Connect with us

Technology

IBM Unveils watsonx Generative AI Capabilities to Accelerate Mainframe Application Modernization

Published

on

IBM is designing this product to refactor, transform, and validate COBOL code to help speed time-to-value and augment skills for critical application modernization on IBM ZThe product will be enabled by a 20 billion parameter large language model (LLM) for code

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced watsonx Code Assistant for Z, a new generative AI-assisted product that will help enable faster translation of COBOL to Java on IBM Z and enhances developer productivity on the platform. This product will be generally available in Q4 2023, and is being designed to help accelerate COBOL application modernization. Watsonx Code Assistant for Z will preview during TechXchange, IBM’s premier technical learning event in Las Vegas, Sept 11-13.

Watsonx Code Assistant for Z is a new addition to the watsonx Code Assistant product family, along with IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Red Hat Ansible Lightspeed, scheduled for release later this year. These solutions will be powered by IBM’s watsonx.ai code model, which will have knowledge of 115 coding languages1 having learned from 1.5 trillion tokens.2 At 20 billion parameters, it is on target to become one of the largest generative AI foundation models for code automation.3 The watsonx Code Assistant product portfolio will extend over time to address other programming languages, to improve time to value for modernization and address growing skills challenges for developers.

Watsonx Code Assistant for Z is being designed to assist businesses in leveraging generative AI and automated tooling to accelerate their mainframe application modernization – all with the goal of preserving the performance, security and resiliency capabilities of IBM Z.

The COBOL data processing language supports many vital business and operational processes at organizations globally. At scale, using watsonx Code Assistant for Z in comparison to other approaches could make it easier for developers to selectively and incrementally transform COBOL business services into well architected high-quality Java code – with estimated billions of lines of COBOL code as potential candidates for targeted modernization over time. Generative AI can help developers to more quickly assess, update, validate and test the right code, allowing them to more efficiently modernize large applications and focus on higher impact tasks.

IBM is designing these capabilities to provide tooling for each step of the modernization journey. The solution is expected to include IBM’s Application Discovery and Delivery Intelligence (ADDI) inventory and analysis tool. Following ADDI, key steps on the journey include refactoring business services in COBOL, transforming COBOL code to Java code with an optimized design, and validating the resulting outcome, including using automated testing capabilities. Potential benefits for clients include:

Accelerating code development and increasing developer productivity throughout the application modernization lifecycleManaging total cost, complexity, and risk of application modernization initiatives, including translation and optimization of code in-place on IBM ZExpanding access to a broader pool of IT skills and accelerating developer onboardingAchieving high quality, easy to maintain code through model customization and the application of best practices

“Our collaboration with IBM is an important element in our drive to leverage generative AI interfaces to challenge legacy approaches with material productivity gains, and reinvent our Capital Markets solutions,” said Roger Burkhardt, CTO, Capital Markets and AI, Broadridge Financial. “We have had excellent client response to our generative AI investments and we are intrigued by the opportunity to further our efforts by leveraging IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z to address a broader range of platforms.”

AI-assisted mainframe application modernization is an imperative

According to new research from the IBM Institute for Business Value, organizations are 12x more likely to leverage existing mainframe assets rather than rebuild their application estates from scratch in the next two years. At the same time, however, the study shows that the number one challenge for those same organizations is a lack of resources and skills.

“By bringing generative AI capabilities through watsonx to new use cases, we plan to drive real progress for our clients,” said Kareem Yusuf, PhD, Senior Vice President, Product Management and Growth, IBM Software. “IBM is engineering watsonx Code Assistant for Z to take a targeted and optimized approach. It’s built to rapidly and accurately convert code optimized for IBM Z, accelerate time to market and broaden the skills pool. This can help enhance applications and add new capabilities while preserving the performance, resiliency, and security inherent in IBM Z.”

There are many application modernization approaches available today. Some options include rewriting all application code in Java, or migrating everything to public cloud, which may sacrifice capabilities that are core to the IBM Z value proposition while failing to deliver on expected cost reduction. Tools that convert COBOL applications to Java syntax can produce code that is hard to maintain and can be unrecognizable to a Java developer. Generative AI is promising, but current AI-assisted partial re-write technology lacks COBOL support and doesn’t optimize the resulting Java code for the given task.

The resulting Java code from watsonx Code Assistant for Z will be object-oriented. IBM is designing this solution to be optimized to interoperate with the rest of the COBOL application, with CICS, IMS, DB2, and other z/OS runtimes. Java on Z is designed to be performance-optimized versus a compared x86 platform.4

Building on a foundation of governance and innovation

According to a 2023 Gartner® report (For Gartner Subscribers only), “by 2028, the combination of humans and AI assistants working in tandem could reduce the time to complete coding tasks by 30%.” The report further states that “the use of AI code generation tools is not replacing the quality assurance (QA) processes and security controls that are needed by developers for robust and secure product development, as well as for mitigation of inherited risks from using generative methods for code.”5

Protecting sensitive data and customer intellectual property are critical when it comes to implementing generative AI. IBM for decades has followed core principles, grounded in commitments to Trust and Transparency. With this principle-based approach, the watsonx platform aims to enable enterprises to leverage their own trusted data and IP to build tailored AI solutions that are scalable across operations.

