A lot of agonizing over the mainframe has to do with modernizing applications. Why? Presumably to broaden the platform’s appeal, particularly among younger people who often prefer Linux and Web-like dashboards with their applications.Presumably to broaden the platform’s appeal, particularly among younger people who often prefer Linux and Web-like dashboards with their applications.

On that note, IBM has announced updates to its Rational software geared toward modernizing mainframe applications for — get ready for the buzzword — service-oriented architecture.

The Rational software includes:

• Rational Developer for System z v7.1, which helps Web, SOA and cross-platform development of mainframe applications in CICS, IMS and WebSphere. Think graphical-user interface.
• Rational Business Developer Extension v7.0, which uses Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) to help developers work on mainframe applications without knowing COBOL, PL/I, Java, or some other mainframe programming languages.
• Rational Transformation Workbench v3.1, which seeks to connect mainframe applications to the business functions they help perform.
• Enterprise COBOL for z/OS v4.1 and PL/I for z/OS v3.7, compilers to help integrate mainframe apps with Web-oriented business processes.
• Software Configuration and Library Manager (SCLM) Advanced Edition for z/OS v1.2, a software configuration management tool.

All of the tools are available today with the exception of Transformation Workbench v3.1, which will be available next month.

“Two of the top needs we hear from our clients are simplifying their I/T infrastructure and gaining more business value from their I/T investments. The modern mainframe helps with both,” Jim Stallings, IBM System z general manager, said in a statement. “These modern enhancements have been designed to shorten what used to take multiple months down to approximately a couple of weeks. Our clients will greatly benefit from faster application deployment and freeing valuable IT resources for more strategic projects.”

The announcements are all part of IBM’s push to simplify the mainframe, a five-year, $100 million plan they announced last year.