Compuware Study Shows CIOs Unprepared For Mainframe Developer Shortage

DETROIT -- A new study from Compuware Corp. (Nasdaq: CPWR) reveals the struggles of CIOs and mainframe developers in an era where they're challenged to do more with less in a rapidly changing environment.

The second independent research study conducted by Vanson Bourne into mainframe use in the enterprise reveals that a stagnant mainframe development environment impacts developer productivity and, in turn, reduces IT efficiency. Compuware has published a related white paper titled, "Mainframe Succession: Long Live the Mainframe," which details the findings from the study.

In this international study of over 500 CIOs, more than half (56 percent) state that mainframe developers are struggling to meet the changing needs of the business. At the same time, 69 percent of those surveyed believe that a lack of change in the mainframe environment is turning IT graduates off from mainframe development.

"Businesses are supporting new technologies like mobility and cloud computing at record pace, forcing mainframe teams to contend with the added workload of quickly and successfully integrating new applications with legacy mainframe applications," said Kris Manery, senior vice president and general manager of the mainframe solutions business unit, Compuware. "This rise in mainframe development coupled with a lack of new developers -- a trend we call the 'New Normal of Mainframe' -- puts teams at risk of becoming less effective in supporting the applications that are critical to today's world economy."

Some 46 percent of CIOs admit to having no plans in place to address mainframe developer shortages. In addition, high acquisition costs (60 percent), complex integration (54 percent) and high training and implementation costs (45 percent) are preventing businesses from modernizing the mainframe environment.

Said Manery: "IT efficiency is about making better use of what you already have, so any moves to update the mainframe environment must happen with a minimal investment of time and cost. Developers across the board, whether they are experienced or new to the mainframe, need choice and flexibility to use the tools and techniques that will empower them to improve productivity."

The study consisted of 520 CIOs in large enterprise organizations with over 1,000 employees -- 100 CIOs each in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the U.S. along with 30 CIOs each in Italy, Benelux, Japan and Australia.

Compuware's market-leading mainframe software, Abend-AID, File-AID, Xpediter, Hiperstation and Strobe, help organizations maximize developer productivity, minimize costs and deliver better service. The programs are available in the traditional TSO/ISPF environment, or within the Compuware Workbench, an open development environment that features an intuitive modern interface. The Workbench makes application development, testing and tuning faster and simpler to perform for both experienced mainframers as well those new to mainframe, enabling companies to develop new services faster, more efficiently and with higher quality utilizing existing resources.

More at www.compuware.com.