Additionally, IBM Consulting brings deep domain expertise in IBM Z application modernization with a focus on guiding clients that leverage the platform across key industries such as banking, insurance, healthcare and government. These dedicated consultants can help clients identify the right application areas to modernize in order to optimize the potential benefits of watsonx Code Assistant for Z.  

For more information about AI-assisted mainframe application modernization, and to get started with IBM’s optimized, targeted approach, please visit our website here and join us at TechXchange. Register today for our watsonx Code Assistant for Z webinar on Sept. 21 at 11 am ET here and learn how IBM is bringing Gen AI to mainframe application modernization. You can also schedule a live demo with our team here.

IBM’s plans, directions, and intentions may change or be withdrawn at any time at IBM’s discretion without notice. Information about potential future products and improvements is provided to give a general idea of IBM’s goals and objectives and should not be used in making a purchase decision. IBM is not obligated to provide any material, code, or functionality based on this information.

5 Gartner, Emerging Tech: Generative AI Code Assistants Are Becoming Essential to Developer Experience, By Radu Miclaus, Arun Chandrasekaran, Ray Valdes, Mark Driver, Eric Goodness, Published 11 May 2023

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Media Contact:
Ashley Peterson
ashley.peterson@ibm.com 

1 List of coding languages used in the model can be found here: https://github.ibm.com/ai-models-architectures/Granite-Megatron-LM/blob/starcoder-experiments/sampling_proportions/starcoderdata-90/proportions.txt
2 Number based on proprietary internal data.
3 Previous largest was community model StarCoder at 15B https://www.marktechpost.com/2023/05/07/meet-starcoder-the-biggest-open-source-large-language-models-for-code/
4 For example, as noted during the announcement of IBM z16, using IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition 11, run Business Rules Processing with IBM Operational Decision Manager 8.11.00 on Linux on IBM z16 for up to 70% higher throughput per core     versus running the same application on a compared x86 server. DISCLAIMER: Performance results are based on the average of measurements done using IBM Operational Decision Manager (ODM) 8.11.0 with IBM Java 8.0.7.10 and IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition 11.0.15.0 on IBM z16 and on a compared x86 server. Two different configurations were tested: executing 2005 rules (from a ruleset containing 14560 rules), and executing 80 rules (from a ruleset containing 300 rules). IBM z16 configuration: Linux on IBM Z LPAR with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.5 (Ootpa) and 4 IFLs (SMT). x86 server configuration: Red Hat Enterprise Linux release 8.6 (Ootpa) and 4 SMT-2 cores (Cascade Lake Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 6226R CPU @ 2.90GHz). Results may vary.

 

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJr0iKXKr3M
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95470/4231913/ibm_logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2191030/watson_x_social__2_1920x720__2_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ibm-unveils-watsonx-generative-ai-capabilities-to-accelerate-mainframe-application-modernization-301906258.html

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Fosi Audio Launches 7th Anniversary Celebration with the Theme “Your Voice Rocks & Sparks”

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fosi Audio, a beloved brand among audiophiles worldwide, has officially launched its grand 7th-anniversary celebration under the theme “Your Voice Rocks & Sparks.” This milestone event has garnered significant attention within the audio community, with well-known audio reviewers and influencers such as Cheapaudioman, Z Reviews, Utilitarian TV, and numerous Fosi Audio fans and distributors recording special video messages to celebrate the occasion.

Achievements Powered by User Voice

Valuing the voice of its users and driven by their needs, Fosi Audio has always strived to create products that truly resonate with its audience. In 2024, Fosi Audio released several co-created audio products with global audiophiles, including the LC30, a VU meter amplifier/speaker switcher adored by vintage audio enthusiasts; the PH05, a headphone splitter amplifier recognized by music education charities; and the highly anticipated V3 Mono monoblock amplifier, which captured the attention of home audio enthusiasts worldwide. With its exceptional sound quality, ample power output, compact modern design, and outstanding value for the price, the V3 Mono received an overwhelming response on Kickstarter, selling over 4,000 units and earning widespread acclaim from users. This success marks another milestone in Fosi Audio’s rapid growth.

