8 New Mainframes Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Leading experts Isaac Nangan, Ricardo Nuqui, and Craig S Mullins recommend these new Mainframes books for cutting-edge 2025 insights

Updated on June 24, 2025
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The landscape of Mainframes has shifted notably in 2024, setting the stage for transformative developments in 2025. As enterprises demand more agility alongside stability, the integration of automation, API modernization, and Agile methodologies is reshaping how mainframes operate. Staying current with these trends requires access to fresh, insightful resources that capture both strategic and technical advancements.

Experts like Isaac Nangan, known for his work on automation and Jenkins integration, and Ricardo Nuqui, a veteran in mainframe modernization and Agile adaptation, have provided invaluable perspectives through their recent publications. Their books reflect real-world challenges and innovative solutions, making them essential reading for professionals navigating this evolving field.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Mainframes goals might consider creating a personalized Mainframes book that builds on these emerging trends, offering a focused, customized learning experience.

Best for modern automation adopters
Next-Gen Mainframe: Mastering Modern Automation Techniques offers a forward-looking exploration into how automation reshapes mainframe computing. This book delves into the evolving role of mainframes, highlighting how AI, machine learning, and cloud technologies are integrated to enhance performance and reliability. It provides a solid framework for IT professionals and enthusiasts aiming to modernize mainframe operations, bridging the gap between traditional systems and contemporary automation strategies. Packed with practical insights and case studies, it guides you through the transformation needed to keep mainframes vital in today’s digital landscape.
2024·304 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Development, Automation, AI Integration, Machine Learning

Unlike most mainframe books that dwell on legacy systems, Isaac Nangan’s work addresses the pressing need to integrate modern automation into these enduring machines. You’ll gain a solid grasp of how AI, machine learning, and cloud computing intersect with mainframe architectures, complete with real-world case studies illustrating successful automation deployments. The chapters carefully unpack both the historical context and emerging tools, making it relevant whether you’re a seasoned mainframe administrator or a tech enthusiast curious about the future of these systems. This book suits those ready to move beyond traditional operations toward more dynamic, automated environments.

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Best for DevOps practitioners on mainframes
In a world where legacy mainframe systems must keep pace with modern automation, "How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" stands out as a practical guide bridging these two domains. Isaac Nangan focuses on equipping you with the know-how to set up and configure Jenkins specifically for mainframe environments, addressing both foundational concepts and advanced operational strategies. This book’s value lies in its direct approach to applying Jenkins in a traditionally conservative space, offering industry examples that illustrate tangible efficiency gains. If you’re involved in mainframe development or DevOps, this guide helps you navigate the evolving landscape where old and new IT worlds converge.
2023·246 pages·Mainframe Development, Jenkins, Mainframes, Automation, DevOps

Drawing from the latest advances in automation and legacy computing, Isaac Nangan's book offers a focused exploration of Jenkins integration within mainframe environments. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge about configuring Jenkins for robust deployment tasks tailored to mainframes, including setting prerequisites and optimizing maintenance workflows. The text steers clear of vague theories, instead providing concrete examples of real-world successes across industries, helping you understand how to marry modern DevOps with traditional systems effectively. This resource suits IT professionals and developers eager to update their skills with emerging practices in mainframe automation.

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Best for tailored automation plans
This AI-created book on mainframe automation is tailored to your specific goals and current knowledge. After you share your background and which automation topics intrigue you most, the book zeroes in on the latest 2025 advancements in mainframe automation. It’s designed to help you explore emerging technologies and innovations relevant to your interests without wading through extraneous material. This focused approach helps make your learning efficient and directly applicable to your mainframe environment.
2025·50-300 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Automation, Emerging Technologies, Process Efficiency, Automation Tools

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of mainframe automation with a focus on the latest 2025 developments. It examines how cutting-edge automation methods can enhance efficiency and operational agility within mainframe environments. The content matches your background and interests, diving into emerging technologies and discoveries that are reshaping mainframe processes. By focusing on your specific goals, it reveals how to navigate new automation trends and integrate innovative solutions effectively. This personalized approach ensures you gain deep insights tailored precisely to your needs, empowering you to stay ahead in the rapidly advancing field of mainframe automation.

