GSE Conference 2025

Unleash Your Digital Excellence

31 March - 04 April 2025
Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden, Germany

Agenda

GSE European Mainframe Modernization 2025

Tuesday, 01 April 2025

08:00 - 09:00
08:00 - 09:00
Registration
09:00 - 09:25
09:00 - 09:25
GSE Opening

Peter Goth
President, GSE
Dr. Michael Weiß
Region Manager Germany, GSE
All Day 1 Speakers
09:25 - 10:00
09:25 - 10:00
Elevator Pitches Day 1

All Day 1 Speakers

Discover how a modern, end-to-end approach to application development empowers IT teams to innovate faster and businesses to achieve greater agility. Learn how modern DevX practices for coding, building and testing, as well as usage of Generative AI fosters collaboration between development teams and helps speed up application modernization.
10:00 - 10:30
10:00 - 10:30
Driving Agility Across the Mainframe Application Development

Discover how a modern, end-to-end approach to application development empowers IT teams to innovate faster and businesses to achieve greater agility. Learn how modern DevX practices for coding, building and testing, as well as usage of Generative AI fosters collaboration between development teams and helps speed up application modernization.

Ekaterina Tumanova
Product Manager, Broadcom

Kate is a Product Manager in Mainframe DevOps at Broadcom with over 17 years of experience in various roles in the Mainframe industry starting from Engineering to Technical and Product leadership roles. Kate’s current focus is Mainframe Developer Experience with particular emphasis on modern technologies like VS Code, Git, Zowe as well as platform engineering and GenAI. As Kate herself started her career as a mainframe developer, she is passionate about bringing the best experience to every Mainframe development team.

We at UBS Mainframe are transforming our mindsets to enable software delivery in an agile world. It is our goal to achieve this with DevOps tools, distributed versioning control systems and modern Integrated Development Environments. This is the key to not only find our next Generation of zTalents, but to keep them for the long run.
10:30 - 11:00
10:30 - 11:00
DevOps - Modern Software Development & Deployment

We at UBS Mainframe are transforming our mindsets to enable software delivery in an agile world.

It is our goal to achieve this with DevOps tools, distributed versioning control systems and modern Integrated Development Environments. This is the key to not only find our next Generation of zTalents, but to keep them for the long run.

Thomas Liechti
Distinguished Engineer, UBS

UBS, Zürich, Switzerland  (06.2001- current)

Working language:      German, English

Base technology:           IBM z/OS, COBOL, CICS, Db2, SQL, XML

Roles and Titles

  • Software Engineer, Associate Director (03.2008 – 09.2011)
  • IT Technical Architect, Associate Director (10.2011 – 03.2018)
  • Software Engineer, Associate Director (04.2018 – 02.2021)
  • Tech Engineer, Director (since 03.2021)

 

Current Roles

  • UBS Distinguished Engineer, Chapter Lead, Software Engineer (Rank: Director)
  • Head of UBS WMPC COBOL Developer Community
  • Chairman of GSE Working Group “Mainframe Modernization CH” – Region: Switzerland

 

January 2022 – Current

COBOL Software Engineer, Head of WMPC COBOL Developer Community

 

In addition, since April 2022: Chapter Lead for Mainframe Developers

In addition, since August 2022: UBS Distinguished Engineer

11:00 - 11:30
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break & Networking
Rocket Software’s Hybrid Cloud data solutions create a seamless, secure, and high-performance ecosystem where on-premises and cloud environments work together. DataEdge enables this transformation with three key components: Data Intelligence (DI) for real-time data insights, Data Virtualization (RDV) for agile data access, and Data Replication & Sync (RDRS) for seamless data management. Learn how you can unlock mainframe data insights, enable real-time data access, and easily integrate to the cloud. By leveraging DataEdge, your business can enhance agility, scalability, and innovation wherever you are in your modernization journey.
11:30 - 12:00
11:30 - 12:00
Unlock the Mainframe Data for the Usage in the New World

Rocket Software’s Hybrid Cloud data solutions create a seamless, secure, and high-performance ecosystem where on-premises and cloud environments work together. DataEdge enables this transformation with three key components: Data Intelligence (DI) for real-time data insights, Data Virtualization (RDV) for agile data access, and Data Replication & Sync (RDRS) for seamless data management. Learn how you can unlock mainframe data insights, enable real-time data access, and easily integrate to the cloud. By leveraging DataEdge, your business can enhance agility, scalability, and innovation wherever you are in your modernization journey.