As part of this 7th-anniversary celebration, Fosi Audio is introducing yet another co-created product with its users—the ZD3 fully balanced desktop DAC. Following the launch of the ZA3 dual-mode balanced amplifier and V3 Mono, the ZD3 was developed with deep user involvement and feedback, making it a flagship desktop DAC inspired by audiophiles worldwide. The ZD3 is now available for pre-order, and subscribers to the Fosi Audio website can enjoy a 20% early bird discount. The first 300 customers to place an order will also receive special 7th-anniversary edition items, including a custom ZD3 knob, a VOL20 wireless volume knob, and other branded merchandise.

Next Action in Prioritizing VOC

Fosi Audio’s commitment to customer-driven innovation has resulted in numerous achievements, but the company is not resting on its laurels. Recently, Fosi Audio has strengthened its connection with users through one-on-one interviews, surveys, and community interactions on specialized forums and social media platforms. By deeply listening to user feedback, the company transforms these insights into innovative product ideas. During this anniversary celebration, renowned influencer Z Reviews shared a video showcasing the idea of the LC40, a VU meter preamp co-designed with Fosi Audio, which is now in the early stages of development. This collaboration is expected to receive positive market feedback. Additionally, Fosi Audio is hosting a special “External Product Manager” program, inviting audiophiles to share their creative product design proposals on its official forum. The most innovative and feasible proposals will be selected for development, and Fosi Audio will collaborate with these enthusiasts to create the next product.

Special Offers for Fans

Moreover, Fosi Audio has prepared various exclusive perks for audiophiles during this celebration. Users can participate in a slot machine giveaway on the event page for a chance to win prizes such as free ZD3 DACs, VOL20 volume knobs, 7th-anniversary merchandise, and shopping vouchers with discounts of up to 30%. As a long-standing Best Seller across major online sales platforms, Fosi Audio is also launching special anniversary promotions with discounts of up to 20%, giving back to audio enthusiasts around the world and celebrating this milestone together.

About Fosi Audio

Guided by its mission of “Redefining HiFi with Unmatched Value”, Fosi Audio is dedicated to developing and bringing more amazing HiFi gear with high value for the price, innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and premium quality, all backed by a 24-month warranty, to audiophiles worldwide. Fosi Audio has won sincere recognition from a wide range of audiophiles and well-known media such as WirecutterHowToGeek, TNT-Audio, and Headphonesty, authoritative forums like AudioScienceReview, and well-known HiFi enthusiasts such as Cheapaudioman, Z Reviews, and A British Audiophile, etc.

For more information, please visit:

Official Website: https://www.fosiaudio.com/Official Forum: https://community.fosiaudio.com/Official Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/fosiaudioglobalOfficial YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fosiaudio

PR Contact:
Email: marketing@fosiaudio.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fosi-audio-launches-7th-anniversary-celebration-with-the-theme-your-voice-rocks–sparks-302253820.html

SOURCE FOSI INTERNATIONAL CO., LIMITED

Continue Reading

Technology

The Commerce Casino & Hotel Partners with ESPN LA 710AM for Exclusive Monday Night Football Pregame Radio Show

Published

on

By

The Commerce Casino & Hotel continues to expand its entertainment offerings through a collaboration with ESPN LA 710AM, enhancing the experience for guests and fans alike.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Commerce Casino & Hotel is excited to announce an exciting new partnership with ESPN LA 710AM, bringing an exclusive pre-game Monday Night Football Radio Show with Sedano & Kap to listeners throughout the 2024-2025 football season. Filmed on-site at the Commerce Casino and Hotel, sports fans can tune in live to the ESPN LA 710AM pregame show every Monday night starting September 2nd, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Live on YouTube: In addition to airing live on the radio, the pre-game show will be live-streamed on ESPN LA 710AM Radio’s YouTube, offering fans an immersive experience as they watch the excitement unfold from The Commerce Casino and Hotel. 

Exclusive Watch Party: Following the pre-game show, fans are invited to continue the fun at The Commerce Casino & Hotel’s Event Center for an exclusive Monday Night Football Watch Party. The event is free to attend, with a variety of food and drink specials available. 

“We’re thrilled to bring this exclusive pre-game experience to our fans in partnership with ESPN LA 710AM,” said [ESPN LA 710AM Spokesperson]. “Filming live from The Commerce Casino and Hotel adds a unique energy to the show, and we’re excited to share it with our audience both on the radio and online.”

Spencer Villaseñor, Director of Guest Experience at The Commerce Casino & Hotel added, “This partnership with ESPN LA 710AM allows us to offer our guests a unique Monday night experience. We’re excited to continue expanding Commerce’s offerings, making it the ultimate entertainment destination. Whether you’re tuning in on the radio, watching the live stream, or joining us in person, it’s going to be an unforgettable season.”

Don’t miss out on the action! Tune in every Monday night for the live pre-game show and join us at the Commerce Casino and Hotel’s Events Center for the ultimate Monday Night Football experience.

