IBM Discontinues PC-Based Advancement Tool for Mainframe Software
IBM is ending support for its System z Personal Development Tool, a software kit allowing developers to build and test applications for teh company’s mainframe systems on standard PCs. The move signals a shift towards cloud-based development environments for IBM Z applications,impacting independent software vendors (ISVs) who previously relied on the tool for localized development and testing.
The discontinuation, first reported by The Register, affects ISVs building software for the IBM Z mainframe. Previously, the tool offered a cost-effective way to begin development without requiring immediate access to expensive mainframe hardware. IBM is now directing developers to its new, upgraded IBM z/OS hosted on-demand program for ISVs, a turnkey solution providing on-demand z/OS environments running on Linux, hosted within IBM datacenters. This transition reflects a broader industry trend toward cloud-based development and potentially streamlines IBM’s maintenance and AI integration efforts.
According to IBM,the new hosted program offers improved performance,security,and user experience for its ISV community. Each provisioned environment is based on the IBM z/OS Standard Image, incorporating the latest software maintenance.
“IBM is focused on improved performance, security and user experience for our ISV community.IBM is pleased to offer a new, upgraded IBM z/OS hosted on-demand program for isvs, providing a turnkey, simplified experience,” an IBM spokesperson told The Register.
Omdia Chief Analyst Roy illsley suggested the change may be driven by cost savings and the potential for faster AI development. “My best guess is that it is about cost, having a single cloud-based environment is cheaper to maintain, and with AI they can build an AI agent faster and quicker in the cloud so that specific mainframe knowledge becomes less of an issue for them,” he said.
IBM also offers the Z Development and test environment (ZD&T), which allows z/OS software to run on x86-compatible systems or cloud instances through emulation.when asked if ZD&T would also be discontinued, IBM stated the hosted on-demand program is “designed to be the best fit for the needs of ISVs in the IBM Z ecosystem.”
The open-source Hercules emulator remains an choice, though it is indeed unlicensed and lacks an operating system, and IBM does not endorse its use.
