb 26, 2025; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70037
Abstract: Automation engineers lead with one mission in mind – automate everything. What tools are they using and why? VS Code has again been voted by developers as the preferred text editor, and Python continues to grow exponentially on the mainframe. Join us as we examine what sets these tools apart and how they can be effectively leveraged in automation using OPS/MVS, REST APIs, and the Open Mainframe Project Zowe ecosystem.
Dispelling the Myths Around Open Source – Leonard Santalucia (Vicom Infinity, A Converge Company)
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025: 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 55125
Abstract: Wondering if Open Source is right for you and your organization? Don’t know what you don’t know? Is it myth or fact? Let the experts from within the Open Mainframe Project help you weed it all out. Fact or fiction, we will help you understand why Open Source IS right for you and your organization.
Open Sesame – The Secret to Open Source on the Mainframe – John Mertic (The Linux Foundation)
Date & Time: Wed Feb 26, 2025; 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 16848
Abstract: The open source movement has rapidly become the way code is being developed for today’s smart and agile businesses. This session will cover how an “open mainframe” is the perfect solution for deploying open source on an enterprise computing platform. Open Mainframe Project is home to 18 open source initiatives like Zowe and working groups for COBOL that aim to help overcome the the barriers between mainframes and other infrastructure to make DevOps easier and more efficient. This session will offer a quick glimpse of the challenges each project solves and how to get involved.
BYOD Lab: Python, REXX, and Zowe CLI a No-Bake Recipe for Automation – Thomas McQuitty & Gene Johnston (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Thu Feb 27, 2025; 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 70035
Abstract: Designed for traditional and new Mainframers, this hands-on lab will cover the major tenants for creating mainframe automation: Open Mainframe Project Zowe CLI basics, some Python coding techniques and the use of orchestration tools. We will include a focus on connectivity & establishing the Client configuration file, exporting a mainframe report to a desktop spreadsheet and triggering off-host automation from an on-host REXX application.
Demonstrating Zowe Containers With IBM z/OS Container Platform – Chris Hodgins
Date & Time: Thu Feb 27, 2025; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 30520
Abstract: Learn more about the benefits and challenges of the IBM z/OS Container Platform using Zowe as an example. Run Zowe in Kubernetes natively deployed on z/OS as shown in the demonstration at the end of the session. Zowe, Kubernetes and IBM z/OS Container Platform can improve your integration into a hybrid environment while retaining the stability and security for which z/OS is renowned. (This needs to be finessed by Chris Hodgins so different to GSE presentation)
Take Your Mainframe Career to a New Level With Zowe! – Dan Kelosky (Broadcom Software) & Michael Bauer (Broadcom)
Date & Time: Thu Feb 27, 2025; 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 37687
Abstract: Advance your technical skills by contributing to Zowe. From modern to low level languages and frameworks such as: Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, Angular, Java, Spring Boot, HLASM, and Metal C, we’ll cover the bulk of Zowe’s underlying technologies and how the project on-boards new Community members. We will conclude by highlighting a recent contribution: the Zowe Java Client SDK.
Mainframe, Movies and Me: A Journey Through Hollywood, Computers, Aliens and Mainframe Computing – Joseph Winchester (IBM Corporation)
Date & Time: Thu Feb 27, 2025; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM; TZ: America/New_York; ID: 69851
Abstract: In this session Joe will discuss how while mainframes are mocked by rival computing architectures as belonging in the 1960s, Hollywood understands us and promotes the mainframe as the superheroes’s IT platform of choice. From Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and countless others that have saved the world against aliens, dinosaurs or supervillans, these are the true hero in every Hollywood plot! This presentation is either going to get an award for being the funniest thing SHARE has ever presented, or else the speaker is going to get the record lowest score and the most number of social media dislikes for being extremely unfunny. Either way folks seeing it hopefully won’t forget it. With any luck they’ll remember it for the right reasons and come away reflecting on what motived them to enter mainframe computing and have a fresh to-do list of movies to catch up with and music tracks to listen to next time they’re struggling to read a syslog or debug an abend.

Check out the complete schedule for SHARE and register here.

