8 Mainframes Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Emerson W. Pugh and his coauthors, all affiliated with IBM Research, offer a meticulously researched chronicle of the IBM System/360 and its successor, the System/370, tracing their development from 1960 to 1975. You’ll gain detailed insights into the technological innovations introduced, including semiconductor memories, the cache, and early disk storage technologies, along with the strategic decisions that shaped IBM's transition from punched-card machines to electronic computers. The book delves into the compatibility that made System/360 a lasting foundation in mainframe computing, supported by interviews with over a hundred key participants and extensive archival research. This book is ideal if you want a deep understanding of the technical and managerial challenges behind one of the most influential mainframe systems in history.

Mike Murach, with over five decades of experience in programming education, wrote this book to fill a gap in practical COBOL training for IBM mainframes. You learn not only how to write and test simple COBOL programs but also how to handle advanced topics like structured programming, file maintenance with sequential and indexed files, and integration with VSAM, CICS, and DB2 databases. Specific chapters guide you through compiling programs on IBM mainframes, making it a hands-on resource for anyone working in mainframe environments. If you need a solid, example-driven approach to mastering mainframe COBOL, this book offers exactly that, though it’s geared towards those committed to serious study rather than casual learners.

This tailored book explores the essential knowledge and skills needed to master mainframes, focusing on your unique background and learning goals. It carefully examines core concepts such as system architecture, operating systems, programming languages, and data management, matching your interests to ensure a relevant and engaging learning experience. By synthesizing a vast range of expert knowledge into a personalized guide, this book reveals how mainframes operate and how to navigate their complexities with confidence. Whether you seek foundational understanding or practical technical skills, the content is tailored to help you efficiently build expertise and deepen your grasp of these critical computing systems.

David Stephens draws on nearly two decades of hands-on experience with IBM Mainframes to demystify the complex world of System z and z/OS in this approachable guide. You learn foundational concepts without jargon, covering not only technical essentials like operating systems and terminology but also insights into Mainframe team dynamics and management challenges. Chapters like those on emerging Mainframe trends and the human side of Mainframe operations fill gaps often left untouched in other texts. If you're a programmer, manager, or recruiter needing a straightforward, accessible introduction, this book offers a clear picture of what Mainframes do and how the ecosystem functions.

N. S. Prasad's decades of expertise in IBM mainframe technology led to this detailed exploration of system architectures spanning the 360 to the latest 370/ESA and Summit Series. You learn the nuts and bolts of serial, vector, and parallel processing, as well as storage and input/output frameworks critical for understanding IBM’s mainframe evolution. The book balances technical depth for assembly language programmers with strategic insights valuable to systems managers needing to grasp emerging trends. For example, it offers updated chapters on communications networks and design concepts tailored to recent hardware releases, making it a solid reference to deepen your grasp of IBM mainframe design principles.

Robert H. Johnson's extensive experience with IBM mainframe systems shines through in this detailed guide to the Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) operating system. You gain a clear understanding of MVS's architecture, including the evolution to MVS/XA and MVS/ESA, and practical insights into managing Direct Access Storage Devices and job entry subsystems. Chapters dedicated to the MVS Supervisor and task management offer a solid foundation for programmers and system analysts who need to navigate complex mainframe environments. If you work directly with IBM mainframes or aspire to master their operating systems, this book offers precise technical knowledge without unnecessary jargon.

This tailored book explores a rapid, actionable learning journey designed specifically for mainframe professionals eager to boost their expertise efficiently. It covers foundational concepts and advanced topics, focusing on your interests and background to provide a learning experience that matches your unique goals. By synthesizing core principles of mainframe architecture, programming, and system operations, this personalized guide reveals the essential knowledge needed to navigate complex mainframe environments confidently. The book examines practical aspects such as system z operations, COBOL programming, and specialty processor utilization, all curated to accelerate your understanding within a structured 90-day timeframe. Tailored to your specific needs, it bridges comprehensive expert knowledge with focused, relevant content that advances your proficiency quickly and effectively.

Drawing from years of experience in large systems computing, the authors deliver a thorough introduction to using mainframe facilities with a focus on IBM's z/OS environment. You'll explore foundational concepts like system architecture, operating system basics, and data management, alongside practical skills to navigate and utilize mainframe resources effectively. The book is designed especially for those who have some programming and computer systems background, making it ideal for students preparing for careers in mainframe computing or IT professionals expanding their expertise beyond non-mainframe platforms. Chapter examples and clear explanations help bridge theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, making it a solid starting point for mastering the mainframe ecosystem.

Craig S. Mullins draws on decades of experience in database systems to demystify IBM's specialty processors, particularly zIIPs, for mainframe professionals. You’ll gain a solid grasp of mainframe internals like control blocks and SRBs, which are essential to understanding how these processors operate and reduce software costs. The book breaks down complex licensing and pricing models, making you conversant in a typically opaque area of mainframe management. It also offers practical guidance on identifying workloads suited for specialty processors and strategies to promote their use, with a forward-looking perspective on their evolving role. This is tailored for IT professionals seeking cost optimization and operational insight into IBM Z mainframes.

After years navigating complex IT transformations, Mario Mees wrote this guide to clarify the often overwhelming task of moving legacy mainframe applications to the cloud. You’ll learn to identify all available modernization approaches, assess their risks and timing, and develop your own evaluation framework to make informed decisions. The book unpacks common misconceptions about mainframe projects and their outcomes, offering you a pragmatic lens on what to expect. If you're responsible for steering your company through mainframe modernization, this focused, concise guide gives you the critical insights to plan your next steps confidently.