Mainframe Modernization with Microsoft Azure

Kyndryl and Microsoft have partnered to deliver a comprehensive solution for mainframe modernization. Our fully managed consulting engagement enables enterprises to transition workloads and data to Microsoft Azure smoothly, addressing unique business needs and regulatory requirements while minimizing risks and maximizing ROI.

Customer Challenges in Mainframe Modernization

Kyndryl and Microsoft can help address the many challenges in executing a mainframe modernization program.

• Actionable Data Insights: Organization may struggle to transform mainframe data into actionable intelligence and insights.
• Skills Gaps: Finding skilled and experienced professionals to manage, maintain and effectively modernize mainframes.
• Integration & Scalability: Traditional mainframe systems can be rigid and difficult to scale and integrate with modern technologies and platforms.
• Security & Business Continuity: Security is the No1 driver of mainframe modernization investments thus system availability is paramount during the modernization process.
• Enterprise-Wide Observability: Organizations struggle to gain enterprise-wide operational insights that can help them improve operational efficiency.

Solution Overview

Kyndryl and Microsoft employ a step-by-step approach, aligning Customers business priorities with modernization goals to ensure each project delivers meaningful business outcomes:

Step 1: Consult-Led Engagement (1-2 Days)

A joint session with key stakeholders reviews the mainframe estate and business requirements, leading to an assessment report covering:

• Customer business drivers and desired outcomes
• Mainframe transformation scope and high-level milestones

Step 2: Discovery Phase (4-Weeks)

Guided by Kyndryl experts, this phase offers five distinct paths to Mainframe Modernization, customized to meet business outcomes. The deliverable is a Statement of Work covering:

• Systems Integration
• Application Modernization
• Secure Data Synchronization
• AI Deployment
• Enhanced Security Measures

*4 Weeks duration, depending on complexity

Step 3: Mainframe Modernization Transformation

This phase implements the defined scope, timeline, and deliverables from Step 2, ensuring service continuity with robust change and risk management practices.

Step 4: Service Delivery & Ongoing Management

Post-transformation, Kyndryl focuses on managing Azure-based data and applications, integrating with Kyndryl Bridge for ongoing operations, and delivering sustained business value.

Customer Business Outcomes

Empowering Transformation: Kyndryl’s unified service model helps organizations address skills gaps, integrate legacy systems with cloud resources, reduce time to market, accelerate ROI whiles utilizing Microsoft technologies around AI Design and Copilot deployment.

Operational Efficiency: With Kyndryl Bridge and AIOps, we enable early detection and resolution of anomalies, supporting stability across hybrid environments.

Sustainability Goals: Modernization efforts contribute to environmental impact reduction, supporting sustainability objectives.

Why Kyndryl?

Kyndryl stands out as a leader in mainframe modernization through our deep expertise, proven methodologies, and end-to-end solutions tailored to address the complex needs of today’s enterprises. With our extensive experience in both mainframe and cloud environments, we ensure a seamless, secure, and cost-effective transition to Microsoft Azure.

Our unique value:

• Comprehensive, fully managed services that minimize transformational risk and maximize return on investment
• Dedicated team of mainframe and Azure experts to guide every step of your modernization journey
• Commitment to operational excellence, ensuring business continuity and security throughout the transition
• Advanced capabilities in AIOps and Kyndryl Bridge for proactive monitoring and management across hybrid environments