Zowe Q1 2025 Webinar
2025-03-19 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join Open Mainframe Project’s Zowe community on Wednesday, March 19 at 8 am PT/11 am ET for our first quarterly webinar of the year! Whether you are a Zowe User, Contributor, Extender or simply interested in what’s happening with Zowe, we invite you to attend the webinar to learn more.
In this webinar, Jakub Balhar, Chair of the Zowe TSC and Open Mainframe Project Ambassador, will present an overview of the architectural changes coming to the API Mediation Layer and answer questions. Rose Sakach, Open Mainframe Project ambassador, will also present updates about Zowe.
Register here.

Mainframe Open Education Student User Group
2025-04-02 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Knowledge management involves consciously organizing, retaining, and sharing an organization’s knowledge and experience. The primary aim is to connect those seeking information with those who possess it, enhancing operational efficiency and expertise within the organization. This is exactly what Mainframe Open Education does. it is the wikipedia of mainframe knowledge and experience.

Join the core team every first Wednesday of the month for a live discussion about Mainframe Open Education. We’ll hear from contributors and students who have engaged with the project to learn about how to get involved, best practices, badges and more!
In the April MOE SUG meeting, Devonte Hawkins, IBM zStack Technical Specialist at IBM, and Taylor Hrupek, Mainframe Business Specialist at Broadcom, will chat with Niall Ashley, Technical Consultant at Vertali, IBM Champion and GSE UK 101 Chair Person.
Register here.

IBM Z Day Special Edition (Virtual)
2025-04-08
Something BIG is coming! Join us for IBM Z Day: Special Edition on April 8 to connect, learn, and discover the latest in mainframe innovation.

Engage with industry experts as they share their knowledge, explore groundbreaking advancements, and dive deeper into the technology that powers the world’s economy— always Open | On | Secure.

Accelerate your digital transformation journey with 150+ speakers across 3 immersive technical tracks—IBM zNext, AI & Data, and App Dev & IT Ops. This event will provide you with actionable insights to drive innovation within your organization.

Register Today! https://ibm.biz/ibmzday2025-se

GSE UK Virtual Conference 2025
2025-04-29 - 2025-05-01
The GSE UK Virtual Conference 2025 is happening from Tuesday, April 29 – Thursday, May 1, 2025. Open Mainframe Project will have a track at the conference – the schedule will be announced shortly.

Registration for the GSE UK Virtual Conference 2025 will be free for ALL attendees, a testament to our commitment to your professional growth. We also understand that not everyone can attend every session, so we’re making the session videos available for free to GSE members and non-member delegates for two months after the conference, ensuring everyone can benefit from this event.

Register here. Learn more about the event at the main conference site here.

LOL or BRB? Decoding Millennial and Gen Z Workplace Communication
2025-05-14 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Effective communication is the foundation of a thriving workplace. It fosters collaboration, nurtures innovation, and ensures that each team member feels valued and heard. Without trust, even the best communication strategies fall short.
When individuals feel respected and supported, they are more likely to engage in honest dialogue, express concerns, provide constructive feedback, and take the necessary risks for innovation. This not only enhances team dynamics, but also boosts employee engagement, morale, and organizational performance.
Research on trust underscores its critical role in business success. When trust is present among team members and leadership, individuals are more willing to share ideas, voice concerns, acknowledge mistakes, and seek help without fear of negative consequences. This in turn strengthens honest and effective communication, creating a workplace culture where contributions are valued and respected.
Join the Making the Strong Community Stronger initiative as we embark on an exciting year where we explore the challenges and opportunities of communication in the workplace.
Please join us on Wednesday, May 14 at 9-10 am PT/11 am-12 pm CT/12-1 pm ET for a webinar titled, “LOL or BRB? Decoding Millennial and Gen Z Workplace Communication,” where we start the dialog with Gen Z and Millennials to understand communications and trust from their perspective.
Dr. Gloria Chance, PhD, founder of The Mousai Group, moderates the webinar. These Millennial and Gen Z panelists will join her:
-Brennen Glover, Manager, Onboarding & Employee Development, Rocket Software, USA
-Elizabeth Joseph, global head, Open Source Program Office for IBM Z and LinuxONE, Open Mainframe Project
-Lilly McPadden, student at Marist University, and co-op working in the z/OS Customer Test area, IBM
-Andy Wig, senior editor, TechChannel
Register now for this insightful webinar here.
Stay updated with all MSCS activities by joining our LinkedIn group here.

