Industry experts have long predicted a shortage of mainframe storage talent as these professionals near retirement age. This phenomenon is known as the “graying of the mainframers,” or as I like to call to them, “grayframers”. Many believe these skills will essentially disappear with no one to fill the gap. However, there are several efforts going on in the industry to prepare for the future. Being a “grayframer” myself, I like to think that this is a step in the direction that the future is back.

Sun, fully aware of these concerns, has been taking steps to address them by providing educational opportunities for the younger generation that will enhance their mainframe storage management skills. A couple of specific examples come to mind. Storage Management Fundamentals provides an introduction to the way data is stored within the z/OS architecture, while a more advanced offering, the z/OS Storage Management Boot Camp, is designed to give an accelerated and compressed approach to the broad scope of z/OS storage management.

Beyond these educational offerings, Sun is also enhancing its enterprise management software. The enhancements will deliver a solution that parallels day-to-day storage management functions and provides a reporting tool that gives “best practices” guidance. Look for these enhancements to roll out soon.

So whether it's education, training, or innovative software that simplifies the daily management of mainframe storage, Sun is a leader in the industry in addressing the graying of the mainframers – or, as I see it, the rebirth of the mainframers!