Axel Richter
Principal Customer Solutions Engineer, Rocket Software

Axel Richter is a seasoned IT professional with nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise computing. Born and raised in Eastern Germany, he studied Computer Graphics at Bauhaus University in Weimar before joining BOS in 1995.

With a strong foundation in mainframe development, installation, and system administration (z/OS and VSE),Axel later expanded expertise to Linux and UNIX server environments. Over the years, the focus shifted towards technical customer relations, including pre- and post-sales support, ensuring seamless integration and solutions for clients.

Following the acquisition of BOS in 2023, he became a Rocketeer and now serves as Principal Customer Solutions Engineer (CSE) in professional services. In this role, Axel works closely with customers, delivering tailored technical solutions and ensuring long-term success in complex IT environments.

The presentation gives an update to the mainframe strategy outlined during last session at GSE Conference 2024 “Revitalizing the Core”. Mainframe stays to be the backbone for many business segments. Some light will be shed on how „Zurich Gruppe Deutschland“ is going to tackle cost and knowledge issues over the next couple of years. Technical as well as organizational measures will be highlighted and briefly discussed.
12:00 - 12:30
12:00 - 12:30
Mainframe and Maintain the Legacy

The presentation gives an update to the mainframe strategy outlined during last session at GSE Conference 2024 “Revitalizing the Core”.

Mainframe stays to be the backbone for many business segments. Some light will be shed on how „Zurich Gruppe Deutschland“ is going to tackle cost and knowledge issues over the next couple of years.

Technical as well as organizational measures will be highlighted and briefly discussed.

Roland Scholz
Expert Mainframe Center of Expertise, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland

1999 – 2005:  Mainframe software development tools, HDI-Gerling

2005 – 2017:  Internal consultant, Life insurance software developer/architect, HDI

2017 – 2019:  Infrastructure Service Delivery, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland

2019 – 2014:  Infra- / Solution-Architecture, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland

Since 2014:    Expert Mainframe Center of Expertise, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland

The presentation explores the significant benefits of integrating knowledge management into modernization programs, emphasizing its role in achieving sustainability. We will demonstrate how leveraging existing knowledge accelerates modernization efforts and drives innovation and sustainability. The focus will be on the business value and improved customer outcomes achieved through a sustainable and strategic knowledge management approach.
12:30 - 13:00
12:30 - 13:00
The power of knowledge management in modernization programs

The presentation explores the significant benefits of integrating knowledge management into modernization programs, emphasizing its role in achieving sustainability. We will demonstrate how leveraging existing knowledge accelerates modernization efforts and drives innovation and sustainability. The focus will be on the business value and improved customer outcomes achieved through a sustainable and strategic knowledge management approach.

Michael Armbruster
Senior Business Consultant, Fujitsu

With over two decades of experience as an IT consultant, Michael Armbruster is now serving as a senior business consultant in Fujitsu Enterprise Platform Services. He is currently spearheading the development of an innovative knowledge management service designed to assist clients in modernizing their applications.

