An Intellyx Brain Candy Update
Since we last covered VirtualZ Computing in January 2023, the company has matured its mainframe-centric data products and even extended them beyond the mainframe itself.
VirtualZ offers four core products: PropelZ for replicating and transforming enterprise data everywhere (on and off the mainframe); FlowZ for empowering mainframes to access cloud-based files as though they were local; Lozen for enabling cloud apps to read and write mainframe data without moving it; and Zaac for extending mainframe storage to both the cloud and on-premises deployments.
VirtualZ handles all the complex and onerous details behind the scenes, including EBCDIC translation, conversion among various floating point formats, and all the other details that make seamless integration with mainframe data such a slog.
Most mainframe shops are reluctant to install new applications on the platform, in part because such installations can take months. With VirtualZ’s products, in contrast, installation and configuration takes a few hours.
Given enterprise resistance to new mainframe software and the long sales cycles such resistance presents, VirtualZ is getting most of its customer traction from hyperscalers, global SIs, and independent software vendors (ISVs). Recent ISV wins are helping shift VirtualZ’s go-to-market efforts toward that channel.
Intellyx hot take: Enterprise AI initiatives depend upon high-quality, current data. For enterprises whose data is locked away on mainframes, VirtualZ’s products can resolve strategic bottlenecks to enterprise AI adoption.
Intellyx cold take: Convincing mainframe shops to purchase and install new software from a small vendor has always been a tough sell. VirtualZ’s traction among ISVs is a positive sign, but converting such interest into enterprise deals will remain a challenge.
Copyright © Intellyx BV. Intellyx is the change agent industry analysis and advisory firm focused on enterprise transformation. Covering every angle of enterprise IT from mainframes to artificial intelligence, our broad focus across technologies empowers business executives, IT professionals, and software vendors to leverage disruptive trends to succeed in a dynamic business environment. None of the vendors mentioned in this article is an Intellyx customer. No AI was used to produce this article. To be considered for a Brain Candy article, email us at pr@intellyx.com.
