May 1, 2024
Updated July 7, 2025
13 minute read
IBM Z is a family of high-performance mainframe computers manufactured by IBM. Z is the latest in a line of IBM mainframe computers that have been in use since the 1960s. IBM Z is designed for large-scale enterprise applications that require high levels of performance, reliability, and security. Common applications include transaction processing, data warehousing, and business intelligence. IBM Z is also used in a variety of other applications, such as cloud computing, virtualization, and mobile computing.
Why Learn IBM Z?
There are many reasons to learn IBM Z. First, IBM Z is a powerful and versatile platform that can be used for a wide variety of applications. Second, IBM Z is a reliable and secure platform that can help businesses protect their data and applications. Third, IBM Z is a scalable platform that can be used to support growing businesses. Finally, IBM Z is a cost-effective platform that can help businesses save money on their IT infrastructure.
Benefits of Learning IBM Z
There are many benefits to learning IBM Z. First, IBM Z can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with some of the most powerful and complex computer systems in the world. Second, IBM Z can help you to understand the principles of enterprise computing and how to design and implement large-scale enterprise applications. Third, IBM Z can help you to develop the skills necessary to manage and maintain IBM Z systems.
Careers in IBM Z
Many different career paths are available to people who have experience with IBM Z. These careers include:
- Systems Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Storage Administrator
- Cloud Architect
- Mainframe Programmer
- IT Manager
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Find a path to becoming a IBM Z. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
IBM Z.
This IBM Redbooks publication is specifically designed for students and professionals new to the mainframe environment. It provides a foundational understanding of z/OS, including its basic facilities, hardware concepts, and interactive interfaces like TSO/E and ISPF. is highly recommended as a starting point for anyone looking to gain a broad understanding of IBM Z and is often used as a textbook in academic settings.
Mastering Job Control Language (JCL) is fundamental for working with IBM mainframes. provides a practical approach to learning JCL statements and coding techniques for z/OS. It focuses on everyday jobs and helps programmers quickly learn to code significant job streams, making it a must-read for mainframe developers and system administrators.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the performance management tools and techniques for IBM Z systems. It covers topics such as performance monitoring, capacity planning, and workload management. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to manage the performance of IBM Z systems.
Part of a multi-volume collection, this book provides an introduction to the z/OS operating system and the underlying hardware architecture. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced system programmers, offering information needed to start researching z/OS. This volume specifically covers the software and IBM Z architecture and how they work together with z/OS, including components for customization and installation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the virtualization features of IBM Z systems. It covers topics such as virtual machines, live migration, and cloud computing. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to use virtualization on IBM Z systems.
Widely recognized resource for learning COBOL programming specifically in the IBM mainframe environment. It covers structured programming techniques, working with data, and interacting with key IBM products like VSAM, CICS, and DB2. It is often used as a textbook and is highly relevant for anyone focusing on mainframe application development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the z/OS operating system. It covers topics such as the z/OS architecture, the z/OS file system, and the z/OS security features. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to understand the z/OS operating system.
CICS crucial online transaction processing system on IBM Z. teaches COBOL programmers how to develop interactive applications using CICS. It covers essential CICS concepts and programming techniques, making it highly relevant for those involved in mainframe application development and modernization.
This IBM Redbooks publication explores the use of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform with IBM zCX (z/OS Container Extensions). This key contemporary topic related to application modernization and leveraging containerization on IBM Z, highly relevant for developers and architects in modern mainframe environments.
The second volume in the ABCs of IBM z/OS System Programming series, this book delves into basic system programming activities, including implementing and maintaining a z/OS installation. It covers topics such as IPL process, parmlib definitions, job management with JES2 and JES3, and authorized libraries. adds more depth for those looking to understand the operational aspects of z/OS.
Security critical aspect of IBM Z. This IBM Redbooks publication focuses on using IBM zSecure for security impact forecasting with RACF, a key mainframe security tool. It's highly relevant for security professionals and system administrators responsible for mainframe security.
Continuing the ABCs of IBM z/OS System Programming series, Volume 3 focuses on DFSMS, data set basics, and storage management. This is crucial for understanding how data is handled on the mainframe. It's a valuable resource for system programmers and those needing a deeper understanding of storage in the z/OS environment.
Building upon Part 1, this book delves into more advanced topics of using DB2 with COBOL programs. It's suitable for programmers who need to deepen their understanding of database interactions on the mainframe.
Offers a beginner-friendly introduction to IBM System z mainframes and z/OS, avoiding excessive technical jargon. It helps readers quickly grasp what mainframes are, their functions, and essential terminology. It also provides insights into the mainframe community and current trends, making it a useful resource for those seeking a high-level overview before diving into technical details.
This handbook serves as a single-point reference for mainframe professionals, covering a broad range of topics including mainframe basics, JCL, VSAM, REXX, and CICS. It provides in-depth knowledge about the mainframe programming environment and popular IBM products, making it a useful reference for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge.
This IBM Redbooks publication provides a detailed technical overview of the IBM z16, the latest generation of the IBM Z platform. It covers the processor design, I/O innovations, security features, and supported operating systems. This valuable resource for understanding the contemporary hardware and capabilities of IBM Z.
Introduces the IBM Z Cyber Vault, a contemporary solution for cyber resiliency on the mainframe. It's relevant for understanding modern security strategies and technologies on IBM Z, addressing the increasing concern of cyberattacks.
This handbook focuses on the various connectivity options available for IBM Z mainframes within and beyond the data center. Understanding connectivity is crucial in modern hybrid environments. is relevant for system administrators and architects dealing with integrating IBM Z with other systems and networks.
Explores the integration of mainframe z environments with distributed platforms. It is relevant for understanding contemporary topics like hybrid cloud environments involving IBM Z and application modernization strategies that bridge mainframes and other platforms.
While not exclusively about IBM Z, this book addresses the broader topic of modernizing enterprise systems, which often includes mainframe applications. It provides context and strategies for updating and integrating legacy systems, making it relevant for understanding contemporary challenges and approaches related to IBM Z.
Offers a concise description of Assembler programming for IBM's z/Architecture, specifically aimed at application programmers. It serves as a compact reference for understanding the instruction set relevant to application development on IBM Z.
This is the definitive reference manual for the z/Architecture instruction set. While not a tutorial, it is an essential resource for anyone doing low-level programming or in-depth systems analysis on IBM Z. It provides detailed descriptions of all instructions and architectural features.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/hpk766/ibm
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