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Exploring the Findings of the 2025 BMC Mainframe Survey

The 20th Annual BMC Mainframe Survey has unveiled a significant transformation within the mainframe ecosystem, showcasing renewed confidence and shifting perspectives on its development, largely driven by a younger workforce. In a notable exploration, this year's survey indicates that an overwhelming 97% of practitioners view the mainframe positively, marking the pinnacle of optimism surrounding this established technology platform.

Released by BMC, a leader in software solutions, the survey highlights an upward trend in the acceptance and modernization of mainframes, particularly among millennial and Gen Z professionals. This demographic now represents 66% of the mainframe workforce, a remarkable rise from just 37% in 2018. Their involvement heralds a new era for mainframe technology, embracing advancements in automation, AIOps, and generative AI as essential components of modern IT strategies.

Shifting Perspectives on Mainframe Technology

Historically, the mainframe has been considered an essentially stable yet somewhat antiquated platform. However, this survey reveals that the current workforce is reimagining the mainframe's role in today’s digital landscape. There's a collective push for modernization and optimization practices that leverage innovative technologies to align the mainframe with the demands of today's businesses.

Steven Dickens, CEO of HyperFRAME Research, articulated this shift: “The mainframe has always been the backbone of enterprise systems, but its role is being redefined. With a digitally native workforce driving the dialogue, it’s now seen as a critical tool for fostering innovation and gaining a competitive edge.” He further emphasized the need for organizations to adapt their strategies to harness the full potential of mainframe capabilities, especially in the context of cloud computing and AI workflows.

AIOps: A Priority for IT Operations

One of the most notable developments from this year’s report is the remarkable rise of AIOps. While compliance and security measurements have historically dominated mainframe priorities, AIOps has emerged as a pivotal focus area. 53% of respondents indicated their intent to leverage generative AI for managing AIOps complexities, illustrating a substantial shift in operational strategies. Moreover, 65% of participants are already utilizing generative AI within their mainframe environments, with 74% considering it vital to their operational strategies over the next two years.

The trend of adopting agentic AI, which not only alerts users but also autonomously suggests actions or carries them out, signals a growing trust in intelligent automation. This evolution indicates a readiness to not just react to alerts but to allow AI to manage complex processes, such as determining backup schedules.

Financial Services Embrace Mainframe Growth

Particularly telling is the financial services sector's perspective on mainframe technology. An impressive 96% of financial service respondents have a positive outlook, underscoring the platform’s role as a launchpad for innovation. Many expect ongoing organic growth supported by their core systems, illustrating the mainframe's importance in sustaining crucial operations and paving the way for new applications.

From a cost optimization standpoint, 58% of financial services insiders emphasize this as a critical concern, followed closely by security issues at 53%. Yet, the conversation has shifted from merely sustaining existing operations to actively seeking out automation and modernization as critical strategies for industry advancement.

John McKenny, SVP at BMC, remarked on this transformation: “Two decades ago, discussions about the mainframe mostly centered on its longevity. Today's dialogue has drastically evolved. This year’s findings show that the mainframe is not simply enduring but flourishing, driving a new generation of applications vital to digital transformation initiatives.”

Conclusion

As the BMC Mainframe Survey indicates, the mainframe's journey is far from over. Instead, it is witnessing a resurgence led by a younger workforce eager to integrate new technologies. With a renewed focus on compliance, security, and AIOps, the mainframe is set to play a crucial role in how businesses will navigate their digital transformations in the coming years.

For further insights, BMC invites industry professionals to download the full survey report and participate in the upcoming webinar scheduled for September 25, 2025.