GSE UK Nordic Region Conference (Gothenburg, Sweden)
2025-06-10 - 2025-06-12
The GSE Nordic Region has the pleasure of inviting you to the Nordic Region Conference to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden , at Quality Hotel The Weaver, Mölndal from June 10 – 12 2025.
Open Mainframe Project will be represented at the event with several sessions by community members and ambassadors including:
Tuesday, June 10:
14:15-15:15

S601 – It is still worth shouting about COBOL – Derek Britton, DRB B2B Ltd and Co-Chair of Open Mainframe Project’s COBOL Working Group
S501 – Demystifying Mainframe Architectures: Transaction Flows and Connectivity Explained – Ruediger Schulze, IBM and new Open Mainframe Project Ambassador
S701 – Mainframe customer success stories using The Open Mainframe Project Zowe and an open source tooling stack – Emma Skovgård, Danske Bank and Joe Winchester, IBM and Open Mainframe Project Ambassador

15:30 – 16:30

S702 – Top 5 open source power ups no mainframer should be without Joe Winchester, IBM and Open Mainframe Project Ambassador

Wednesday, June 11:
16:30-17:30

S108 – Automating CICS Testing with Galasa: There’s a Better Way? Anthony Papageorgiou, IBM
S608 – Building end to end automation just in 3 days with ansible and opensource tools: No problem! – Germanas Samrickis, Rocket Software

Thursday, June 12:
11:45-12:45

S411 – Hidden treasures, advanced features, and administrative tips for Zowe API Mediation Layer Elliot Jalley, Broadcom and Open Mainframe Project Ambassador

Learn more about the conference here: https://gse-nordic.org/.

VM Workshop (Columbus, OH)
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-14
The VM Workshop will take place on June 12-14 at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The group is a grassroots non-profit organization made up of customers, ISVs, and business partners with an interest in the use and growth of the z/VM platform, Linux on IBM Z, and VSE (z/VSE and VSEn).
Open Mainframe Project will be on-site at the event with a few sessions:
EMMA: The Creation of a Mainframe Apprenticeship – Dr. Cameron Seay, Adjunct Professor and Co-Chair of the COBOL Programming Course
The Eli Madison Memorial Apprenticeship (EMMA) is a mainframe focused apprenticeship program. It uses the traditional apprenticeship model for technical roles. We feel this is THE solution to the “mainframe skills shortage” and have buy in from industry and the community at large. Currently involved are 3 mainframe ISVs, 185 apprentices, 6 university professors at 5 universities, and 8 full time volunteers. EMMA is ready to do business.
Dispelling the Myths Around Open Source on the Mainframe – Len Santalucia, CTO at Vicom Infinity, a Converge Company and Chair of the Open Mainframe Project Governing Board
Wondering if Open Source is right for you and your organization? Don’t know what you don’t know? Is it myth or fact? Let the experts from within the Open Mainframe Project help you weed it all out. Fact or fiction, we will help you understand why Open Source IS right for you and your organization.
Check out these sessions and more on the VM Workshop schedule here.

Community Day CFP for IBM TechXchange 2025 (Orlando, FL)
2025-06-30
The Open Mainframe Project will again be featured as part of IBM TechXchange’s Community Day, which will be held on October 6, the first day of the event. Last year, Open Mainframe had record-breaking attendance and a packed agenda highlighting open source and projects including Zowe, Galassa, Mentorship, Mainframe Open Education, COBOL Programming Course, Feilong, Software Discovery Tool, zopen Community and more.
If you are interested in speaking at Community Day, the Call for Presentations is currently open.
Submit topics by Monday, June 30: https://bit.ly/4iWwhDH.
The timeline for the CFP:

CFP opens: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Deadline to submit CFP: Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11 pm PDT
Speaker notifications: Monday, July 21, 2025
Schedule announcement: Week of August 8, 2025

Submit or register today!
Register for Community Day for free using the Open Mainframe code here. (This only registers you for Community Day on Monday, October 6. It does not give you access to the rest of the IBM TechXchange conference.)
Register with the Open Mainframe Project code and link for a 30% discount on the TechXchange conference here.
Open Mainframe Project is planning the content for October 6 as it pertains to the Community Day or Pre-Conference Day. The Linux Foundation and Open Mainframe Project are not managing TechXchange. The main TechXchange event is planned and managed by IBM. Learn more about TechXchange here.

