zDevOps Implementation: Streamlining Mainframe Development with

• Posted by abi naya March 28, 2023 - Filed in Technology - 230 views

  Introduction

  Mainframe development has traditionally been a siloed, manual process with long development cycles and high risk of errors. However, with the advent of zDevOps, it is now possible to apply DevOps principles and practices to mainframe development, enabling faster, more reliable software delivery. In this article, we'll explore the key concepts and strategies for implementing zDevOps in your organization. mainframe modernization companies

  What is zDevOps?

  zDevOps is a set of DevOps practices and tools specifically designed for mainframe development. It enables mainframe development teams to leverage the same principles and practices as other software development teams, including agile methodologies, continuous integration and delivery, and automated testing and deployment.

  Key Strategies for zDevOps Implementation

  1. Breaking Down Silos

  One of the key challenges in mainframe development is silos, where development and operations teams work independently and lack visibility into each other's processes. To implement zDevOps, it is essential to break down these silos and create a more collaborative culture. Some ways to do this include:

  • Cross-functional Teams: Create cross-functional teams that include both development and operations team members, and encourage collaboration and communication across teams.
  • Shared Goals: Establish shared goals and metrics for the entire development lifecycle, from planning and design to testing and deployment.
  • DevOps Culture: Foster a DevOps culture that values collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

  2. Automating Processes

  Automation is a critical component of zDevOps, enabling mainframe development teams to streamline processes, reduce errors, and accelerate software delivery. Some areas to consider automating include:

  • Continuous Integration and Delivery: Use tools like Jenkins or GitLab to automate the build, test, and deployment process.
  • Automated Testing: Use tools like Zowe or IBM Rational Test Workbench to automate functional testing, and tools like IBM z/OS Provisioning Toolkit to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
  • Code Quality: Use tools like SonarQube or CAST Highlight to automate code analysis and ensure code quality.

  3. Embracing Agile Methodologies

  Agile methodologies are an essential component of zDevOps, enabling mainframe development teams to respond quickly to changing business needs and deliver software in a more iterative and incremental way. Some key agile practices to consider include:

  • Scrum: Use the Scrum framework to enable more collaborative, iterative development, with regular sprints and reviews.
  • Kanban: Use the Kanban framework to visualize and manage workflow, enabling teams to identify and address bottlenecks and improve overall efficiency.
  • User Stories: Use user stories to define requirements and prioritize development tasks based on business value.

  4. Monitoring and Feedback

  Monitoring and feedback are critical components of zDevOps, enabling mainframe development teams to identify issues and improve overall software quality. Some tools and techniques to consider include:

  • Application Performance Monitoring (APM): APM tools like IBM Application Performance Management can help you monitor application performance and identify bottlenecks or other issues.
  • Logging and Analytics: Use tools like IBM Log Analysis with LogDNA or Elastic Stack to centralize and analyze log data, making it easier to identify issues and troubleshoot problems.
  • Feedback Loops: Implement feedback loops throughout the development lifecycle, including user testing and customer feedback, to ensure that software is meeting business needs.

  Conclusion

  zDevOps enables mainframe development teams to leverage the same DevOps principles and practices as other software development teams, enabling faster, more reliable software delivery. By breaking down silos, automating processes, embracing agile methodologies, and monitoring and providing feedback, organizations can implement zDevOps mainframe outsourcing