Event Details:

Pre-Game Radio Show: Live every Monday night from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM through the NFL season. Location: The Commerce Hotel and Casino, 6131 Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA, 90040Live Stream: Available on @ESPN LA 710AM Radio’s Youtube ChannelWatch Party: Following the pre-game show at the events centerAdmission: Free (Food and drinks available for purchase)

For more information, visit www.commercehotella.com or follow us on Instagram or Twitter for updates.

About The Commerce Casino & Hotel
Located just a few miles from Downtown Los Angeles, The Commerce Casino & Hotel, commonly known as “The Commerce,” stands as a world-renowned cardroom with an impressive array of over 320 tables, making it the largest cardroom globally. Established in 1983, The Commerce offers an extensive range of amenities, including a newly-renovated 200-room hotel, multiple dining venues and bars, the luxurious Meridian Spa, a pool and sundeck, banquet facilities, and more. Additionally, the casino hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, poker and baccarat tournaments, live boxing, MMA, and wrestling matches, and other special events throughout the year. For further information, please visit: www.commercecasino.com

ABOUT GOOD KARMA BRANDS  
In 1997, Good Karma Brands started as a broadcasting company, utilizing the power of local marketing to build brands, connect with fans and serve the local communities in which we operate.  As GKB grew and transitioned into a media and marketing company, its partnership with ESPN expanded to represent the ESPN Radio Network and Podcasts, the full portfolio of ESPN Digital Products, ESPN Events and eight local ESPN affiliated radio stations. Today, with over 550 teammates across the country and a Home Office based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, GKB has been consistently recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by multiple organizations, including Front Office Sports and Sports Business Journal. 

Good Karma is fueled by the desire to do things differently, align with premium brands and offer customized solutions for their advertising partners and fans. 

Media contact:
Abegail Cal
abegail@ajc-pr.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-commerce-casino–hotel-partners-with-espn-la-710am-for-exclusive-monday-night-football-pregame-radio-show-302253971.html

SOURCE The Commerce Casino & Hotel

Continue Reading

Technology

EU Olive Oil: Promoting European Extra Virgin Olive Oil at the Plant Based Expo in New York

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Following the success of the June event dedicated to journalists, opinion leaders and food professionals, the EU Olive Oil project returned to New York to participate in the Plant Based Expo (Sept. 11-12), the benchmark event in the United States for 100% plant-based products.

The three-year EU Olive Oil program, promoted by the O.P. Associazione Olivicola Cosentina and co-financed by the European Union, was conceived with the aim of promoting the consumption of extra virgin olive oil produced in Europe. During the New York trade show, visitors had a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive characteristics of extra virgin olive oil, appreciating its organoleptic qualities and discovering its many health-promoting properties.

To better engage the audience, daily cooking demos were held, during which the oil could be tasted in various culinary preparations. These demonstrations were not only able to enhance the unique flavor of the oil, but also demonstrated its extraordinary versatility in cooking.

During the event, restaurant professionals, retailers, distributors and buyers had the opportunity to receive valuable advice on how to select a high-quality, safe and obtained through a sustainable agribusiness production system. This system respects ecological and economic principles, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and optimizing fertilization, in line with toxicological best practices.

“Our presence at the Plant Based Expo in New York,” says Pierpaola Occhiuto, president of the O.P. Associazione Olivicola Cosentina, “offered us the opportunity to educate American consumers about the importance of the quality of raw materials and to promote a healthy and balanced diet, in which extra virgin olive oil occupies a central role. In addition, it was an opportunity to tell the indissoluble link between olive growing and the land, a cultural and human heritage that for many European countries represents a value to be handed down from generation to generation.”

With a consumption of 365.9 thousand tons and a total value of $1,494.3 million (UN Comtrade data), the United States is confirmed as the main non-EU market for olive oil. In recent years, this product has become increasingly important on American tables, reflecting a growing trend toward a quest for high-quality foods.

www.euoliveoil.eu

The O.P. Associazione Olivicola Cosentina Soc.Coop.a.r.l. is an organization of Olive Producers in the Province of Cosenza that has been playing an active role in the Cosenza area since 1982, the date of its establishment, through a dense network of actions in support of its members.

Gathering within itself the presence of about 7100 member producers, one can easily infer the deep rootedness of the Association with the territory: all this makes it one of the most representative associations in the sector, taking care with scrupulous attention every aspect of the olive-growing activity both from the technical-productive point of view and from the economic-commercial one. The Association, in this sense, acts as an efficient intermediary and bridge between its members and the distribution channels.

Its work, in fact, moves in the light of the pursuit of a single relevant macro-objective: to enhance olive production and the careful and conscious consumption of the product, through its protection and promotion.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eu-olive-oil-promoting-european-extra-virgin-olive-oil-at-the-plant-based-expo-in-new-york-302254234.html

SOURCE EU OLIVE OIL – O.P. Associazione Olivicola Cosentina

Continue Reading

Trending