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IBM Unveils watsonx Generative AI Capabilities to Accelerate Mainframe Application Modernization

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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.

 

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MyComputerCareer Looks Back on Rewarding 2024 Fueled by Student and Grad Success; Shifting Mindset to Alternative Higher Ed Learning Pathways

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December 23, 2024

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Skills training is having a moment

APEX, N.C., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — There’s an important conversation happening in higher education that is shifting the way students of all ages approach how, and where, they choose to gain knowledge. Do I need a “traditional” university degree to find a career or are there viable alternatives to gain skills and knowledge? While this question and conversation will, and should, continue throughout 2025, skills-training is undoubtedly having a moment.

“The first, and most important, metric that defines success for MyComputerCareer is positive student outcomes and 2024 provided numerous opportunities to celebrate so many of those accomplishments,” said Tony Galati, Founder and CEO of MyComputerCareer.

As more employers move towards dropping degree requirements, more than 70 million skills-warriors without degrees are paying attention. MyComputerCareer, which has specialized in IT-skills training since 2007, saw the impact first-hand as eager students excelled in the classroom and grads made an impact in IT.

In 2024, MyCC celebrated 3892 graduates, including a cohort of nearly 1600 in August that was the school’s largest since November 2022. By comparison there were 2998 graduates in 2023. The school’s live-led, DoD approved Cyber Warrior Program geared to transitioning service members, contributed to this uptick as the program grew more than 200% in 2024.

“My instructor served in the military and had 20+ years of cybersecurity experience, so he wasn’t just teaching me how to pass the exam, he was teaching me how to pass the exam then apply those skills to the real world,” said Air Force veteran and Cyber Warrior Program alumna Jayanna Berry.

How did students like Jaynna and others perform in the classroom? Collectively they earned nearly 6000 IT certifications which help provide the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact potential employers. Speaking of employers, the school’s Career Services team – which works with students and alumni for life – submitted more than 14,000 resumes on their behalf throughout the year.

Beyond student and graduate success, MyCC had a strong year in 2024, reinforcing the college’s position as a leader in the skills-training space. Some milestones and accomplishments included:

Named Top-10 Military Friendly schoolEarned EC-Council’s Circle of Excellence awardHR Team named “Team of the Year” by Merit AwardsFounder Tony Galati tagged as “innovative leader” in education (Forbes)Featured in a 30-minute Lifetime special titled “Operation Career” highlighting the school’s dedication to active and veteran service members.Named Military Friendly employer

“The first, and most important, metric that defines success for MyComputerCareer is positive student outcomes and 2024 provided numerous opportunities to celebrate so many of those accomplishments,” said Tony Galati, Founder and CEO of MyComputerCareer. “Every earned milestone beyond that bucket is very welcomed as it highlights the dedication of our employees to deliver a positive and rewarding experience to so many folks in an effort to change their lives.”

Since opening its doors in 2007, MyComputerCareer has equipped more than 27,000 graduates with the skills and resources needed for success, resulting in alumni working for some of the top tech companies across the country. The school welcomes students with no former experience or training in IT, and graduates come from a broad range of backgrounds – from hospitality to retail to stay-at-home parents.

About MyComputerCareer

MyComputerCareer is an accredited* technical school, with classes online and on-campus, that provides hands-on Information Technology training, certifications and job placement in as little as seven months. Founded in 2007, the school boasts nine campuses in Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and Nellis Air Force Base, with its headquarters in Holly Springs, North Carolina. For more information, call (866) 606-6922 or visit www.mycomputercareer.edu

* Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)

Media Contact

Aaron Martin, MyComputerCareer, 1 773.505.4325, aaron.martin@mycomputercareer.edu, www.mycomputercareer.edu

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Crowley Awards Maine Maritime Academy Cadets with Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship

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December 23, 2024

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Cadets Anna LaDue and Odegaard Fields have been awarded the memorial scholarships for exemplifying the company’s values and intent on pursuing a maritime career.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cadets Anna LaDue and Odegaard Fields from Maine Maritime Academy have been awarded the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship. These students were selected based on their performance during the cadet training periods aboard Crowley-operated or -managed ships and their intent to pursue maritime careers.