Zowe Q2 Webinar: Understanding Zowe Docs and using AI for Effective Navigation
2025-07-01 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Whether you are installing, configuring, trouble-shooting, or just learning about Zowe, Zowe Docs will be your go-to guide. In this webinar on Tuesday, July 1 at 8 am PT/11 am ET, the members of the Zowe community will share tips and best practices for optimal navigation and take you through a live tour with example use cases. A step-by-step demo on how to open an issue real-time will help improve the documentation for everyone while instantly making you a contributor to the Zowe Community. We will conclude with a demonstration on how best to partner with AI to answer Zowe questions and find Zowe specifics. Register here.
Speakers: Ana Ceron, Andrew Jandacek, Jakub Balhar, Rose Sakach

SHARE Cleveland (Ohio)
2025-08-17 - 2025-08-21
SHARE Cleveland, happening on August 17-21 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, provides attendees with access to the latest enterprise IT news, key focus areas, prominent industry leaders and product highlights on emerging technologies all in one space over five days.
Open Mainframe Project will be on-site at the conference again this year with several sessions including:
Monday, August 18:

9:15–10:15 am: Which Mainframe Connection Protocol: FTP, SSH, or z/OSMF – Just Another Manic Monday? – Dan Kelosky, Broadcom Corporation

Before launching your modernization project leveraging Open Mainframe Project Zowe, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the available mainframe connection protocols. REST APIs? FTP? SSH? We’ll cover the available options, the pros and cons of each and how to use them with the Zowe clients – Zowe CLI, Zowe Explorer for VSC and the Zowe Client SDKs.

2:30-3:30 pm: Dispelling the Myths Around Open Source on the Mainframe – John Mertic, Linux Foundation
Wondering if Open Source on the Mainframe is right for you and your organization? Don’t know what you don’t know? Is it myth or fact? Let the experts from within the Linux Foundation Open Mainframe Project help you weed it all out. Fact or fiction, we will help you understand why Open Source on the Mainframe IS right for you and your organization.
2:30-3:30 pm: Mainframe Modernization Trends (Including DevOps) – Len Santalucia and Jerry Edgington, Pellera Technologies
Many different definitions of What mainframe Modernizations encompasses” have been discussed.In this session we will discuss many of them along with examples, and include mainframe Devops!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19:
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Customer Success Stories with Zowe – Joe Winchester, IBM
This talk will cover customer success stories and scenarios where users have been able to deploy and use Zowe technology in real work situations. It will be given jointly with a customer (TBD) to showcase their use of DevOps and operation automation using Zowe CLI and Zowe Explorer.
Wednesday, August 20:
7:30-8:30 am: Skill Up! Mainframe Learning for All – IBM’s Devonte Hawkins, Joe Winchester and Hunter Johnson, Broadcom
As the mainframe industry evolves, so does the need for accessible and engaging learning resources. This panel brings together experts from the Open Mainframe Project (OMP) Education Initiative, the COBOL Programming Course, and Zowe to discuss the future of mainframe education. Moderated from the perspective of an early-career professional, this session will highlight essential learning tools—including the OMP Education Gitbook, COBOL Programming with VS Code, and the Fundamentals for Zowe course—that empower all professionals. Join us for an insightful discussion on how these resources shape the next generation of mainframe talent.
10-11 am: Making the Mainframe Great Again With Zowe Command Line Interface (CLI) – Joe Winchester, IBM and Gene Johnston, Broadcom
The Zowe Command Line Interface opens up IBM z/OS to non mainframers who want to do anything from ad-hoc scripting, building full DevOps automation pipelines, and everything inbetween. By providing simple easy to use intuitive commands to run commands covering everything from listing data sets, submitting jobs, running REXX, as well working with CICS, MQ and Db2, non-mainframers can become versant at how to become mainframers without needing to leave their familiar PC terminal or command window, and embed scripts in their laptop’s existing technology. This talk will cover 101 getting started with Zowe CLI through to advanced tasks such as console commands, substitution variables, and will cover many scenarios for the audience from beginner mainframe students to advanced system programming.
2:30-3:30 pm: How to Captain Your Mainframe’s USS Enterprise Environment – Joe Winchester, IBM; Steven Perva, Ensono; and Reg Harbeck, Mainframe Analytics
This session will show how to become a Unix System Services power user, embracing tools like Z Open Automation Utilities, Z Open Community, ZTI, Access Control Lists, CBT Tape USS utilities, and more … We’ll show with practical examples and demos how and why its crucial for mainframers to understand the capabilities of the USS environment as well as how to configure, secure, and use it as the basis for python and bash scripting. It’s also the platform to enable Linux developers to embrace the z/OS operating system from within the comfort of a modern flexible UTF enabled shell allowing a wider range of open source and other packages to be ported and run on-prem to help continue to make the mainframe less of a steep learning curve for distributed IT staff.
3:45-4:45 pm: Open Source and Industry Standards – Joe Bostian, Chad McIntyre, Frank DeGilio, IBM
Interfaces become industry standard when they are formalized in a specification, or achieve a level of pervasive use. Standards organizations outline rules that governments and other organizations adopt as approved processes. These all have to be expressed in commonformats at public locations, and through widely accepted processes. This is the essence of open source. Come and see how open source affects standards, and how standards are adopted by open source communities.
Learn more about the event or register for it here.

