Mainframe Modernization: From Black Box to Clarity

The Disruptor Podcast

Welcome to another edition of The Disruptor Podcast!

This is part two of our two-part series.

In this episode, Zengines CEO Caitlyn Truong returns to reveal how her team simplifies the high-stakes challenge of mainframe modernization.

She also discusses the challenges of mainframe modernization and how Zengines helps enterprises de-risk legacy systems with smart data lineage.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why legacy mainframes still dominate large enterprises
• Common missteps that derail modernization efforts
• How Zengines turns “black box” systems into readable data
• Real case studies from banking and industrial sectors
• Key strategies to reduce project risk and cost overruns

Key Insights / Quotes

• “Enterprise data lineage is a beast—start small with a clear use case.”
• “We help teams reverse-engineer the mainframe into business requirements.”
• “Every test case break used to spawn three more questions. Now they get answers in minutes.”
• “It’s not about replacing mainframes—it’s about de-risking what’s already working.”

Zengines' Disruptive Way:

• Providing business analysts with AI tools for automating data mapping & changes.
• Minimizes large teams, speeding up data conversion
• Prioritizing tasks earlier in the process
• Lowering costs and boosting productivity

To learn more about Caitlyn and Zengines, visit their website (Zengines.AI) and connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Caitlyn and I discuss how Zengines disrupt organizations by automating data conversion. Listen here: Disruption in Data: Why Digital Migrations Fail and How to Succeed.

Comments or Questions? Send us a text

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Chapters

1. Introduction to the Disruptor Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Welcoming Back Caitlyn Truong (00:00:28)

3. Challenges in Mainframe Modernization (00:00:51)

4. Addressing Mainframe Complexities (00:01:47)

5. Case Studies and Real-World Examples (00:03:45)

6. Zengines' Solutions and Tools (00:06:06)

7. Critical Success Factors for Modernization (00:09:17)

8. Future of Mainframes and Zengines' Role (00:16:39)

9. Final Thoughts and Contact Information (00:19:55)