Cloud, Green IT, IT-resilience and Quantum Computing present themselves as revolutionary forces in IT. Cloud computing promises greater operational flexibility, lower costs, and reduced energy consumption, while quantum computing offers the potential for unprecedented computational power. Juergen Frisch and Achim Killer, formerly senior editor and deputy editor in chief for Computer Zeitung, examine the hype versus reality and explore whether all on-premises IT systems will migrate to the cloud in the coming years. During the interactive part of this presentation the audience will have an opportunity to discuss their cloud-experiences.
13:00 - 13:45
13:00 - 13:45
Cloud: Virtuality and Reality in 2025 (incl. Discussion)

Cloud, Green IT, IT-resilience and Quantum Computing present themselves as revolutionary forces in IT. Cloud computing promises greater operational flexibility, lower costs, and reduced energy consumption, while quantum computing offers the potential for unprecedented computational power. Juergen Frisch and Achim Killer, formerly senior editor and deputy editor in chief for Computer Zeitung, examine the hype versus reality and explore whether all on-premises IT systems will migrate to the cloud in the coming years. During the interactive part of this presentation the audience will have an opportunity to discuss their cloud-experiences.

Juergen Frisch
Freelance Journalist

Juergen Frisch served as Editor and later Senior Editor for Computer Zeitung from 1998 until the IT magazine’s closure in mid-2009. He then transitioned to freelance journalism and podcasting, working with various IT publications and companies. His earlier career includes positions at both local private and public radio stations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergenfrisch/?originalSubdomain=de

Achim Killer
Freelance Journalist

Achim Killer is a retired free-lance journalist, who can’t stop writing and talking about IT. Currently he works with Deutschlandfunk. Until 2023 he produced the „Online-News“ radio show for Bayerischer Rundfunk. This was the first podcast on German National Public Radio about IT-security. From 1996 until 2000 he was the deputy editor in chief at the IT-magazine Computer Zeitung. A few years later he wrote two satirical books about his adventures in the IT-industry, titled „Backslash“ and „alt+ctrl+del“.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/achim-killer-81a837135/?originalSubdomain=de

13:45 - 14:30
13:45 - 14:30
Lunch & Connect
The close partnership between REWE digital and UBS Hainer impressively demonstrates how targeted software solutions can support companies in driving modernization processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. As part of this cooperation, REWE digital relies on the proven programs SQLQC and P-Tracker from UBS Hainer. SQLQC optimizes the quality and efficiency of SQL queries and helps to improve database performance. At the same time, P-Tracker enables detailed analysis and tracking of process data, which sustainably improves the transparency and control of complex processes. Thanks to this innovative software support, REWE digital was not only able to achieve a significant reduction in CPU consumption for SQL statements, but also create the basis for a modern, future-proof IT infrastructure and significantly advance modernization and optimization in the COBOL application environment. The partnership between UBS Hainer and REWE digital is a prime example of the successful use of technological innovations in practice.
14:30 - 15:00
14:30 - 15:00
Successful cooperation between REWE digital and UBS Hainer in modernization and efficiency improvement

The close partnership between REWE digital and UBS Hainer impressively demonstrates how targeted software solutions can support companies in driving modernization processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. As part of this cooperation, REWE digital relies on the proven programs SQLQC and P-Tracker from UBS Hainer.

SQLQC optimizes the quality and efficiency of SQL queries and helps to improve database performance. At the same time, P-Tracker enables detailed analysis and tracking of process data, which sustainably improves the transparency and control of complex processes.

Thanks to this innovative software support, REWE digital was not only able to achieve a significant reduction in CPU consumption for SQL statements, but also create the basis for a modern, future-proof IT infrastructure and significantly advance modernization and optimization in the COBOL application environment. The partnership between UBS Hainer and REWE digital is a prime example of the successful use of technological innovations in practice.