Community Day at TechXchange (Orlando, Florida)
2025-10-06
The Open Mainframe Project will again be featured as part of IBM TechXchange’s Community Day, which will be held on October 6, the first day of the event. Last year, Open Mainframe had record-breaking attendance and a packed agenda highlighting open source and projects including Zowe, Galassa, Mentorship, Mainframe Open Education, COBOL Programming Course, Feilong, Software Discovery Tool, zopen Community and more.
Community Day (Monday, October 6) Schedule

Transforming z/OS Software Management with an Open-First Approach Using Ansible and Zowe
1:30-2:15pm | Room 1 | Jan Prihoda and Rose Sakach (Broadcom)
How to Contribute to Linux on the Mainframe
1:30-2:15pm | Room 2 | Sarah Julia Kriesch (Kyndryl) and Elizabeth Joseph (IBM)
CBT Tape – The Treasure Trove of Mainframe Utilities
2:15-3:00pm | Room 1 | Joe Winchester (IBM) and Reg Harbeck (Mainframe Analytics)
Galasa – Scaling Integration Testing for the Enterprise
2:15-2:35pm | Room 2 | Louisa Denly (IBM)
Skill Up! Mainframe Learning for All
2:40-3:00pm | Room 2 | Kathleen Nordstrom (Broadcom)
Unlock the Full Potential of Zowe Explorer – Essential Tips and Tricks AND What Mainframe Connection Protocols (FTP, SSH, or z/OSMF) Can I use for Zowe Clients?
3:30-4:00pm | Room 1 | Dan Kelosky (Broadcom)
Mastering Mainframe Architectures – Transaction Processing on z/OS AND OpenTelemetry on Mainframe SIG: Progress Updates
3:30-4:00pm | Room 2 | Rudiger Schulze (IBM)
Take your mainframe career to a new level by contributing to Zowe
4:15-5:00pm | Room 1 | Dan Kelosky (Broadcom) and Rose Sakach (Broadcom)
Zelma – z/VM and Linux Modern Administration
4:15-5:00pm | Room 2 | Mike MacIsaac (Sine Nomine Associates)
From Punch Cards to VS Code
4:15-5:00pm | Room 1 | Wolfram Greis (European Mainframe Academy)
A not-to-technical deep dive into Feilong
5:15-6:00pm | Room 2 | Aazam Thakur (Open Mainframe Project Ambassador) and Mike Friessenger (SUSE)

Additional Details
To learn more about these presentations or to add these to your schedule in the Session Catalog – click here.
There will be other Open Mainframe Project sessions and activities at TechXchange. For more details, click here.
Register for Community Day for free using the Open Mainframe code here. (This only registers you for Community Day on Monday, October 6. It does not give you access to the rest of the IBM TechXchange conference.)
Register with the Open Mainframe Project code and link for a 30% discount on the TechXchange conference here.
Open Mainframe Project is planning the content for October 6 as it pertains to the Community Day or Pre-Conference Day. The Linux Foundation and Open Mainframe Project are not managing TechXchange. The main TechXchange event is planned and managed by IBM. Learn more about TechXchange here. If you have questions, please email techxchange@openmainframeproject.org.

