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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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The Inner Circle acknowledges Daniel Beer as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Daniel Beer is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

Daniel Beer has built a distinguished career as a technology executive, entrepreneur, and innovator dedicated to helping organizations harness technology to achieve sustainable growth and meaningful collaboration. As founder and chief executive officer of Trusted Associates and chief executive officer of Freeman and Clarke Inc., he leads initiatives that combine strategic technology leadership with emerging innovations in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Mr. Beer specializes in information technology strategy, platform development, organizational modernization, digital infrastructure, and fractional chief information officer and chief technology officer services. Through Freeman and Clarke Inc., he provides executive technology leadership that enables organizations to align technology investments with long term business objectives. At Trusted Associates, he focuses on developing collaborative technology platforms, cultivating strategic partnerships, creating innovative applications, and making investments in artificial intelligence companies that advance practical, real world solutions.

Mr. Beer earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Sydney in 1997 before completing an equivalency certification for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science through the University of Maryland in 2012. His unique educational background combines creativity with technical expertise, allowing him to approach technology challenges with both analytical precision and innovative thinking.

Throughout his career, Mr. Beer has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership. He founded Techknowledgy Group at the age of 20 and successfully grew the company into a respected managed services provider over a fifteen year period. Later, as Chief Information Officer for the New York Hotel Trades Council, he led the modernization of the organization’s information systems and digital infrastructure, significantly improving operational efficiency and technology capabilities. Today, he continues expanding his influence through leadership roles with Trusted Associates, Freeman and Clarke Inc., and as an investor and advisory board member for Relate Research and Technology Company.

His professional accomplishments have earned recognition through inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives, honoring his leadership, innovation, and contributions to the field of information technology.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Beer enjoys singing in church choirs, supporting personal development programs, and participating in animal rescue efforts, including fostering and rescuing dogs alongside his family. He credits the mentors who invested in his growth without expecting anything in return for shaping both his leadership philosophy and his commitment to serving others.

Looking ahead, Mr. Beer plans to continue advancing technology solutions that promote global collaboration while pursuing initiatives that improve literacy, raise awareness of neurodiversity, reduce incarceration rates, and create opportunities that benefit society as a whole. He remains committed to using innovation as a force for positive change.

Guided by his W5 philosophy, Mr. Beer believes true success is measured by helping others succeed. Through collaboration, communication, service, and innovation, he continues to build organizations and technologies that create lasting value for clients, communities, and future generations.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Thoma Bravo Announces Strategic Growth Investment in Tanda

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Investment to accelerate Tanda’s product innovation and global growth

BRISBANE, Australia and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thoma Bravo, the world’s largest software-focused investment firm, today announced a strategic growth investment in Tanda, a leading workforce management, payroll and HR platform for shift-based workers. Thoma Bravo’s investment will support Tanda’s continued product innovation, including the company’s AI roadmap and its expansion into new markets. Tanda’s co-founders will remain significant shareholders and will continue to lead the company, with Jake Phillpot remaining Chief Executive Officer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tanda is the market leader in workforce management for shift-based employers, serving approximately 8,000 businesses globally across hospitality, retail, quick-service restaurants, healthcare and other frontline industries. Tanda’s integrated workforce management platform combines employee recruiting, onboarding, rostering, time and attendance, gross wage calculations and payroll on a single codebase. This natively built product suite enables employers in complex, highly regulated markets to manage compliance and ensure employees are paid accurately. Trusted by thousands of organizations, Tanda’s platform powers the daily operations of some of the most demanding frontline businesses in the world.

“Taking on an investor was a very big decision for Tanda,” said Jake Phillpot, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Tanda. “We’ve been a bootstrapped company with no outside capital since we were founded 14 years ago. What started as an idea when we were still housemates at university has become a global business that we have built without taking shortcuts. Through a lot of hard work, we have market-leading products, growing market share and so much more room to grow. We thought the time was right to take on our first investor.”

“Thoma Bravo was the obvious choice as our financial partner,” Phillpot continued. “They understand software at an extraordinary level, have spent decades helping companies like ours scale and share our ambition for what Tanda can become. By partnering with the world’s number one software investor, we intend to become the global category leader in our space. Most importantly, the things that make Tanda precious won’t change. The founders will still come to work every day, and we’ll still obsess over how we can make our products better for our customers.”

“Managing and compensating employees accurately is a fundamental obligation of all employers, yet it remains a universal challenge, particularly for businesses with shift-based employees,” said Carl Press, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Employers are frustrated by a patchwork of legacy systems that cannot address their complex needs and expose them to operational and legal risks. Jake and his co-founders identified this problem and built Tanda from the ground up with customers and their employees at the center of every product decision. In doing so, they’ve laid the groundwork to become the definitive AI-native workforce management solution in the shift-based economy. We couldn’t be more thrilled to help them drive the next chapter of accelerated growth and innovation.”

“Tanda has everything we look for in an investment: market leadership, a fiercely loyal customer base and a product-first founding team with deep domain expertise,” said Adam Kinalski, a Principal at Thoma Bravo. “Jake and his co-founders have built a rare business that matches strong product-market fit with exceptional operational execution. We’re excited to partner with them on their mission to make Tanda the global standard in workforce management and payroll software for shift-based employers.”

