CA unveils Mainframe 2.0 update for enhanced system management

CA has unveiled the latest update to its Mainframe 2.0 management system, touting functions aimed at helping firms reduce the cost of running the technology and prepare for the imminent retirement of a generation of mainframe IT experts.

Mark Combs, senior vice president for the mainframe business unit at CA Technologies, explained to V3.co.uk that, as mainframe managers start to reach retirement age, the onus is on vendors like CA to update tools for the new generation.

"Mainframes are often managed by small numbers of people and you can't expect to start teaching new staff 40 years of mainframe technology, so we've worked to make our tool more user-friendly for the next generation," he said.

"This means modernising the tool and simplifying management to run along the lines of technology that is akin to web browsers or desktop applications."

As such, the Mainframe Software Manager tool has been updated with a browser-based interface to help manage the automation of processes.

Furthermore, the Endevor Software Change Manager has been given an updated user interface. It can now be accessed through the web via other CA technologies such as CA Clarity and CA Service Desk, and also through smartphones.

CA confirmed that there would be no charge for the upgrade for customers with maintenance accounts, and that the products would be available from Wednesday.