IBM Z and LinuxONE Ecosystem Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the powerhouse of healthcare IT—the mainframe. From patient management to accounting and medical records, the mainframe continues to deliver unmatched reliability and scalability for healthcare organizations. We’ll explore how mainframe systems enable agility in workflows, simplify the process of upskilling, and integrate seamlessly with AI to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Whether you’re a healthcare IT professional, a mainframe enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of digital health, this episode will show you why the mainframe remains a cornerstone of modern healthcare innovation.

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Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.

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Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

Behind every mission-critical transaction is data that must be available, resilient, and fast. In this episode, we explore how modern storage management keeps core enterprise systems running smoothly while adapting to new business demands. From automation to optimization, discover how smarter approaches to storage deliver real impact where it matters most—the customer experience.

Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.

And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

When global companies need to move massive amounts of data—securely and without delays—they rely on something powerful: the mainframe. In this episode, we’re joined by experts from Capgemini to explore how Connect:Direct helps enterprises transfer critical files quickly, reliably, and securely—far beyond what email or traditional FTP can handle. From syncing systems across continents to powering high-stakes data flows in industries like banking, healthcare, and retail, this trusted solution bridges the gap between mainframe strength and hybrid cloud flexibility. Tune in to hear real-world insights on how the tech you don’t see keeps the world moving.

Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.

And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

When you hear the word "debugging," you might picture someone tweaking a line of code or chasing down the cause of an error message. But in reality, debugging is much more than cosmetic — it’s where some of the most critical thinking in software development happens. On IBM Z—where stability, scale, and performance are non-negotiable—debugging becomes a mission-critical task that requires deep visibility and precision to ensure complex applications run flawlessly. Join us as we explore the high-stakes world of debugging on IBM Z—where precision matters, and where even small miscalculations can have big consequences. Learn how ColeSoft is helping developers stay ahead of issues before they impact production.

Stay Connected

Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.

And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!

Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

This episode features Dr. Herbert Daly, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. When Herb first approached his Head of Department about adding mainframes to the curriculum, he was told it was a great idea—but the curriculum is only reviewed every five years, and the last review had just happened six months prior. So, he was advised to check back in four and a half years. Unfazed, Herb went beyond a formal mainframe curriculum! 

He explains, “In teaching Computer Science, the topics are quite generic, and mainframes fit into many areas like cybersecurity, data science, and more. There are plenty of opportunities to include mainframe learning.”

Herb believes real deep learning happens outside the formal curriculum. He actively engages the student community through clubs, societies, guest talks, and industry events. These efforts bring practitioners directly to students and help build practical skills and enthusiasm for the mainframe world.

His students often say, “I would like to be the person who knows everything about something as big and important as mainframe!”

Key takeaway:

This is the golden age of mainframe learning! there's never been a better time to get involved with the mainframe community.

Find out about BEAMS, MASS and HEARTZ ……

🎧 Tune in to hear how Herb’s approach is inspiring students and opening new doors in mainframe education!

Resources

Visit the IBM Z Educator Hub User Group on the IBM Z and LinuxONE Community for IBM Z educators to find the latest communications, news and events, as well as collaborate and network. Check out technical lecture’s, blogs, events, videos, discussions, and more. 

Join here .

Subscribe to “The z/Education!” Podcast. Each month we talk to IBM Z Educators from around the world on their success stories, journeys and their best practices.

In this energizing episode, we explore the journey of a mainframe professional who has embraced innovation while making advocacy and mentorship central to their mission. This story highlights the power of mainframes in the AI era and the support gained from trailblazing women mentors. It showcases themes of growth, inclusion, and the global connections within the mainframe community. The episode emphasizes that mainframes are not just relevant; they are essential. Whether you are new to enterprise tech or a long-time enthusiast, this episode will inspire you and illuminate what it means to be a mainframer today.

Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.
And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

This episode features Geoffrey Decker, an instructor in Computer Science at the Northern Illinois University (NIU) and a firm believer in quality over quantity when teaching programming. Geoffrey encourages getting students “down and dirty into the programming” — not just teaching theory or showing pictures — so they truly “program and really test their skills.” 

His goal? 

Geoffrey wants students to learn so well that “they can teach themselves advanced techniques.” 

Advice to educators: 

His message is clear: “No teacher of programming should just be a droner. Don’t drone — bring your enthusiasm and a solid, positive attitude to teaching.” This mindset transformed his tough Assembler class into an engaging experience that sparked students’ interest to sign up for and continue with advanced Mainframe courses. 

Don’t miss the rapid-fire questions at the end — you won’t believe how many vinyl LPs and CDs he owns! If you guess right, let me know!! 

🎧 Don’t miss this motivating conversation with Geoffrey!  

Resources 

Visit the IBM Z Educator Hub User Group on the IBM Z and LinuxONE Community for IBM Z educators to find the latest communications, news and events, as well as collaborate and network. Check out technical lecture’s, blogs, events, videos, discussions, and more.  

Join here 

Subscribe to “The z/Education!” Podcast. Each month we talk to IBM Z Educators from around the world on their success stories, journeys and their best practices. 

This episode features Scott Piersall, a lecturer at the University of North Florida’s School of Computing. Scott’s journey into academia is anything but traditional—after high school, he had no plans to attend college. But after years of experience in the industry, he discovered a passion for teaching and is now pursuing a Ph.D. with a focus on machine learning. 

The lifelong learning takeaway? Keep your mind and options open—to new ideas, new directions, and new possibilities. 

Scott encourages his students to be bold, reminding them: “The answer is always No until you ask.” His message to mainframe professionals thinking about moving into academia is just as clear: “Don’t hesitate! Go for it—it’s fun and deeply rewarding!” 

🎧 Don’t miss this compelling conversation with Scott! 

Resources 

Visit the IBM Z Educator Hub User Group on the IBM Z and LinuxONE Community for IBM Z educators to find the latest communications, news and events, as well as collaborate and network. Check out technical lecture’s, blogs, events, videos, discussions, and more.  

Join here 

Subscribe to “The z/Education!” Podcast. Each month we talk to IBM Z Educators from around the world on their success stories, journeys and their best practices. 

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses need platforms that don’t just keep up—they need ones that drive them forward. IBM Z and LinuxONE rise to this challenge by combining open-source flexibility with enterprise-grade performance, security, and resiliency. By leveraging open technology solutions, these platforms are empowering industries around the world to innovate at scale.

One of the most exciting developments in this space is the collaboration between Canonical—the company behind Ubuntu—and IBM. Together, they’re bringing the power of Ubuntu to IBM Z and LinuxONE, unlocking new opportunities from traditional strongholds like banking and finance to emerging sectors.

In this episode you will you'll gain fresh perspectives and real-world examples of how this partnership is driving success across industries, helping organizations modernize with agility and confidence by leveraging their current investment.

Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.

And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

About the Podcast
The road from junior professional to Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a long but rewarding journey, paved with learning, mentorship, and strategic career moves. This podcast serves as a guidepost for early-career professionals, tackling key challenges such as finding mentors, gaining visibility, and building expertise. Through engaging discussions and actionable strategies, we aim to help individuals stay on course and accelerate their journey on the road to becoming SMEs.

Join us on our first episode of the New to Z: Road to SME Podcast, where Joe shares his insights and expertise on the latest developments in mainframe innovation.
Joe Winchester is a Senior Technical Staff Manager and Master Inventor at IBM, known for his leadership in open-source mainframe innovation. A core contributor to Zowe since 2019, he serves on its Technical Steering Committee and helps guide the project’s evolution and community engagement. In 2024, he helped launch Zowe 3.0 and the IBMz AIOps Corner podcast, spotlighting voices across the mainframe industry. As an Open Mainframe Project Ambassador, Joe brings topics like quantum-safe encryption and resilience to global open-source and academic forums.