Mark Heuser
Senior Product Owner Mainframe, REWE digital
  • Technology consultant and offshore supervisor at an international management consultancy
  • Team and project leader COBOL development at an international logistics service provider
  • Lead Solutions Architect Mainframe Solutions & Enterprise Account Manager Mainframe Solutions at an international software manufacturer
  • Managing Director of COBOL Development, Modernization and Process Automation Branch at an international software manufacturer in the automotive industry
  • Senior Product Owner Mainframe at REWE digital
Cloud integration in z/OS is usually achieved by using ported non-z/OS tools. These are originally developed for other operating systems and do not utilize the special high-tech capabilities of z/OS. Inevitably, the desired full integration becomes more of a conglomerate of adapters to ugly extensions. As a result, performance is poor, resource consumption is high and use is limited, complicated and error prone. The rvs-Systems z/OS Kafka Connector (RzK) proves that a solution developed and optimized for z/OS does not have any of these disadvantages. The rewards for using RzK optimized code are: Simple installation, easy use, highest performance with a very small footprint. This session shows how to integrate Kafka seamlessly into all z/OS applications and environments including IMS & CICS without any restrictions.
15:00 - 15:30
15:00 - 15:30
Integrating Kafka: Warp-Speed z/OS to Kafka Messaging. Any Language. Any Environment. Any Universe

Cloud integration in z/OS is usually achieved by using ported non-z/OS tools. These are originally developed for other operating systems and do not utilize the special high-tech capabilities of z/OS.

Inevitably, the desired full integration becomes more of a conglomerate of adapters to ugly extensions. As a result, performance is poor, resource consumption is high and use is limited, complicated and error prone.

The rvs-Systems z/OS Kafka Connector (RzK) proves that a solution developed and optimized for z/OS does not have any of these disadvantages. The rewards for using RzK optimized code are: Simple installation, easy use, highest performance with a very small footprint.

This session shows how to integrate Kafka seamlessly into all z/OS applications and environments including IMS & CICS without any restrictions.

Martin Brauer
Distinguished Software Engineer, rvs-Systems GmbH
The mainframe infrastructure is the backbone of SDK’s IT landscape. To ensure operational stability while paving the way for successful IT modernization, the infrastructure has undergone a comprehensive upgrade. In this session, we will showcase how modernization not only enhances performance and security but also enables new technologies and architectures. Learn how SDK is boosting innovation through targeted measures and preparing for future challenges.
15:30 - 16:00
15:30 - 16:00
Future-Proof IT: The Modernized Mainframe Infrastructure at Süddeutsche Krankenversicherung a.G. (SDK)

The mainframe infrastructure is the backbone of SDK’s IT landscape. To ensure operational stability while paving the way for successful IT modernization, the infrastructure has undergone a comprehensive upgrade. In this session, we will showcase how modernization not only enhances performance and security but also enables new technologies and architectures. Learn how SDK is boosting innovation through targeted measures and preparing for future challenges.

Michael Tores
System Engineer Mainframe, Süddeutsche Krankenversicherung a.G.
16:00 - 16:30
16:00 - 16:30
Coffee Break & Networking
Engage in dynamic discussions with industry experts and peers on the most pressing topics in tech. From the transformative power of AI to the future of Cloud Computing and the evolving landscape of Education & Skills—these interactive Round Tables offer a unique opportunity to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore the latest trends shaping our industry. Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation!
16:30 - 17:45
16:30 - 17:45
Round Tables: AI, Cloud Computing, Education & Skills

Engage in dynamic discussions with industry experts and peers on the most pressing topics in tech. From the transformative power of AI to the future of Cloud Computing and the evolving landscape of Education & Skills—these interactive Round Tables offer a unique opportunity to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore the latest trends shaping our industry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation!

17:45 - 18:00
17:45 - 18:00
Short Break
All Day 1 Speakers & Moderator
18:00 - 18:30
18:00 - 18:30
Open Panel

All Day 1 Speakers & Moderator

18:30 - 18:35
18:30 - 18:35
GSE Closing

Uunwind and network in a unique historical setting! Join us for Dine & Connect at Pulverturm in Dresden – an evening of great food, engaging conversations, and valuable connections.
19:30 - 22:00
19:30 - 22:00
Dine & Connect (outside event)

Uunwind and network in a unique historical setting! Join us for Dine & Connect at Pulverturm in Dresden – an evening of great food, engaging conversations, and valuable connections.

