Unisys is putting Open Source Java software technologies (J2EE stack) directly on the mainframe using a native Java virtual machine.

Why?

  • to improve the scalability, security and transactionlity integrity of J2EE apps;
  • to make it easier for J2EE and mainframe assets to communicate with one another; and
  • to provide n-tier Java/J2EE and mainframe developers a “back door” entry point through the mainframe-based J2EE app server to achieve complex (or tricky) updates/changes to mainframe programming.

Unisys is using a native JVM based on the Sun VM, but tuned for their mainframe platforms, Clearpath environments and others. This lets them put the J2EE container directly on a mainframe environment.

The idea is to benefit the J2EE applications by giving them the protections and other benefits of a native mainframe environment.

Unisys adopted JBoss as their J2EE Application Server.

Unisys have virtualized mainframe infrastructure, where they over-provision the customer with CPUs that can be selected for either general purpose mainframe use or for J2EE-dedicated use.

They also provide a new set of "accessibility classes" from the J2EE environment to the mainframe databases, as well as connectors to the mainframe’s transactional systems. This lets J2EE application talk to portions of the mainframe without having to come in through another source. This is an exciting development and I am waiting to get my hands on it.

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