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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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ENROAD Aims to Redefine the Roof Box with Smart Technology and Automotive-Inspired Design at SEMA 2026

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LAS VEGAS, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ENROAD, a premium automotive travel lifestyle brand, will showcase its award-winning Nomadix Pro Smart Roof Box at SEMA Show 2026, at Booth 59033 in the West Hall with Diamond Lot, from November 3rd to 6th.

Recognized with the German Red Dot Design Award, Nomadix Pro reimagines the traditional roof box with fingerprint unlocking, solar-powered operation, and ENROAD’s Trispark energy system. Combining intelligent convenience with sleek, automotive-inspired design, it transforms roof storage from a simple cargo solution into a smarter companion for every journey.

ENROAD’s debut at SEMA Show marks an important step in bringing its vision of Smart Automotive Travel to the global automotive aftermarket and outdoor recreation communities, where innovation, personalization, and adventure meet.

Automotive-Inspired Design, Refined for Every Journey

A roof box should do more than add cargo space—it should complement the vehicle it sits on. The Nomadix Pro combines a streamlined silhouette and a clean, contemporary profile with distinctive integrated rear lighting, creating a more recognizable look that brings automotive-inspired design to a traditionally utilitarian accessory.

The Nomadix Pro received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award, recognizing its design, and represents three years of product development supported by more than 10 proprietary patents.

Smart Access, Without the Extra Steps

One of the Nomadix Pro’s standout features is its fingerprint-based unlocking system, offering an alternative to carrying and using a traditional key. A mechanical backup key provides another access option when needed.

ENROAD has also rethought the details that affect everyday use. Its ClickHold™ mounting system replaces conventional bulky knobs with a rack-and-cam lever mechanism, designed to simplify installation while preserving usable interior space.

The RailTie™ fastening system, featuring adjustable aluminum rails and zinc-alloy buckles, helps secure belongings during travel. A front-mounted secondary lock provides an additional measure to help keep the lid closed at speed, while four-bar hinges allow the box to open from either side of the vehicle.

Together, these features are designed to make installation, loading and accessing gear more straightforward.

Lighting That Works Beyond the Drive

Inside the Nomadix Pro, motion-sensing is equipped, with dual sensing for light and human body, that means less fumbling around when looking for a bag, jacket or piece of camping equipment after dark. The exterior rear lighting adds a distinctive visual details and safety while driving.

Nomadix Pro also incorporates ENROAD’s Trispark solar-powered energy system, which combines solar charging, portable power and campsite illumination in one integrated solution.

Trispark features a 24,000mAh battery, fast-charging capability and adjustable lighting modes, bringing additional utility to time spent outdoors.

From its exterior lighting to its interior illumination and portable power options, ENROAD is exploring ways to make the roof box a more considered part of the automotive travel.

Built Around Real-World Use

The Nomadix Pro has undergone 24 reliability tests covering scenarios including emergency maneuvers, lane changes, rough roads, prolonged vibration, extreme cold and repeated opening and closing cycles.

Its interior features molded felt lining to help protect stored equipment, while its mounting, fastening and locking systems address the practical demands of carrying gear on the road.

These details reflect ENROAD’s focus on combining a modern look with features that serve a clear purpose.

A First Look at What’s Next

SEMA 2026 will also offer an early look at ENROAD’s upcoming smart roof box. The new version will expand the ENROAD lineup, bringing its focus on contemporary design, practical storage and user-friendly features to a broader range of customers.

Visit ENROAD at SEMA 2026

Dates: November 3–6, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Booth: West Hall with Diamond Lot — 59033
Website: ENROAD – Easy to Go, Easy to Feel.

About ENROAD

Established in 2024 as a lifestyle brand under PGYTECH, ENROAD specializes in innovative automotive travel solutions. Its Nomadix Pro Smart Roof Box, developed over three years with 10+ proprietary patents, won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award, combining smart convenience, functional design, and green technology.

Backed by PGYTECH’s 10+ years of product innovation, ENROAD brings this expertise to the automotive travel lifestyle mobility space,  redefining the automotive travel experience.

For more information, visit ENROAD – Easy to Go, Easy to Feel.

