Mainframes are powerful computing systems designed to handle vast quantities of data at remarkable speeds. They serve as central data hubs, typically hosted on-premises—meaning the software is installed and operated within an organization’s own IT environment.
Although they were first developed in the 1950s and may seem outdated, mainframes remain essential to modern IT infrastructures. Over 70% of Fortune 500 companies still rely on them, and today they are increasingly integrated with cloud technologies.
"The mainframe is one of the most advanced technology platforms on the market today", says Éric Cothenet, Pre-sales Infrastructure Solutions Designer at NOVIPRO.
NOVIPRO, along with its sister company Blair Technology Solutions, a Markham-based IT services and solutions provider, supports businesses in making strategic IT investments. According to Mr. Cothenet, while the cloud offers agility, scalability, and improved collaboration, on-premises environments continue to have a vital role in the evolving IT landscape.
Cloud and mainframe solutions can seamlessly integrate, with a hybrid approach offering the ideal balance of strength, scalability, and security. To achieve this, partnering with experts such as OVHcloud—one of NOVIPRO’s strategic partners—can ensure organizations make the most efficient use of their IT resources.
The mainframe’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to process immense volumes of data quickly and securely. Its advanced security features are particularly valuable in today’s landscape of frequent data breaches.
Mainframes incorporate unique, multi-layered security mechanisms not found in other systems. They feature multiple central processing units, each storing its own data independently. This design means that even in the event of a breach, data breaches are contained, minimizing risk and exposure.
"There’s also encryption at many levels. So even if someone does get the information, they won’t be able to read it without the key” says Cothenet.
The encryption key is securely stored in a hardware security manager. If an unauthorized attempt to access it is detected, the key is automatically destroyed, adding an extra layer of protection.
Although mainframes are often viewed as relics of the past, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. They not only deliver cutting-edge capabilities by today’s standards but are also equipped to meet the evolving technological demands of tomorrow’s business landscape.
Mr. Cothenet highlights a common concern among businesses: the fear that encryption keys generated by traditional computers could be vulnerable to hacking by quantum computers. These advanced machines, which harness the principles of quantum physics, can process information at unprecedented speeds.
However, mainframes are already equipped with what Mr. Cothenet describes as “quantum safe” encryption—essentially uncrackable and designed to withstand quantum computing threats.
"Despite what people may think, the mainframe isn’t old at all” says Mr. Cothenet. “It has evolved, and now you have huge advancements in technology happening on the mainframe that don’t exist on any other platform.”
While mainframes boast impressive speed and security, they remain physical machines roughly the size of a refrigerator, with their data stored on-site. To address modern demands like scalability, mainframes have undergone upgrades through hybrid architecture. This allows them to seamlessly integrate with cloud computing and open-source software, combining the best of traditional and modern technologies.
OVHcloud provides an innovative solution through its containers—lightweight, portable units designed to house cloud applications while integrating with mainframes. This approach allows organizations to harness the combined strengths of both technologies.
"Part of the strength of cloud is scalability, and I’m not sure that mainframes have that flexibility,” says Christopher Reynolds, Partner and Corporate Account Manager at OVHcloud.
While cloud providers can offer robust infrastructure and software solutions, achieving optimal security requires intentional focus. Security isn’t automatic; organizations must remain vigilant and proactive when navigating both cloud and mainframe environments to ensure comprehensive protection.
"We’ll offer you operating systems, but we’re not going to look at any of that data that’s coming into our environment or look at how any of the applications are working,” says Mr. Reynolds. “That’s the responsibility of the business or organization.”
To address the complexities of hybrid IT environments, NOVIPRO has developed Symphoni—a turnkey solution that integrates cloud technology with advanced cybersecurity measures.
Clients gain access to not just a robust cloud infrastructure, but also comprehensive management tools, compliance and security services, and optimization solutions. Together, these features enhance IT efficiency and streamline operations.
"What NOVIPRO has with Symphoni is a consolidated view of the entire infrastructure, whether it’s in the cloud or on-premises,” says Mr. Reynolds. “They’re bringing it all together under the managed services structure and can have a view of the whole thing.”
"Many companies have a limited understanding of expectations versus real needs,” says Steve Small, Director of Sales at Blair Technology Solutions. “They typically underestimate the impact and human investment required to comply.”
Finding the skilled talent necessary to manage both mainframe and cloud computing can be a significant challenge. This is why partnering with the right resources is essential.
"Most of the IT people that have experience on the mainframe are retired, or they all have white hair,” says Mr. Cothenet. “It does take expertise that’s very specialized. That’s where Blair and NOVIPRO come in, because this is what we do.”
Leveraging the expertise of specialized partners ensures businesses have access to the knowledge and capabilities required to navigate the complexities of both environments.
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