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Best for API integration specialists
What makes this book unique in the mainframe space is its focus on blending the reliability of legacy systems with the flexibility demanded by modern applications. It dives into the emerging trend of using RESTful APIs to open mainframe data and processes to web, mobile, and cloud platforms. Covering everything from foundational concepts to securing and optimizing APIs, it provides a roadmap for anyone looking to modernize mainframe environments without losing their core strengths. This book is especially valuable for professionals navigating digital transformation challenges who need actionable guidance on marrying tradition with innovation in mainframe technology.
2023·138 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, REST APIs, API Integration, Security

Ricardo Nuqui's decades of experience in mainframe environments culminate in this focused examination of integrating RESTful APIs with legacy systems. You’ll learn how to modernize your mainframe operations by connecting them with contemporary web, mobile, and cloud applications through REST, covering essentials from building and securing APIs to performance tuning. The book walks you through practical challenges like data serialization and error handling, making it a solid resource if you’re aiming to bridge traditional mainframe stability with modern agility. If your goal is to unlock new potentials in enterprise IT without abandoning proven infrastructure, this book offers clear insights tailored to your needs.

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Best for mainframe modernization strategists
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, "Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Successful Mainframe Modernization" stands out by focusing on preserving the core strengths of mainframes while embracing necessary change. This book addresses the pressing need to make mainframe systems more agile and adaptable to modern demands. It offers a pragmatic framework for IT professionals and enterprises facing the challenge of modernization, covering everything from re-hosting to hybrid adoption. By exploring real-world examples and expert insights, it provides a valuable map for ensuring mainframes continue to serve as a foundational pillar in today's technology environments.
2023·374 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Development, Strategy, Technology Integration, Legacy Systems

Unlike most mainframe books that focus solely on technical maintenance, Ricardo Nuqui challenges the conventional wisdom that modernization means abandoning legacy systems. He offers a strategic approach to integrating mainframes with newer technologies, emphasizing augmentation rather than replacement. Through detailed case studies and exploration of re-hosting, re-platforming, and hybrid models, you gain practical insights into balancing reliability with agility. This book will particularly benefit IT professionals and business leaders aiming to future-proof their mainframe environments without losing their proven strengths.

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Best for legacy systems integrators
In "Mainframe Reimagined: Harnessing the Power of Legacy Systems in the Digital Age," Ricardo Nuqui offers a fresh perspective on mainframes, often dismissed as relics. This book highlights their ongoing importance in critical sectors like banking and aviation while outlining how these systems can evolve alongside modern technologies. Nuqui explores practical modernization approaches, balancing cost, efficiency, and security considerations, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in legacy system management or digital transformation projects.
2023·174 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Development, Legacy Systems, System Modernization, IT Infrastructure

After analyzing numerous case studies and modernization efforts, Ricardo Nuqui developed a nuanced view of mainframes that challenges their outdated reputation. You’ll learn about practical strategies to integrate legacy systems with modern digital infrastructures, including cost management, scalability improvements, and security adaptations. The book dives into how industries like banking and aviation keep mainframes at their core while evolving technologically. If you work with legacy IT systems or want to understand how mainframes fit into today’s tech landscape, this book provides grounded insights without overhyping.

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Best for custom integration plans
This AI-created book on legacy integration is tailored to your skill level and specific goals, crafted from your inputs about which integration challenges and technologies matter most to you. Instead of a generic overview, it focuses on connecting your knowledge with the latest discoveries in 2025, making complex mainframe-modern platform integration more approachable and relevant. By honing in on the topics you prioritize, this personalized book helps you learn efficiently and confidently.
2025·50-300 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Integration, Legacy Systems, Modern Platforms, API Connectivity

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of integrating legacy mainframes with contemporary technologies, focusing on your specific interests and background. It examines practical techniques to seamlessly connect mainframe systems with modern platforms, addressing current developments and discoveries as of 2025. By tailoring content to your goals, it reveals how legacy and new technologies can coexist and interoperate efficiently, offering in-depth exploration of integration challenges and innovative solutions. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics most relevant to your experience, enabling targeted learning that feels both current and practical in today's fast-moving tech environment.

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Best for IBM System z architects
Craig S. Mullins is a database expert with four decades of experience in database systems development. Recognized by IBM as an IBM Champion for Data and AI, Mullins leverages his extensive industry knowledge to explain the complexities of IBM's specialty processors. His book guides you through zIIPs, licensing, and cost-saving techniques on IBM System z, making this a valuable resource for those seeking practical insights into mainframe optimization.
2023·193 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Development, Specialty Processors, zIIP Usage, Software Licensing

Craig S. Mullins's four decades of experience in database systems development led him to demystify IBM's specialty processors in this focused exploration. You’ll gain a clear understanding of zIIPs, their internal mechanisms like control blocks and SRBs, and crucially, how they impact software licensing and costs on IBM System z. The book dives into workload types optimized for specialty processors and offers practical guidance on encouraging zIIP usage within applications. If you’re involved with IBM z Series mainframes, especially in IT or systems architecture, this book sharpens your grasp on cost-saving strategies and processor utilization nuances that many overlook.

