Kyndryl Unveils AI-Powered Mainframe Modernization Services with Microsoft Cloud

In an exciting development in the tech world, Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) has recently launched a robust suite of AI-powered mainframe modernization services leveraging the comprehensive capabilities of Microsoft Cloud. This strategic partnership is aimed at helping enterprises move away from legacy systems to a more agile, cloud-centered infrastructure. With a staggering 96% of enterprises reportedly migrating workloads to the cloud, according to Kyndryl’s 2024 Mainframe Modernization Survey, the timing could not be better.

The Modernization Imperative​

As businesses evolve, so do their technological demands. Aging mainframe systems, which once formed the backbone of many enterprises, are becoming increasingly cumbersome, challenging the agility needed in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Kyndryl’s newly introduced services aim to address this challenge head-on, offering an end-to-end solution for modernizing mainframe applications. By integrating advanced AI capabilities through Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot, and Azure DevOps, Kyndryl is set to transform the way organizations utilize their mainframe resources.

Key Features of Kyndryl's New Services​

The newly unveiled services encompass five essential pathways to modernization, each designed to cater to specific enterprise needs:

• Systems Integration: Kyndryl enables businesses to create new cloud-native applications using the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework. This service also supports re-platforming existing applications, thus ensuring seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments.
• Data Governance: The utilization of Azure SQL Managed Instance alongside mainframe replication software allows businesses to synchronize their datasets. This ensures that data governance practices can be implemented effectively across both cloud and mainframe establishments.
• Application Modernization: Through modern development techniques such as microservices and DevOps support, Kyndryl’s framework encourages rapid innovation. This enables companies to quickly adopt cloud-native architectures, significantly enhancing their application portfolios.
• AI Deployment: Leveraging Kyndryl's extensive AI knowledge, businesses can now unlock value from their data. The integration of Microsoft technologies like Power BI and Microsoft Fabric allows users to gain insights and visualizations without straining their legacy systems.
• Security: With the computing landscape increasingly fraught with security threats, Kyndryl’s incorporation of Microsoft Sentinel and zero-trust frameworks provides robust security measures, helping companies comply with regulatory requirements and maintain a secure environment.

The Market Context​

The enthusiasm surrounding these services stems from a significant demand for modernizing mainframe applications in response to digital transformation accelerations. Notably, the partnership between Kyndryl and Microsoft not only boosts service offerings but also enhances market positioning. As noted, a whopping 86% of respondents from Kyndryl’s survey are looking to rapidly adopt AI in their modernization efforts, indicating that businesses are eager to leverage cutting-edge technologies to overcome the constraints of legacy systems.
Shelly Blackburn, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, emphasized the collaboration's potential, stating, "With Microsoft's generative AI capabilities, and Kyndryl's mainframe modernization services, we can help customers leverage the Microsoft Cloud to drive innovation and realize new value from their data and mainframe applications."

Broader Implications​

This strategic alliance represents a significant shift in how enterprises can manage their IT infrastructure. As organizations increasingly turn to the cloud, the importance of ensuring that data is not only accessible but also properly governed becomes paramount. The five-path modernization approach allows organizations to focus on what matters most—the effective alignment of their IT investments with business goals.
Moreover, this shift is indicative of broader industry trends where companies are not only migrating workloads to the cloud but also actively exploring AI integration to unlock new business opportunities. With Kyndryl positioned as a thought leader in this niche, it stands to capture a substantial portion of the burgeoning modernization market.

Conclusion​

In summary, Kyndryl's new end-to-end mainframe modernization services mark a pivotal moment for businesses looking to transition into the cloud era while maintaining the integrity of their core applications. With the combined expertise of Kyndryl and Microsoft, enterprises are now equipped to navigate the complexities of modernization with confidence, ensuring they remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
As Kyndryl and Microsoft chart the course for cloud-based transformation, businesses looking to modernize can now look forward to enhanced security, innovative development practices, and, most importantly, a future where their legacy systems do not hold them back from leveraging emerging technologies. Are you ready to modernize? Engage with us in the comments below!

