Re:IBM lifts lid on latest bid to halt mainframe skill slips
by toomuchtodo on Sunday March 31, 2024 @06:38PM
(#39888771)
There are active efforts at IBM to market generative AI to rewrite mainframe code (COBOL->Java). Orgs are desperate for cheap mainframe folks to bridge the gap until they get off of mainframes while most of this skilled workforce is retiring, but the comp and work arrangement quality is likely subpar for a job orgs are actively attempting to eliminate. If you’re close to retirement and have the skills, it’s a fine way to ride into the sunset, but if you’re younger, run away. It’s a trap.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/watsonx-code-assistant-4z/1.1?to...
(Have had to sit in meetings on this topic)
the jobs are cost centers at those places while at FAANG it is main R&D, areas of investment, and thus very different treatment by the management, incl. compensation.
One can also wonder how long before LLM would replace the [most of the job of] sysadm of mainframe. I'm pretty sure that the management at those companies would jump at the mere perception of the opportunity to shave a bit of cost like they did with outsourcing.