Wednesday, 02 April 2025

09:00 - 09:15
09:00 - 09:15
GSE Opening

Dr. Michael Weiß
Region Manager Germany, GSE
All Day 2 Speakers
09:15 - 10:00
09:15 - 10:00
Elevator Pitches Day 2

All Day 2 Speakers

The need to operate mainframe applications running since 50+ years while simultaneously trying to take advantage of modern technologies urges IT landscapes to come up with solutions to deal with this kind of challenge properly. A brief overview of Zurich Gruppe Deutschland's journey of how to bridge the technology gap between historically grown Mainframe systems and state-of-the-art Cloud platforms by implementing z/OS Connect EE.
10:00 - 10:30
10:00 - 10:30
Bridging worlds - Our implementation of z/OS Connect EE @ Zurich Insurance

The need to operate mainframe applications running since 50+ years while simultaneously trying to take advantage of modern technologies urges IT landscapes to come up with solutions to deal with this kind of challenge properly. A brief overview of Zurich Gruppe Deutschland’s journey of how to bridge the technology gap between historically grown Mainframe systems and state-of-the-art Cloud platforms by implementing z/OS Connect EE.

Nils Stommel
Operations Engineer in Mainframe Center of Expertise, Zurich Gruppe Deutschland

2018 – 2021      Trainee “Informatikkaufmann”

2021 – 2024      student@Zurich in Life Legacy Backend

2024 – today     Operations Engineer in Mainframe Center of Expertise

This presentation explores the top priorities for the mainframe platform like compliance and security, Cost optimization and AIOps, based on insights from BMC’s 2024 Mainframe Survey. It highlights key trends and challenges in this evolving landscape, and provides strategic recommendations for how organizations can effectively transform their mainframe environments to be ready for the future.
10:30 - 11:00
10:30 - 11:00
It’s not the Mainframe that needs to be modernized

This presentation explores the top priorities for the mainframe platform like compliance and security, Cost optimization and AIOps, based on insights from BMC’s 2024 Mainframe Survey.

It highlights key trends and challenges in this evolving landscape, and provides strategic recommendations for how organizations can effectively transform their mainframe environments to be ready for the future.

Peter Plevka
Technical Sales Z Systems Solutions, BMC Software

Peter Plevka joined BMC in 2003, where he worked as a mainframe software consultant, brand manager for data and performance management and as a sales specialist. Since 2021, he has been supporting the international mainframe sales teams as a Product Evangelist for Z Systems solutions in many different technical sales functions. This includes product training and sales enablement as well as speaking at local and international user groups.

Peter started his IT career in 1987 in the data center of a large Austrian insurance company as an IBM mainframe (MVS) operator and later as a DB2 system programmer and DBA. In 1994 he joined Platinum Technology as a software consultant for their DB2 solutions. Later at CA (now Broadcom) his role expanded to European technology leader for CA’s database management solutions.

11:00 - 11:30
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break & Networking
As part of a hackweek, the REWE digital team carried out a proof of concept (PoC) with the Watson Code Assistant for Z. The aim was to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of this AI-supported tool in the modernization and development of code for IBM Z systems. In this presentation, I will talk about the mini PoC process, our methodology and the challenges we encountered. We will present the most important findings from the test phase, show concrete use cases and share our experiences with the support provided by the Watson Code Assistant. Finally, we will discuss what potential the tool offers for the future and what the next steps are for REWE digital. This session offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the use of AI in software development on mainframes and would like to learn how Watson Code Assistant was used as part of a hackweek.
11:30 - 12:00
11:30 - 12:00
Watson Code Assistant for Z – A mini PoC as part of the Hackweek at REWE digital

As part of a hackweek, the REWE digital team carried out a proof of concept (PoC) with the Watson Code Assistant for Z. The aim was to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of this AI-supported tool in the modernization and development of code for IBM Z systems.

In this presentation, I will talk about the mini PoC process, our methodology and the challenges we encountered. We will present the most important findings from the test phase, show concrete use cases and share our experiences with the support provided by the Watson Code Assistant. Finally, we will discuss what potential the tool offers for the future and what the next steps are for REWE digital.

