Zowe the open source-software from the Open Mainframe Project of the Linux Foundation was originally launched to make it easy for IT specialists with no mainframe experience to be able to access and utilize data and applications on z/OS, using their knowledge and experience of tools that previously weren’t available on mainframes.
The Open
Mainframe Project (OMP) describes Zowe as an open-source software framework for
the mainframe that strengthens integration with modern enterprise processes and
tools, offers vendors and customers the ability to execute on modernization
initiatives with stability, security, interoperability, as well as easy
installation and a continuous delivery model for receiving upgraded features.
On 3 October,
the OMP announced the launch of Zowe’s Long Term Support (LTS) V3 Release.
For mainframers
who are still a little unfamiliar Zowe, the press release tells us that it’s an
integrated and extensible open-source framework for z/OS, and that it comes
with a core set of applications out of the box in combination with the APIs and
OS capabilities future applications will depend on. It offers modern interfaces
to interact with z/OS and allows users to work with z/OS in a way that is
similar to how they will have worked on cloud platforms. Developers can use
these interfaces as delivered or through plug-ins and extensions that are
created by clients or third-party vendors. For example, Zowe V3 offers new
support for the IntelliJ Zowe Explorer plugin as well as the simplified install
wizard.
The press release lists some of the benefits of the LTS V3 including:
- Durability: a refreshed number of core components that make up the software stack to give a secure stable shelf life, which ensures years of use with continued updates and support.
- Stability: the installation and configuration have been stabilized through V3. Organizations can confidently adopt the technology for enterprise use and upgrade when appropriate for their environment, minimizing the risk of disruption.
- Enhanced security: an enhanced security posture by actively monitoring dependencies and upgrading them proactively. This helps mitigate risks associated with outdated or vulnerable dependencies, offering more robust security features compared to earlier versions.
The new release
of Zowe increases product durability, stability, and security with the support
of a large open-source community and a Conformance Program.
Because of my
long association with the Arcati Mainframe Yearbook, I am always pleased to see
its survey results quoted in press releases. This one says: “According to the
Arcati Mainframe Yearbook 2024, the independent annual guide for users of
mainframe systems, 85% of mainframe organizations will be adopting Zowe by the
end of the year or have already adopted it into their modern enterprise
solutions.”
“The continued
success of Zowe as a community-driven project highlights the importance of the
mainframe as an open platform supporting hybrid cloud architectures”, said
George Decandio, chief technology officer, Mainframe Software Division,
Broadcom. “The latest V3 release introduces new components that expand
capabilities to client SDKs and additional IDEs, reflecting Zowe’s ongoing
evolution to meet the needs of the mainframe ecosystem. Notably, this update
enhances the Zowe API Mediation Layer, a key component our customers view as
essential in transforming the role of the mainframe in their multi-platform
environments.”
“Zowe’s
progress underscores a broader commitment to open, interoperable standards,
enabling organizations to maximize the value of their mainframe and IT
infrastructure investments”, said Decandio. “Broadcom is proud to be a leading
contributor to this community and is committed to supporting the project’s
continued growth.”
“Zowe V3 is the
culmination of five years of work by volunteers from around the world”, said
Bruce Armstrong, IBM Z Principal Product Manager at IBM and member of the Zowe
Advisory Council (ZAC). “I am particularly proud of the fact that Zowe has
revolutionized access to z/OS-based services for thousands of next-generation
developers and system programmers that will continue the platform’s success for
decades to come.”
“Rocket
Software is a proud founding contributor of Zowe”, said Tim Willging, Fellow
and VP of Software Engineering at Rocket Software. “It’s been incredible to see
the success and passion of the open-source community in supporting hybrid cloud
initiatives. The expanded capabilities in the V3 release will help accelerate
an organization’s modernization journey and provide them with enhanced
security, maintainability, and scalability needed to match their customers’
needs – now and in the future.”
Zowe is a contributor-led community with participating vendors such as, but are not limited to, Broadcom, IBM, Phoenix Software, Rocket Software, and Vicom Infinity. As a result of their extensive collaboration, the following Zowe extensions have been transformed in Zowe V3:
- Explorer for Intellij provides the developers within the IntelliJ IDEs with the capability to work with the z/OS platform.
- Kotlin and Java SDKs are Generally Available Extensions simplifying interaction with z/OS from the Java and Kotlin applications.
- The IMS service and the current CLI extensions are archived. IBM is working on replacements.
- The Zowe Conformance Program is updated with LTS V3 Guidelines.
Aimed to build a vendor-neutral ecosystem around Zowe, the OMP’s Zowe Conformance Program was launched in 2019. The program has helped OMP members incorporate Zowe with new and existing products that enable integration of mainframe applications and data across the enterprise.
To date, 77
products have implemented extensions based on the Zowe framework and earned
these members conformance badges.
Additional resources
include the Zowe GitHub Repository, the Zowe Community Website, and the Getting
Started documentation site.
The Open
Mainframe Project is an open source initiative that enables collaboration
across the mainframe community to develop shared tool sets and resources. It is
intended to serve as a focal point for deployment and use of Linux and open source
in a mainframe computing environment. With a vision of open source on the mainframe
as the standard for enterprise-class systems and applications, the project’s
mission is to build community and adoption of open source on the mainframe by
eliminating barriers to open source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating
value of the mainframe on technical and business levels, and strengthening
collaboration points and resources for the community to thrive.