7 Best-Selling Mainframes Books Millions Love

Millions of readers return to this detailed chronicle of IBM's System/360 and System/370 because it reveals how a single architecture reshaped computing. Emerson W. Pugh and his coauthors, drawing from IBM Research and extensive interviews, trace the innovations behind semiconductor memories, cache, floppy disks, and Winchester disk files. You’ll explore the critical gamble on hybrid circuits and the challenge of maintaining compatibility across models, which cemented IBM's market dominance. The book offers an insider's look at the tension between ambitious R&D and product leadership, perfect if you want to understand the systems that laid the groundwork for modern mainframes and enterprise computing.

What makes this book notable is how David Shelby Kirk distills the complex structure of MVS for OS/390, arguably the most significant proprietary operating system in mainframe history. You gain a conceptual framework that clarifies how components like TSO, IMS, CICS, and DB2 integrate with MVS, alongside detailed insights into job, task, and data management. The inclusion of a skill matrix helps you assess and build the competencies needed to work effectively with this system. If you’re involved in mainframe operations or systems administration, this primer offers clarity and a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

This tailored book explores core mainframe skills and best practices, combining widely respected knowledge with your specific interests and background. It covers essential topics such as system architecture, job control language, security protocols, and programming techniques while focusing on insights that match your goals and experience level. By addressing the aspects most relevant to you, this personalized guide helps deepen your understanding and provides a focused learning experience that feels both comprehensive and directly applicable. The book reveals how proven mainframe concepts intersect with your unique path, allowing you to grasp complex systems and manage enterprise environments with confidence. It’s a tailored resource that elevates your mastery by connecting established expertise with individual learning priorities.

Olivia R. Carmandi's deep expertise as President of MVS Training, Inc. and Editor-In-Chief of the MVS Mainframe Series shines through this updated guide, born from her dedication to clarifying JCL complexities. You’ll gain concise yet thorough insights into the latest JCL versions and SMS, supported by practical examples that Carmandi uniquely distills from years of hands-on experience. The book goes beyond theory, offering you clear utilities and explanations that demystify everyday JCL challenges, especially useful for those responsible for mainframe job management. If you work with OS/390 or MVS systems, this reference will fit neatly into your toolkit, though those new to mainframes might find the pace brisk without prior exposure.

When Lou Marco realized the growing need for web access to mainframe data, he crafted this book to bridge the gap between traditional mainframe programming and modern Java application development. You’ll learn how to translate familiar concepts from COBOL and PL/I into Java, gaining practical skills for accessing mainframe files and databases through web interfaces. The book dives into Java implementations on IBM's OS/390 and introduces advanced topics like Java classes and Enterprise JavaBeans, offering a solid path for mainframe developers adapting to evolving corporate requirements. If your role involves integrating legacy systems with web technologies, this book provides clear, focused guidance without unnecessary jargon.

Kevin C O'Kane draws on more than two decades teaching IBM assembly language to craft this detailed introduction to mainframe assembly programming. You’ll learn the ins and outs of IBM mainframe architecture, including addressing models, instruction formats, and subroutine linkage, alongside practical programming exercises that span character manipulation to decimal coding. The book is structured to build your skills from the ground up, assuming no prior assembly experience, and includes hands-on work with the z390 emulator for real-world practice. If you’re aiming to master IBM mainframe assembly with clear examples and a methodical approach, this book is designed with you in mind.

This tailored book offers a focused journey into mastering mainframe technology through a step-by-step plan designed to accelerate your skills rapidly. It explores core mainframe concepts, essential tools, and practical workflows, combining proven knowledge with your unique background to emphasize what matters most to you. By concentrating on your specific goals, this personalized guide ensures an efficient learning experience that deepens understanding and builds confidence in mainframe environments. The content examines real-world applications and common challenges faced by professionals, providing clarity and direction tailored precisely to your interests and current expertise level.

Mike Murach, a veteran author and publisher with over five decades of experience, brings a focused approach to COBOL programming on IBM mainframes in this book. You’ll first learn to code and test simple report-preparation programs before moving into structured programming techniques, handling tables, and managing various file types like sequential, indexed, and relative files. The book also covers essential topics such as program compilation on IBM mainframes, and integration with VSAM, CICS, and DB2 databases, making it a solid resource for anyone aiming to deepen their practical COBOL skills. This is especially useful if you’re involved in maintaining or developing mainframe applications and want clear, methodical guidance rather than abstract theory.

The breakthrough moment came when Dinesh Dattani, with over three decades of hands-on experience in mainframe security, decided to focus this book on the nuanced challenges beyond basic command syntax. You gain insights into critical security and audit issues, compliance frameworks, and business best practices rooted in real-world scenarios from sectors like banking and telecom. The book delves into addressing the skills gap left by retiring experts, offering guidance that’s particularly valuable if you’re stepping into senior mainframe security roles. Chapters emphasizing practical solutions to complex z/OS and RACF configurations make it a substantial resource for those charged with safeguarding enterprise mainframes.