Mainframes remain a critical foundation for many enterprises, offering unmatched reliability, security, and performance. However, one of the biggest challenges organizations face is enhancing mainframe user interfaces and integrating legacy applications with modern web and cloud systems.
In a recent episode of the IBM Z Action podcast, Sebastian Dewar, CTO of Virtel’s mainframe division, shared insights on mainframe UI transformation and API-based integration. This article summarizes the key topics discussed and explores how specific solutions can help businesses enhance their legacy applications.
Why Modernize Mainframe User Interfaces ?
Many enterprises still rely on 3270-based applications, but these legacy interfaces present several challenges:
⚠️ Outdated UI requiring extensive user training.
⚠️ High maintenance costs associated with traditional 3270 emulation.
⚠️ Lack of integration with modern cloud and web services.
Traditional UI modernization approaches often require long, complex, and expensive redevelopment projects, forcing organizations to rethink their entire application architecture.
A Game-Changer for UI Enhancement
Rather than rewriting applications from scratch, discover a solution that offers a fast and effective alternative.
🎯 A No-Code Approach
With Virtel Screen Redesigner allows organizations to modernize 3270 screens without modifying application code. Using an intuitive editor, teams can convert outdated screens into modern web interfaces with buttons, dropdown menus, and interactive fields.
🎯 Fast and Secure Deployment
A real-world customer case shared in the podcast highlights the power of Virtel Screen Redesigner: a company modernized 1,600 CICS screens in just eight months with a small team of 2–3 mainframe developers. The new UI was rolled out without disrupting business operations, and users didn’t even realize they were still working on a mainframe system!
🎯 Reduced Risks & Costs
➡️ No changes to existing application code, lower risk of errors.
➡️ Parallel deployment allows users to choose between the legacy and modern UI.
➡️ Less training required thanks to an improved, intuitive user experience.
The Role of APIs in Mainframe Modernization
APIs are now the standard for integrating mainframe applications with modern systems. As Sebastian Dewar pointed out, while MQ Series was the go-to solution 20 years ago, today’s modernization efforts are focused on API-first integration.
With Virtel Web Integration, organizations can:
✅ Expose 3270 transactions as REST or SOAP APIs with no changes to the mainframe application.
✅ Enable seamless interactions between mainframes and web, cloud, or mobile applications.
✅ Simplify and reduce the cost of modernization projects.
By leveraging APIs, businesses can connect legacy applications to new platforms without disruption.
Future Trends for Mainframe
What’s next for mainframe? According to Sebastian Dewar, three major trends are shaping the future:
📌 Cloud Computing – Major cloud providers are investing in mainframe-compatible solutions, increasing hybrid cloud adoption.
📌 Security – IBM is pioneering quantum-safe encryption, reinforcing the mainframe’s position as the most secure platform.
📌 Artificial Intelligence – AI-driven analytics and automation are being integrated to optimize mainframe operations.
Conclusion
Mainframe evolution is a strategic priority for enterprises looking to enhance user experience, reduce costs, and improve integration with modern IT ecosystems. Virtel Web Suite offers an innovative, cost-effective, and risk-free approach, enabling organizations to modernize quickly and efficiently.
💡 Security – IBM is pioneering quantum-safe encryption, reinforcing the mainframe’s position as the most secure platform.
👉 Learn more about Virtel at www.virtelweb.com
👉Get access to z/Action podcast
Topics: 3270 Emulation, Mainframe, Mainframe Modernization, 3270 modernization, Virtel, WebEnablement, APIs, LegacyTransformation