This session offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the use of AI in software development on mainframes and would like to learn how Watson Code Assistant was used as part of a hackweek.

Mark Heuser
Senior Product Owner Mainframe, REWE digital
  • Technology consultant and offshore supervisor at an international management consultancy
  • Team and project leader COBOL development at an international logistics service provider
  • Lead Solutions Architect Mainframe Solutions & Enterprise Account Manager Mainframe Solutions at an international software manufacturer
  • Managing Director of COBOL Development, Modernization and Process Automation Branch at an international software manufacturer in the automotive industry
  • Senior Product Owner Mainframe at REWE digital
There are endless ways to modernize almost anything on the mainframe. Everyone thinks of something different when talking about this topic. Let's get an overview of the different possibilities, try to group them together, give some ideas on where to start. And, of course, look at a customer example.And I promise, Modernization is fun!
12:00 - 12:30
12:00 - 12:30
Modernization Mayhem: Unleash the Infinite Fun!

There are endless ways to modernize almost anything on the mainframe. Everyone thinks of something different when talking about this topic. Let’s get an overview of the different possibilities, try to group them together, give some ideas on where to start. And, of course, look at a customer example.And I promise, Modernization is fun!

Armin Kramer
Senior Architect for IBM Z/Mainframe Modernization and Z Evangelist, CROZ

Having been a mainframe customer for over 35 years, I have learnt a lot about the mainframe and how to use it. In my previous company I was the face of mainframe modernization. I know where to start and which packages make sense. Switching to CROZ is the perfect step to spread my knowledge even further.

Leveraging AI is a business priority for enterprises worldwide. When starting with AI use cases, most companies face challenges in making data available to fuel these use cases. The exploding costs and energy consumption associated with GPU usage drive initiatives to optimize between challenging LLM training and standard inferencing workloads. The Mainframe and LinuxOne, in their newest generation with Telum processors, have the capabilities to run AI inferencing and Kubernetes workloads, seamlessly connecting into hybrid cloud scenarios, including public clouds. At the same time, a significant amount of critical data needed for AI use cases is located on mainframe systems. CANCOM, as an expert in AI development and mainframe technology, explains how to leverage the Mainframe/LinuxOne in an AI architecture.
12:30 - 13:00
12:30 - 13:00
Successful AI without Mainframe - no Way!

Leveraging AI is a business priority for enterprises worldwide.

When starting with AI use cases, most companies face challenges in making data available to fuel these use cases. The exploding costs and energy consumption associated with GPU usage drive initiatives to optimize between challenging LLM training and standard inferencing workloads.

The Mainframe and LinuxOne, in their newest generation with Telum processors, have the capabilities to run AI inferencing and Kubernetes workloads, seamlessly connecting into hybrid cloud scenarios, including public clouds. At the same time, a significant amount of critical data needed for AI use cases is located on mainframe systems. CANCOM, as an expert in AI development and mainframe technology, explains how to leverage the Mainframe/LinuxOne in an AI architecture.

Oliver Parpart
Director Business Development, CANCOM

Oliver Parpart is the Director of Business Development at CANCOM, specializing in mainframe, cloud, and datacenter solutions. With extensive experience in enterprise open-source solutions, Oliver has contributed significantly to the integration of Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. He has been recognized as an IBM Champion for his leadership and contributions to the IBM technology community. Oliver is known for his strategic insights and ability to drive business growth through innovative technology solutions. He is also actively involved in various industry conferences and events, sharing his expertise and knowledge.

Learn about the new learning offerings from IBM and how you can grow deep technical skills across your enterprise or individually.
13:00 - 13:15
13:00 - 13:15
Take your skills to new heights with IBM Learning

Learn about the new learning offerings from IBM and how you can grow deep technical skills across your enterprise or individually.