 

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SOURCE ENROAD

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Hisense Celebrates 100 Years of Television and Marks the Origin of RGB MiniLED

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LONDON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 1926, John Logie Baird first demonstrated his pioneering television system at 22 Frith Street, London. A century later, Hisense, a leading global brand in consumer electronics and home appliances, returned to this historic site on 24–25 October to celebrate the centenary of television under the theme “Celebrating 100 Years of Television. Hisense, the Origin of RGB MiniLED.” At Outernet London’s The Now Building, near 22 Frith Street, an immersive big-screen experience brought a century of television history to life and showcased Hisense’s latest RGB technology.

A century of television innovation has transformed how people experience entertainment. Now, with RGB MiniLED, which represents the new origin of display innovation, Hisense aims to mark the next milestone in this ongoing journey. By connecting the origin of television with RGB MiniLED, Hisense launched a campaign at 22 Frith Street and Outernet London’s The Now Building. This celebration was not only a tribute to the past, but also a statement about the future of home entertainment, highlighting Hisense RGB MiniLED’s role in the next chapter of television. Martin Wilkie, Director at World Origin Sites, also praised what Hisense has contributed, ‘What Hisense has done is take television to the next stage — and the quality shows.’

Taking place on 24-25 October, Hisense’s “London Walk through TV History” connected five stops, inviting the public to follow the campaign map, enjoy a coffee, discover London’s rich television heritage and experience the latest in display technology along the way.

The main venue was Bar Italia at 22 Frith Street, Soho, a landmark site where Baird gave his first public demonstration of television in 1926. Here, visitors could enjoy a complimentary coffee while soaking up London’s television history and collecting limited-edition souvenirs and vouchers by participating in any one activity including a photo check-in, a Q&A quiz, or social media sharing.

Notably, on the afternoon of 25 October, Iain Logie Baird, grandson of television pioneer John Logie Baird, joined the celebrations at Bar Italia to mark this special milestone and honour the legacy of television. His presence lent historical weight to the event, which is a symbolic recognition of the continuity from his grandfather’s pioneering work to Hisense’s RGB MiniLED, the next step in television evolution. Hisense is doing something similar to my grandfather: taking something that had been exclusively in the laboratory and putting it into a product the public can buy and enjoy, said Iain Logie Baird.

As part of the trail, visitors were guided to The Now Building at Outernet London, Europe’s largest immersive digital experience space, featuring a 360-degree environment with ultra-high-definition LED screens. They could explore a museum-style exhibition celebrating 100 years of television history and experience Hisense’s latest RGB technology up close.

Bringing this immersive experience to life, Hisense’s latest RGB MiniLED technology marks the new milestone in display innovation. Exemplified by its flagship 116UXS TV, the technology delivers richer, more accurate colours, exceptional brightness and contrast, and lifelike picture quality, revealing a new level of realism to the viewing experience.

Visitors could also continue along the trail to the participating retail stores. These stores offer opportunities to explore Hisense RGB MiniLED products or enjoy exclusive vouchers, as detailed below:

John Lewis & Partners, Oxford Street:  Get hands-on with Hisense RGB MiniLED TVs.Selfridges, Oxford Street & Harrods, Brompton Road: Experience Hisense RGB MiniLED TVs and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on eligible Hisense RGB MiniLED and MicroLED TVs when redeeming the voucher in store.

*Valid until 8 November 2026.

Arun Bhatoye, Head of Marketing for Hisense UK, said: “The UK’s rich heritage of broadcasting innovation makes it a particularly meaningful place to celebrate 100 years of television. As the origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense is proud to help shape the future of display technology, pushing the boundaries of colour, brightness and contrast to deliver more lifelike visuals and enhanced viewing comfort. We’re excited to be part of the next chapter in television history and to bring these innovations to consumers around the world.”

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 180 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2026H1). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As an Official Partner of UEFA EURO 2028, Hisense continues its legacy of global sports partnerships, bringing people closer to the moments that unite fans around the world.