LaDue, a junior from Canterbury, New Hampshire, is studying marine transportation operations, with a minor in sail training. She has served as the Assistant Officer in Charge for the academy’s Delta Company during the 2024 training year and has achieved the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters. Outside of her maritime studies, she is involved in the climbing club, singing ensemble, women on the water, environmental action club and her school’s student athletic advisory committee. After training aboard Crowley-managed tanker American Pride in summer 2024, LaDue seeks to sail aboard on tankers upon graduation.

Fields, a junior from New Marlborough, Massachusetts, is pursuing a degree in marine transportation operations. In addition to his studies, Fields is a small vessel handling instructor and terrestrial navigation teaching assistant on the George C. Previll Memorial Inter-Academy Monomoy challenge team. Fields sailed as a cadet with Crowley on the American Pride. Upon graduation, Fields wants to continue sailing as a deck officer on a tanker or offshore wind supply vessel.

The scholarship, which is awarded annually by Crowley, was established in 1994 by the company’s CEO and chairman Thomas B. Crowley Jr. to commemorate and honor Thomas B. Crowley Sr. and his instrumental leadership and accomplishments for the company and maritime industry. Since 1984, Crowley has provided over $3 million dollars in scholarships to more than 1,000 students studying at maritime academies and other select schools in the United States mainland, Puerto Rico and Central America.

About Crowley
Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime, energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and government sectors with $3.5 billion in annual revenue, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet and approximately 7,000 employees around the world – employing more U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has invested more than $3.2 billion in maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and island territories. Additional information about Crowley, its business units and subsidiaries can be found at http://www.crowley.com. 

Media Contact

David DeCamp, Crowley, 904-727-4263, David.DeCamp@crowley.com, www.crowley.com 

Torey Vogel, Crowley, 904-726-4536, Torey.Vogel@crowley.com, www.crowley.com 

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TheLotter: Celebrate Christmas with a Stellar Mega Millions Jackpot!

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December 23, 2024

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AUSTIN, TX, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – The excitement skyrockets as the Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $944 million / $429.4 cash option, just in time for Christmas! To date, the popular multijurisdictional lottery has awarded 6 jackpot prizes over $1 billion, and this could grow to become the 7th.

At TheLotter, customers can order tickets for the upcoming Mega Millions draw, featuring such an extraordinary jackpot amount on Christmas Eve, 12/24/2024. TheLotter is the leading lottery ticket courier service, enabling customers across the state to join their favorite lottery draw games at their convenience without leaving home, and win prizes 100% commission-free. Just this week, T.B. from a small community northwest of Houston won $26,000 in the December 20, 2024 Daily 4 Morning draw after securing their entry through TheLotter. The Daily 4 Morning draw is one of the many state lotteries offered on the site. Some take place daily – even multiple times a day – while others are held twice a week.

“As we approach the end of 2024, excitement is at an all-time high with this Mega Millions colossal jackpot grabbing headlines. Adding to the buzz, the game is set to undergo a significant transformation in the coming year, promising even more excitement and chances to win big. With this perfect blend of monumental jackpots and innovative updates, Mega Millions is proving once again why it remains a favorite among lottery customers nationwide.” says Yael Hertz, CEO of TheLotter Group.

Once a customer’s order is confirmed at TheLotter, our agents ensure participation by purchasing tickets from licensed local retailers using the lucky numbers chosen by customers – either manually or via the Quick Pick option. Then, scanned copies, which serve as proof of ownership of these tickets, can be viewed in the customers’ online accounts before the draws take place.

TheLotter’s expanding list of winners who won huge prizes on the site includes Robert Talerico from San Antonio, who hit the $525,000 Texas Two Step jackpot in February 2023, as well as a Dallas customer who won $1 million in a Powerball draw in November 2022.

Lottery games enthusiasts in Texas eager for a chance at massive jackpots can join the excitement seamlessly by setting up an easy and secure account at TheLotter.

For more information about how Texas customers can take their shot at Mega Millions, Powerball and other state lottery draws’ prizes, visit the company’s website at tx.thelotter.com.

About TheLotter
TheLotter offers a lottery courier service enabling residents of Texas to order official Texas lottery tickets from their device, from the comfort of home or on the go.

Follow TheLotter US on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

Gambling can be harmful if not controlled. Must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. 

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