Gayle Batty
Learning Portfolio Manager Automation, IBM Learning

Started my working career teaching Computer Science at local High School. Then joined DHL as a technical trainer, developing courses and delivering across Europe.

Now, 26 years in IBM, always in the education business, including Training Partner Relationships, managing the Tivoli Education EMEA business, IBM Expert Labs enablement strategy and now back with client education as Learning Portfolio Manager, focusing on Automation business, but also managing cross team initiatives.

13:15 - 14:00
13:15 - 14:00
Lunch & Connect
In this presentation, we'll explore how GenAI is revolutionizing the coding experience, enabling COBOL developers to modernize applications right inside the IntelliJ IDEA (or VS Code) in minutes rather than hours. Join us as we dive into recent GenAI trends, provide an overview of cutting-edge LLM models, and demonstrate real-world use cases that are transforming legacy systems.
14:00 - 14:30
14:00 - 14:30
AI-Driven Mainframe Development: Empowering Developers for Higher Productivity

In this presentation, we’ll explore how GenAI is revolutionizing the coding experience, enabling COBOL developers to modernize applications right inside the IntelliJ IDEA (or VS Code) in minutes rather than hours.
Join us as we dive into recent GenAI trends, provide an overview of cutting-edge LLM models, and demonstrate real-world use cases that are transforming legacy systems.

Alex Burak
Solutions Consultant, Zowe Explorer for IntelliJ, IBA Group
Uladzislau (Vlad) Kalesnikau
Zowe® IntelliJ Squad Leader and Software Developer, IBA Group

Responsible for open-source plugins for IntelliJ IDEA™ platform, such as Zowe® Explorer plugin for IntelliJ IDEA™, Zowe® COBOL Language Support plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, Zowe™ JCL plugin for IntelliJ IDEA™, Zowe® PL/I Language Support, other IntelliJ IDEs‘ related plug-ins for mainframe, Zowe® Client SDK for Kotlin™, Zowe® zDevOps plugin for Jenkins®, IBA Group.

The rapid development in the AI sector confronts companies with a key question: what type of AI solutions should they opt for? Should they go for open source solutions or buy ready-made commercial solutions? While open source offers flexibility and cost advantages, purchased solutions enable rapid deployment and professional support - but at what price? In this presentation, I will highlight technical and economical decision factors and discuss how the extremely fast-moving nature of the AI market affects long-term investments.
14:30 - 15:00
14:30 - 15:00
AI solutions for companies: Open source or buy - what is the right choice and under what circumstances?

The rapid development in the AI sector confronts companies with a key question: what type of AI solutions should they opt for? Should they go for open source solutions or buy ready-made commercial solutions? While open source offers flexibility and cost advantages, purchased solutions enable rapid deployment and professional support – but at what price?

In this presentation, I will highlight technical and economical decision factors and discuss how the extremely fast-moving nature of the AI market affects long-term investments.

Marc Oppermann
IT Program Manager & Scrum Master, Swiss Life

I’m an IT professional with a strong background in IT management and agile leadership. I’m holding a Master of Science in IT Management & Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Information Engineering.

Currently working as an IT Program Manager and Scrum Master at Swiss Life Deutschland, I’m leading a strategic modernization program and a cross-functional team in data science & analytics. I’m dedicated to driving innovation, optimizing processes, and fostering agile development.

All Day 2 Speakers & Moderator
15:00 - 15:45
15:00 - 15:45
Open Panel

All Day 2 Speakers & Moderator

15:45 - 16:00
15:45 - 16:00
Closing & Outlook next days

Peter Goth
President, GSE
Dr. Michael Weiß
Region Manager Germany, GSE
16:00 - 16:30
16:00 - 16:30
Coffee Break and Guided Tour in the Exhibition Area
Harness generative AI and advanced automation to create enterprise-ready code faster.
16:30 - 18:00
16:30 - 18:00
Hands-On Lab (Bring your own device): Code smarter, not harder: watsonx Code Assistant

Harness generative AI and advanced automation to create enterprise-ready code faster.