The Beta Systems ANOW! Automate mainframe connector for IBM z/OS orchestrates critical mainframe workloads together with processes on open systems and cloud platforms. The connector provides centralized control over z/OS batch jobs and related tasks from the ANOW! Automate platform, helping organizations modernize and integrate mainframe processing within hybrid IT workflows.
The ANOW! Automate integration for IBM z/OS enables scheduling, execution, and monitoring of z/OS JCL jobs, including step-level control, restart scenarios, and spool file handling from a central console. It supports reacting to mainframe processing events (e.g., specific return codes or step failures) with predefined automated actions, such as restarting from a given step, triggering sub-workflows, or offloading processing to distributed environments. This allows mainframe activities to be embedded into broader workflows that also include file transfers, shell scripts, database tasks, and other non-mainframe components.
Depending on customer requirements and organizational security policies, ANOW! Automate supports multiple deployment architectures. One supported configuration is the FTP-based architecture, which enables integration with mainframe environments via standard FTP protocols.
The integration targets enterprise IT decision-makers and operations teams who run z/OS alongside significant distributed and cloud estates and want to treat the mainframe as a first-class part of a unified automation strategy. It supports gradual mainframe modernization by allowing workflows to move processing back and forth between z/OS and open systems (including environments using Raincode or OpenText COBOL/JCL preprocessors), enabling stepwise migration while leveraging existing mainframe investments
Use ANOW! Automate as a central platform to define, schedule, and monitor workflows that span z/OS JCL jobs, interpreters such as Raincode/OpenText, and a wide spectrum of open-systems tasks. Operators can view dependencies, critical paths, and Gantt-style diagrams for mixed mainframe and non-mainframe processes, reducing tool fragmentation and manual coordination.
Leverage rich event handling and restart capabilities for z/OS jobs, including step-based restart, predefined recovery scenarios, and automatic actions on specific return codes or SLA violations. These capabilities help stabilize batch processing, shorten recovery times, and reduce reliance on manual operator intervention.
Intelligently schedule and orchestrate z/OS workloads based on real-time data from distributed systems. This approach minimizes idle time, optimizes resource utilization, and prevents bottlenecks, resulting in faster batch processing and improved overall mainframe efficiency.
Combine mainframe and open-systems processing within a single workflow so parts of applications can be moved off z/OS gradually while maintaining end-to-end control. Native integration with mainframe emulation and rehosting stacks supports back-end modernization projects without disrupting existing scheduling logic and operational practices
Use Cases
OPERATIONS
Execute workflows spanning the z/OS environment and distributed or cloud platforms.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Restart failed jobs, apply recovery scenarios, or automatically escalate incidents.
IT OPERATIONS
Blend mainframe reliability with cloud agility by orchestrating z/OS and open systems in one seamless, modernization-ready workflow.
EMULATION
Combine native z/OS processing with mainframe emulation platforms such as Raincode or OpenText Enterprise Server in a single workflow.
:quality(50))
In the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms (SOAP), Beta Systems Software was recognized as a Leader. Discover key market trends, vendor strengths and cautions, and how ANOW! Suite has been evaluated.
Read reportRead reportDo you have more questions?
The integration uses standard, controlled z/OS interfaces (FTP to JES or z/OSMF REST API) with centrally managed credentials, SSL, and client certificates, so it fits into existing mainframe security and compliance frameworks. Access to job submission, restart, and changes is governed in ANOW! Automate with enforced reason codes for operator actions, creating an auditable record of who did what and when on critical batch chains.
No, a rip-and-replace is not required. Our solution is designed for strategic integration, allowing ANOW! Automate to coexist with your current mainframe scheduling tools. It enhances your existing investments by providing a unified orchestration layer across hybrid environments.
The ANOW! Automate agent for z/OS is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing its footprint and performance impact. It uses standard z/OS interfaces and optimized communication protocols to minimize overhead and preserve mainframe system integrity.
This integration is key to unifying your hybrid IT landscape. It allows you to seamlessly orchestrate mainframe workloads alongside cloud and distributed applications, enabling phased modernization, data synchronization, and consistent automation across all platforms.
