IBM Z Customer Council – Birmingham, AL
-
June 9, 2026
12:15 AM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT
Join us!
The mainframe landscape is continually changing. We will introduce you to the most exciting new developments on the platform.
To start the day, Deigo Bessone will introduce one of IBM’s most recent acquisitions – HashiCorp – a leading lifecycle automation tool. See how its solutions – Terraform, Vault, and Nomad on IBM Z – can help you modernize infrastructure, reduce operational complexity, and increase automation across your hybrid environment.
After lunch, Kenny Stine will walk you through what to expect at every stage of the transition from older systems to a new IBM z17. He’ll explore the key enhancements in the z17’s physical hardware architecture, highlight important updates in HCD/IOCP configuration, and outline additional considerations that can impact planning and implementation. Whether you’re updating a single environment or orchestrating a complex, multi system migration, you’ll leave with a practical understanding of the changes, dependencies, and best practices needed to ensure a smooth delivery of your new z17.
Next, Prasad Raj will explore how to progress your application modernization initiatives with AI. He will demonstrate watsonx Code Assistant for Z and project Bob. This AI-assisted offering gives teams faster insight into complex assets like COBOL programs, dependencies, and business logic, helping organizations confidently modernize core Z applications.
To end the day, Leigh Compton will give an update on CICS Transaction Server. She will cover both improvements targeted for developers and those for CICS administrators. The session will cover key highlights including Zero Trust strategy adoption, support for OpenTelemetry, and artificial intelligence (AI) agents.
AGENDA
*Times listed are in Central Daylight Time Zone
| 10:45 AM | Arrival and Check – in |
| 11:15 AM | Opening Remarks |
| 11:20 AM | HashiCorp Introduction Diego Bessone, IBM |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | What to expect when expecting a new IBM z17 Kenny Stine, IBM |
| 2:00 PM | IBM Bob and watsonx Code Assistant for Z Prasad Raj, IBM |
| 3:00 PM | Break |
| 3:15 PM | IBM CICS Transaction Server – what’s new Leigh Compton, IBM |
| 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour |
| 6:00 PM | Departure |
For more information, contact your IBM representative, Kenishia Callaway – [email protected].
| * NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT OWNED ENTITIES At this IBM function, IBM is providing lunch and/or promotional items and considers this a normal business courtesy. U.S. Federal government regulations and some state or local government agencies do not permit their employees to accept food or refreshments from contractors doing business with them. IBM provides this notice to assist you in ensuring that your acceptance of the amenities is in compliance with your employer’s internal policies. If your receipt of the amenities during your attendance and participation in the event presents an issue, please advise IBM, and plan for alternate meal options. |