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Source: Stock Titan Kyndryl Launches AI-Powered Mainframe Services with Microsoft Cloud

 

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In an exciting development for enterprises juggling legacy systems with modern cloud demands, Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, has unveiled a groundbreaking suite of services aimed at customers looking to modernize their mainframe applications through Microsoft Cloud technologies. The launch took place on November 14, 2024, and promises to shake up how organizations leverage their existing mainframe assets while harnessing cutting-edge technologies like generative AI.

Comprehensive Mainframe Modernization Services​

Kyndryl's new portfolio features end-to-end services tailored for enterprises eager to transition from traditional mainframe environments to the more flexible and scalable architecture that Microsoft Azure provides. This modernization strategy offers five distinct pathways, enabling businesses to select a path that best aligns with their operational needs and long-term goals. Let's dive deeper into these paths and their implications for organizations:

1. Systems Integration​

Kyndryl's integration services facilitate the creation of cloud-native applications using the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure. This approach allows businesses to simultaneously migrate and re-platform existing applications. Importantly, Kyndryl integrates Azure DevSecOps pipelines into the mainframe ecosystem, enabling businesses to maintain agility by incorporating automated testing and consistent code scanning processes.

2. Data Governance​

The necessity for governance cannot be overstated, especially as more enterprises seek to transition critical data into cloud environments. By synchronizing mainframe data with Azure SQL Managed Instance, Kyndryl enables organizations to uphold robust data governance practices using Azure Purview. This capability ensures sensitive data remains protected during the transition.

3. Application Modernization​

Kyndryl encourages rapid innovation by incorporating technologies such as Azure cloud-native architectures and microservices into mainframe application development. This modern approach enhances the operational effectiveness of legacy systems while supporting robust monitoring and real-time performance analytics.

4. AI Deployment​

Generative AI stands at the forefront of innovation, and Kyndryl is helping customers leverage this potential through Microsoft Fabric. By contextualizing cloud-based data alongside real-time mainframe data, organizations can utilize powerful analytics tools like Microsoft Copilot and Power BI to visualize data and derive actionable insights—all without burdening the mainframe.

5. Security Enhancements​

Security is paramount, especially in hybrid IT environments. Kyndryl integrates Microsoft Sentinel and other authentication frameworks to provide a cohesive security posture across platforms. This results in a single, auditable control layer that supports regulatory compliance, addressing pressing security and regulatory challenges in modern cloud deployments.

Navigating Change in the Digital Landscape​

As organizations accelerate towards cloud adoption — as evidenced by Kyndryl's surveys indicating that 86% of respondents are swiftly aligning with AI to enhance mainframe modernization — the implications for cross-industry innovation are profound. With nearly half of these businesses looking to utilize generative AI for actionable insights, Kyndryl’s services are timely. The collaboration with Microsoft is designed not just to modernize workloads but to drive meaningful transformation, enabling data-driven decision-making at every organizational level.

A Look At the Bigger Picture​

The partnership between Kyndryl and Microsoft is indicative of larger trends within the IT and cloud service industries, highlighting a significant shift towards hybrid IT solutions and generative AI applications. As enterprises face increasing pressure to innovate amid economic uncertainties and operational challenges, solutions that integrate legacy systems with cloud functions will likely proliferate.

Conclusion​

Kyndryl's new modernization services with Microsoft promise to be a game-changer for organizations trapped in the complexities of mainframe applications while yearning for the agility that modern cloud infrastructure offers. As businesses embrace these advancements, the opportunity to extract more value from their significant legacy investments through scalable, AI-driven cloud environments has never been more attainable.
If you're curious about what these changes mean for your enterprise or looking to embark on a modernization journey, Kyndryl may just be the partner you need. The path to innovation is looking clearer, and the time to act is now.

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Source: PR Newswire Kyndryl and Microsoft unveil new application modernization services and generative AI capabilities for mainframe customers adopting Microsoft Cloud