IBM TechXchange 2025 (Orlando, FL)
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-09
IBM TechXchange, taking place October 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center and Hilton Orlando, is the ultimate learning hub for developers, technologists, and techies looking to grow their skills. With 400+ learning courses and labs, 150+ available certifications, 1k+ technical events per year and a growing community of over 400k members, IBM TechXchange is on a mission to creating a better future with technology.
Open Mainframe Project will be on-site again at Community Day on Monday, October 6. Check out more details here. Additionally, Open Mainframe will also have several other sessions presented by ambassadors and project leads including:
Monday, October 6:
5:45 – 6:05 PM: The Linux Distributions Working Group as Part of the Open Mainframe Project – Sara Julia Kriesch (Kyndryl)
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Dispelling the Myths Around Open Source on the Mainframe – Len Santalucia and Ken LoCascio (Pellera Tchnologies), Elizabeth Joseph (IBM), Steven Perva (Ensono) and Louisa Denly (IBM)
Wednesday, October 8:
11:00 – 11:20 AM: Credit Agricole: How to use modern tools to facilitate IBM z/OS operations and data access – Francois Delombe (CA-GIP)
11:30 – 11:50 AM: Beyond DevOps: Unlocking New Possibilities with Zowe – Jan Prihoda (Broadcom)
1:30 – 1:50 PM: Achieving Greater Business Agility with VS Code and Hybrid Toolchains – Vaughn Marshall (Broadcom)
2:00 – 3:00 PM: ISPF and/or VS Code Zowe Explorer. how to become a power user in BOTH mainframe file editors – Jim Horne (Lowe’s Companies) and Joe Winchester (IBM)
2:00 – 3:30 PM: Using OpenTelemetry to integrate the mainframe into enterprise-wide observability solutions – Chris Walker, Rudiger Schulze, Ash Mahay (IBM)
Open Mainframe Project will also be in the Open Source Zone in the event expo. Stop by the booth and get your 10th anniversary swag!
Register with the Open Mainframe Project code and link for a 30% discount on the TechXchange conference here.

(Webinar) Culture Speaks: How Internal Communication Shapes What We Believe and How We Behave
2025-10-22 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This experiential session on Wednesday, October 22 at 9-10 am PST explores how internal communication becomes the heartbeat of organizational culture. More than just words, the way we lead, listen, and message—formally and informally—shapes what people believe is possible, safe, and true within an organization. But this won’t be your typical corporate communication workshop. In this session, we listen with our whole selves. We’ll use music and expressive arts to tune into the rhythms of how we speak, lead, and listen. From soundscapes to storytelling, participants will surface the unspoken energy of their organizational culture—and learn to shift it with intention.
Participants will engage in soundscapes, storytelling, and creative exercises that invite reflection on how trust, intentional leadership and transparent communication (these were participants’ insights from the last panel) foster a culture of psychological safety and belonging. Come ready to listen deeply, create boldly, and leave with new strategies to communicate with purpose and intention.
Register for the webinar here.
Making Our Strong Community, Stronger is a collaborative initiative sponsored by BMC, Broadcom Mainframe Software, IBM, Open Mainframe Project, Rocket Software and TechChannel. With a goal of accelerating diversity by sharing different voices, perspectives and corporate cultures, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and most importantly, approachable actions that elevate inclusivity with lasting impact. Join our LinkedIn Group here.

GS UK In-Person Conference 2025 (Whittlebury, Northamptonshire)
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-06
The GSE UK Region Conference, an annual event which takes place on November 3-6, in Whittlebury, Northamptonshire, hosts more than 200 hours of technical training from vendors and GSE members. There are several keynote and plenary sessions and a large number of subject streams, each of which covers a specific area of interest, with serves as a cornerstone for collaboration, learning and advancing the future of enterprise computing. For the second year in a row, Open Mainframe Project will have a stream at the conference.
Monday, November 3

11:00 – 11:45: The Power of the Mainframe Open Education for New Mainframers – Yetunde Obakeye, Linux Foundation/OMP

12:00 – 12:45: Harmonizing Mainframe Ecosystems with a Collaboration Among Linux Distributions – Sarah Julia Kriesch, Kyndryl

13:30 – 14:15: Zowe DevOps as a Curriculum – Richelle Anne Craw, Beta Systems Software AG

14:30 – 15:15: Productive mainframe delivery using open source – a practical demonstration – Bronwyn Davies and Stephen Morgan, PopUp Mainframe Ltd.