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Best for Agile adopters in mainframes
"Agile Ascendancy: Modernizing Mainframe Development" stands out by focusing squarely on bringing Agile methods into the traditionally Waterfall-driven world of mainframes. This book explores how organizations can overcome inherent challenges to modernize their critical business systems, which process the vast majority of global transactions daily. It offers a clear framework and practical guidance for developers, managers, and executives eager to transition to Agile workflows within mainframe environments. By addressing cultural shifts, process changes, and technical nuances, it serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to transform legacy systems with contemporary software practices.
2023·356 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, Strategy, Software Development, Agile Methodologies

When Ricardo Nuqui tackles the topic of mainframe development, he brings decades of experience navigating one of the tech world’s most enduring yet traditionally rigid platforms. This book directly addresses the challenge of integrating Agile methodologies into mainframe environments, a task many have found daunting given legacy constraints. You’ll learn how to adapt Agile principles—like iterative development and cross-functional collaboration—to systems processing billions of transactions daily, with practical discussions on cultural shifts and process overhauls. If you work in mainframe development or management and want to bring flexibility and speed to your projects without sacrificing stability, this book provides a thoughtful roadmap grounded in real-world case studies and technical adaptations.

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Best for strategic market forecasters
This book offers a unique vantage point on the mainframes industry by projecting demand and earnings across more than 190 countries using econometric models. It emphasizes long-term, aggregate views rather than product-level details, making it a vital resource for those who need to grasp the economic forces shaping mainframe markets worldwide. Its analysis spans global and regional benchmarks, assisting you in quickly comparing countries and understanding latent demand. By focusing on strategic insights, this book helps professionals, policymakers, and business leaders anticipate shifts in the mainframes landscape through 2030.
The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Mainframes book cover

by Prof Philip M. Parker Ph.D.·You?

2024·287 pages·Mainframes, Market Forecasting, Economic Modeling, Industry Analysis, Global Demand

After analyzing extensive data from 190 countries, Prof Philip M. Parker Ph.D. delivers a strategic overview of mainframe demand through 2030 that exposes global economic trends affecting this sector. You gain insights into latent demand estimates and country-level potential earnings, enabling a clearer understanding of mainframe market dynamics without getting lost in product specifics or short-term fluctuations. This book suits professionals interested in high-level market forecasting, economic modeling, and strategic industry positioning rather than technical mainframe operations. Its focus on econometric projections and comparative benchmarks offers a valuable lens for business strategists and policymakers looking beyond immediate sales figures.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively highlight three clear themes shaping the future of Mainframes: the embrace of automation and DevOps practices, the strategic modernization of legacy systems with agile and API-driven approaches, and the importance of understanding market trends to guide investment and development decisions.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Next-Gen Mainframe" and "Mainframe REST" for practical automation and integration techniques. For cutting-edge implementation, combine "Bridging the Gap" and "Agile Ascendancy" to navigate modernization challenges and cultural shifts effectively.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Mainframes book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Next-Gen Mainframe" for a solid grasp of modern automation or "Bridging the Gap" if you want strategic modernization insights. Both offer practical frameworks to build your mainframe knowledge effectively.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Mainframes?

While some books delve into advanced topics, titles like "The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Mainframes" provide high-level market perspectives suitable for newcomers seeking context before diving deeper.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with strategic overview books like "The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Mainframes," then move to technical guides such as "How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" and finish with modernization-focused titles like "Agile Ascendancy."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your focus area—automation, modernization, or strategy. Each book stands alone but reading multiple offers a broader understanding of current mainframe trends.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Mainframes" leans towards strategic theory, while "Mainframe REST" and "IBM Mainframe Specialty Processors" emphasize hands-on, practical guidance for implementation.

How can I get personalized Mainframes insights tailored to my experience?

Expert books are invaluable, but personalized content can complement by targeting your specific needs. You can create a personalized Mainframes book that adapts the latest research and strategies to your background and goals.

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