In this inaugural episode, Judah Jacinth sits down with Nick Becker, former IBM Advisory Software Engineer and JES2 developer, to explore what it really takes to build and maintain one of the world's most mission-critical enterprise computing platforms. Drawing from nearly a decade working on IBM z/OS and JES2, Nick shares his journey from the IBM Master the Mainframe competition to engineering core operating system components relied upon by banks, insurance companies, governments, airlines, retailers, and Fortune 500 enterprises around the world.

Whether you're a CIO planning a modernization programme, an Enterprise Architect designing future-state platforms, a mainframe engineer, or someone discovering IBM Z for the first time, this conversation offers a practical look inside enterprise computing beyond the marketing buzz.

Topics covered include:

• IBM Z and z/OS architecture

• JES2 (Job Entry Subsystem 2)

• Enterprise software engineering

• Mainframe modernization strategy

• Legacy application modernization

• Mainframe testing and reliability

• Enterprise architecture

• AI in enterprise computing

• Digital transformation

• Modernization myths

• Careers in the mainframe industry

• Building software that powers global enterprises

If you're responsible for modernizing enterprise systems—or aspire to become one of the engineers building them—The Mainframe Empire brings together the architects, engineers, CIOs, CTOs, IBM Champions, modernization leaders, and innovators shaping the future of enterprise computing. Subscribe for future conversations with: • CIOs • CTOs • Enterprise Architects • IBM Fellows • Distinguished Engineers • IBM Champions • Mainframe modernization leaders • Fortune 500 technology executives • Banking technology leaders • Insurance technology leaders • AI researchers • Enterprise software pioneers.