15:45 – 16:30: Our Galasa rollout – Joe Sexton, Macro 4 Limited

Tuesday, November 4

10:15 – 11:00: Effective strategies for Git and source control on z/OS – Igor Todorovski and Harithamma D, IBM

11:30 – 12:15: Testing Across Boundaries: z/OS to Cloud with Galasa – Louisa Denly, IBM

12:30 – 13:15: Installing and Configuring Zowe – from Zowe to Enterprise deployment – Jakub Balhar, Broadcom Mainframe Software and Joe Winchester, IBM

14:30 – 15:15: Zowe CLI in Action: Enabling Mainframe Automation and Self-Service Portals – Diego Rodriguez, Broadcom Mainframe Software

15:30 – 16:15: Hidden treasures, advanced features, and administrative tips for Zowe API Mediation Layer – Elliot Jalley, Broadcom Mainframe Software

16:45 – 17:30: Automating Mainframe Operations with REST APIs & Zowe CLI Plug-ins – Joshua Powell and Miroslav Strnad, Broadcom Mainframe Software

Wednesday, November 5

10:00 – 10:45: Build Your First REST API App to Manage Started Tasks – we’ll show you how! – Jan Prihoda and Sergei Krunevich, Broadcom Mainframe Software

11:15 – 12:00: Driving Operational Visibility for Mainframe Infrastructure APIs with Open Telemetry and the Zowe AP – Elliot Jalley, Broadcom Mainframe Software

12:15 – 13:00: From complainer to committer: How I got involved in open source and you can too – Joshua Waters, Next Retail Ltd. and Dave Nice, IBM

14:15 – 15:00: CBT Tape, a treasure trove of powerups no mainframer should be without – Marcus Davage at BMC Software Ltd and Joe Winchester, IBM

15:15 – 16:00: Updating Legacy Code the Open Source Way: Stories from a Maintainer – Oleksandr Hubanov and Germanas Samrickis, Rocket Software UK Ltd

16:30 – 17:15: Instrumenting the Mainframe: An introduction to Modern Observability and OpenTelemetry – Ruediger Schulze and Chris Walker, IBM

Thursday, November 6

10:00 – 10:45: Feilong: Empowering z/VM Adoption – Rajat Sharma, IBM

11:15 – 12:00: The Power Trio: Visualizing Db2 for z/OS with REST, OpenTelemetry, and Grafana – Sujit Neb, BMC Software Ltd

12:15 – 13:00: Zopen: ‘Apt’ly bringing package management to the Mainframe – Russell Wilson, IBM UK LTD.

The full schedule can be found here.
Register for the event here.

IBM Z Day
2025-11-12 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | https://ibmzday2025-vconf.bemyapp.com/#/register
IBM Z Day is a free 1-day enterprise computing virtual conference for anyone and everyone! Hear the latest about IBM Z and LinuxONE, and join our lineup of global thought leaders who will highlight industry trends and innovation spanning AI, Hybrid Cloud, Quantum-Safe Security, and more!

CLI Meets AI: Introducing ZCrafter (Webinar)
2025-12-05 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
ZCrafter is a CLI tool that helps you work with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe systems using AI. You ask questions, analyze code for bugs, troubleshoot errors and get instant answers about mainframe development. Based on Open Mainframe Project’s Zowe, ZCrafter was created by NIU students in the IBM Z Student Ambassador Program.
Join us on Friday, December 5 at 9 am PT/12 pm ET for a presentation that will include an overview and live demo of ZCrafter. The creators will also be sharing their journey into mainframes, their experience with open source, trends in AI and technology and the future of mainframe. Register for the event here.
Speakers: NIU Students Victor Taiwo, Sang Pham, Oyewale Adeoye, and Paris Richards