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ELEMENTL POWER, DS INVESTMENT PARTNERS AND SAMSUNG C&T TO ADVANCE NEW U.S. NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT

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Proposed partnership of up to $750 million would help fund development of multiple Elementl nuclear projects

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Elementl Power, a nuclear project delivery and capital management platform, has signed a preliminary agreement to form and fund a development partnership of up to $750 million with a consortium led by South Korean investment firm DS Investment Partners (DSIP). Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction Group, which has delivered energy projects including nuclear worldwide, is participating in the consortium as a potential strategic investor. 

The consortium would fund a portion of the proposed partnership’s projected capital and hold a significant minority interest in the partnership. The agreement consists of a letter of intent and term sheet setting out the proposed terms of the partnership and allows for participation from additional strategic and financial investors.

The proposed nuclear development partnership is intended to provide a portion of the capital necessary for up to three of Elementl’s advanced nuclear projects to achieve final investment decision (FID), supporting pre-construction activities, including permitting, interconnection and long-lead item procurement. One of the three projects is Elementl’s 1.5 gigawatt project under development in Ohio, which will use GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 small modular reactors.  

The planned partnership would advance Elementl’s full-lifecycle development strategy and demonstrate the company’s model of matching top-tier development capital with high-quality, pre-FID advanced nuclear projects. Elementl has engaged Macquarie Capital as financial advisor to evaluate bringing additional strategic and financial investors into the partnership.

“Elementl’s partnership with DS Investment Partners and its consortium would advance our full-lifecycle development strategy and represents a first-of-its-kind capital formation model for U.S. nuclear focused purely on developing multiple utility-scale projects,” said Elementl Chairman and CEO Chris Colbert. “Once finalized, this partnership would expand our early-stage project capital, increase our access to South Korea’s nuclear supply chain and engineering expertise and enhance our position as the financial and development partner best equipped to deliver new nuclear.”

“This proposed partnership would bring together financial and industrial expertise with proven experience in the nuclear sector to support the next generation of American nuclear projects,” said DS Investment Partners CEO Seung Soo Kang. “We believe new nuclear is essential to meeting rising energy demand, and we are proud to partner with Elementl and Samsung C&T in building a strong foundation to advance these power projects.”

“This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to establish a private capital model that accelerates the path to delivery for commercial U.S. nuclear projects, and we are pleased to bring our nuclear construction experience and support to this effort with Elementl and DS Investment Partners,” said Samsung C&T Senior Vice President Jung Kim.

The proposed partnership does not constitute a final investment decision on any project. The agreement remains subject to definitive documentation, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Elementl is backed by leading energy and infrastructure investors, including Energy Impact Partners, accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Prelude Ventures, Breakwater North and Alumni Ventures.

About Elementl Power
Elementl Power is America’s Nuclear Prime, leading the delivery and capital management of new nuclear plants. Elementl’s platform combines expertise in energy finance, project execution, regulatory strategy, and nuclear operations with a technology-agnostic approach to drive the full lifecycle of plant development, from site selection and financing through licensing, construction and commercial operation. For more information, please visit elementlpower.io or follow us on LinkedIn.

About DS Investment Partners (DSIP)
DS Investment Partners (DSIP) is an investment firm focused on energy, technology, healthcare and strategic infrastructure, and is part of a Seoul-based financial group. Working alongside technology providers, industrial partners, and institutional investors across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America, DSIP seeks to support investments that enhance security, reliability and long-term sustainability while creating value for stakeholders.

About Samsung C&T Corporation
Samsung C&T’s Engineering & Construction Group has more than 40 years of engineering and construction experience operating throughout the world. The group spans commercial and residential buildings, civil infrastructure and plant construction. Its landmark projects include Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Riyadh Metro Project in Saudi Arabia, the Qurayyah 4,000MW CCPP Project, and the ongoing Qatar 2,000MW Solar Power Project. In the nuclear energy sector, the company has successfully delivered 12GW across 10 units, including the 5.6GW Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE. It has recently undertaken the Nuclear Power Plant refurbishment project and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), demonstrating its global competitiveness in large-scale reactor and SMR technologies, and solidifying its expertise across all areas of the nuclear industry.

CONTACT:

Timothy Wirth

Elementl Power Communications

(484)886-5705

tim@elementlpower.io

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SOURCE Elementl Power Inc.

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