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| Figure 1 – Topaz on AWS Image Courtesy of Compuware, Inc. |
In an industry first, Compuware provides cloud access to modern mainframe development via Topaz. Developers can enjoy the same user experience on the cloud as if Topaz was locally installed while fully leveraging all the security, performance, flexibility, reliability, scalability and accessibility features of the AWS platform.
Topaz on AWS leverages Amazon AppStream[1] 2.0 technology, a fully managed, secure application streaming service that allows applications to be streamed from AWS to devices running a web browser. Now, all of Topaz’s rich capabilities and more are accessible anywhere through the most popular web interfaces including IE/Edge, Chrome and Firefox. The power of Topaz is accessible regardless of the device used, be it a Windows, Mac or Chromebook desktop system.
Compuware’s patent-pending technology provides an intuitive, streamlined configuration menu that leverages AWS best practices, and makes it easy for systems administrators to quickly and easily configure their Topaz on AWS infrastructure, customized to their specific needs, in a few simple steps.
Enterprises can scale the number of development environments up or down depending on their needs. Developers have fast access to new features and functionality that Compuware makes available every 90 days without administrators having to distribute, load, recompile, modify and test multiple individual systems or installations. Efforts to modernize mainframe operations and capabilities happen faster with fewer delays and without requiring the involvement of critical IT staff.
Compuware and Amazon have created a highly performant, secure and fluid developer experience. Once developers launch Topaz on AWS, they can access datasets and data files, analyze applications, make code changes and manage other mainframe tasks using the Topaz suite of tools as if the user environment was locally installed.
Some architectural benefits of AWS
An important feature is that this implementation fully leverages all of the unique enterprise product strengths of the AWS cloud architecture. These include:
- · Security – individual secure deployment applied and management on a per account basis – with built-in automated security management services to review policies and monitor compliance with security best practices.
- · Cost optimization – automated optimization assures least-cost-to-user and most cost-effective resource management. Periodic reviews and auto-scaling combine to optimize the operating environment as workload volumes and capacity requirements fluctuate.
- · Reliability – AWS management services work to ensure systems are architected to meet operational thresholds to avoid when possible, and quickly recover from inevitable failures to meet business and customer service demands.
- · Operational excellence – Amazon maintains cloud centers located around the world to assure service response and support.
- · Performance efficiency – optimizes system services for maximum performance using available resources, enabling optimal utilization of IT staff and computing resources through automation, cloud-based services and management.
The pricing is right
All of this comes with no new charges from Compuware. The standard Compuware Topaz licensing charge covers the use of Topaz on-premise, in the cloud or in a mixed environment. If you already have a Topaz license, all you need to do is add an Amazon account with AWS cloud services designed to meet the requirements of your specific enterprise operating environment and workload. As mentioned earlier, Amazon AppStream 2.0 services include an automated function to help users find the right optimized pricing model and configuration for their workload and resource needs. These include highly flexible on-demand pricing, spot-discrete fixed price and reserved instances for dedicated predictable workloads, and combinations. We recommend you review the details with an AWS advisor or check here[2] for more information.
What else is new?
Compuware’s quarterly announcements are never about just one thing. This time is no exception. In addition to the major announcement, Compuware has additional improvements and new product enhancements and capabilities to deliver.
First up is a collaboration with CloudBees Jenkins Enterprise. Leveraging Compuware ISPW and/or Compuware Topaz for Total Test in conjunction with CloudBees Jenkins Enterprise, allows large enterprises to streamline DevOps on their mainframes and orchestrate DevOps across all platforms. Compuware will co-host a webcast with CloudBees on October 25, which will identify opportunities and help educate users on the latest in mainframe DevOps processes.
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| Figure 2 Webhook Notifications (Courtesy Compuware, Inc.) |
A bit of risk?
Choosing public cloud service delivery of the Topaz suite may appear to be risky or even premature to some potential users. Considerations that come to mind are those surrounding issues pertaining to security, reliability, privacy, infrastructure control and, unfortunately, more and more government imposed legal and legislative constraints and mandates. Most of these issues have been and will continue to be hashed over and argued about in the press. They remain and should remain issues of, at a minimum, keen awareness. Our conversation with Compuware has convinced us that they are working in lockstep with Amazon to reduce the risk and vulnerabilities as much as possible.
Potential customers should identify potential issues and resolve what needs to be done before making the move to the cloud. Others may find cloud-based but maintained and operated in-house on-premise to be the right solution.
The first step to be taken is to perform due diligence to identify and assess potential risks and vulnerabilities. Then, these can be balanced against the significant potential benefits in the form of client/customer satisfaction, staff satisfaction and cost savings that can result from improved operations, increased efficiencies and simplified infrastructure management. Examine what Compuware and Amazon have done to mitigate the risks. We believe that many will find the decision to move this development activity to the cloud makes sense.
The Final Word
Compuware continues to deliver solutions aimed at “Mainstreaming the Mainframe.” Their strategy depends upon their ability to identify and overcome structural and operational issues that make mainframe utilization and COBOL code maintenance a complex, slow and intimidating task, especially for those new to the mainframe.
Compuware has delivered significant, game-changing products each quarter for the last 3-years. They have not only improved, simplified and sped up mainframe operations and management, but they have also introduced capabilities that were never thought possible or are radically changing mainframe operations. They appear to us to be on track to continue that success. Congratulations to them. Good luck as they move forward. We recommend examining their latest offering.
[1] More information here: http://docs.aws.amazon.com/appstream/latest/developerguide/appstream-intro.html
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