Barrenjoey Advisory Pty Ltd is serving as financial advisor to Tanda, and SBA Law is serving as legal counsel. Piper Sandler & Co. is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Thoma Bravo, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Allens are serving as legal counsel.

About Thoma Bravo
Thoma Bravo is the world’s largest software-focused investment firm, with approximately $170 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026. Partnering with some of the world’s most sophisticated investors, Thoma Bravo’s private equity and private credit platforms reflect a focused investment strategy, supported by disciplined execution, deep sector expertise and leadership continuity. Over the past 20-plus years, Thoma Bravo has acquired or invested in approximately 600 software and technology companies, representing more than $325 billion of aggregate enterprise value (including control and non-control investments, as well as add-on acquisitions). Learn more at thomabravo.com and on LinkedIn.

About Tanda
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Tanda (operating internationally as Workforce.com) is an all-in-one payroll, HR and workforce management system for businesses with shift-based and hourly workforces. Tanda’s platform brings rostering, time and attendance, award interpretation, compliance, payroll and HR onboarding together in a single system, helping employers in hospitality, retail, healthcare and other frontline industries schedule efficiently and pay employees accurately. The company serves thousands of customers across Australia, North America, the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia. For more information, visit tanda.co.

For Thoma Bravo

Abby Farr
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
+1 646-957-2067
afarr@thomabravo.com    

For Tanda

Georgie Pollok
Head of Marketing
media@tanda.com.au 

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PeerTrust Launches Public Service to Evaluate Citation Integrity and Scientific Due Diligence Beyond Citation Counts

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New “Know Your Scientist” tool allows insurance carriers, universities, research funders, and science investors to inspect citation accumulation patterns and network anomalies.

FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PeerTrust is now publicly available at PeerTrust.Report, giving science stakeholders a way to examine unusual patterns in the citation record behind a researcher’s scholarly profile.

Citations influence hiring, funding, promotion, institutional rankings, and decisions about scientific partnerships. Yet those decisions often rely on how frequently a scientist has been cited, with little scrutiny of where those citations came from or how the surrounding network developed.

PeerTrust introduces Know Your Scientist (KYS), researcher-level scientific due diligence based on public scholarly records. The service examines three distinct anomaly types:

Coauthor Network Concentration: Unusual concentration of citation activity within a researcher’s coauthor network.Reciprocal Citation Relationships: Repeated reciprocal citation relationships.Publication Velocity: Abrupt changes in publication output.

PeerTrust weighs these signals and produces an evidence-oriented report for human review.

“PeerTrust tells decision makers where unusual citation structures appear and gives them evidence they can inspect,” said Bassem Kadry, Chief Innovation Officer at ScienceWerx. “What that evidence means still requires context and human judgment.”

An unusual pattern is not a finding of misconduct. Close scientific collaboration, consortium publishing, changes in team size, or rapid growth in research activity can all produce legitimate anomalies. PeerTrust is designed to identify records that warrant closer examination, not to infer intent or assign guilt.

Computational Reproducibility Benchmark

The system has also undergone a computational reproducibility benchmark using a deliberately citation-enriched cohort of researchers identified through exceptionally highly cited recent publications. A separate team reimplemented the public PeerTrust methodology in Python and compared its results with the production system using identical preserved bibliographic evidence.

Both implementations returned the same final PeerTrust classification for all 260 researchers that could be scored. Across the complete set of benchmarked outputs, 258 of 260 cases matched exactly. The two remaining cases contained small numerical differences that did not change their classifications.

In the deliberately difficult test cohort, 116 of the 260 scored researchers received an ELEVATED or HIGH PeerTrust classification. The cohort was specifically constructed around unusually strong recent citation visibility to stress-test the system and cannot estimate how common citation manipulation or research misconduct is among scientists generally.

“Scientific due diligence often stops at publication and citation counts,” said Khalid Saqr of KNOWDYN. “If those numbers influence funding, appointments and partnerships, organizations should be able to examine the structure behind them before making consequential decisions.”

PeerTrust’s methodology separates automated anomaly detection from human judgment. The system organizes bibliometric evidence for review; it does not replace expert assessment, institutional investigation, or due process.

About PeerTrust & Next Steps

PeerTrust is a transatlantic joint initiative of ScienceWerx and KNOWDYN. The public service is live now at peertrust.report. PeerTrust is moving next into API access and institutional deployment and is identifying insurers, universities, research funders, investors, research-intelligence, and research-integrity organizations interested in bringing Know Your Scientist into existing review and scientific due-diligence workflows.

About ScienceWerx, Inc.

ScienceWerx was born from a simple yet powerful observation: countless groundbreaking scientific discoveries remain trapped in academic journals and laboratories, unable to make a real-world impact. The gap between brilliant research and market-ready solutions represents a massive loss of potential for humanity.

About KNOWDYN LTD

KNOWDYN LTD is an Intellectual Property (IP) custodian and licensor. The company is registered in England and Wales and operates in 17 countries across the Americas, Europe, and East Asia.

Website: peertrust.report

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SOURCE ScienceWerx

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