Refurb Radio

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Episode #6

Mainframe assembler programmer Kristine Harper of Neon Enterprise Software joins the Refurb Radio hosts to discuss the next generation of mainframe programmers. Harper is the project manager of SHARE’s zNextGen project and is helping lead the initiative to get young people interested in mainframe programming.

Show Notes:

0:00-3:25 Marty recaps ASCDI.
3:25-7:35 How Kristine first became interested in the mainframe.
7:35-9:00 Kristine addresses the issue of respect being a young, female mainframe programmer amongst the more common Baby Boomers.
11:30-13:45 Kristine gives a brief overview of the mainframe and its uses, and explains what types of people and businesses utilize it.
13:45-14:30 Marty asks Kristine about the recent surge in mainframe business - IBM is working to reduce the cost, and companies are seeing the benefit.
14:40-17:45 Brief history of zNextGen : how it originated and the current state of the project.
17:45-20:00 IBM launched its Academic Initiative Program in response to the scarce opportunities for mainframe education; the program is a global movement to increase mainframe education in colleges and universities.
21:10-25:00 Discussion on the future of mainframe education and zNextGen.

Relevant Links:
Kristine Harper’s Newbie Blog
SHARE
zNextGen at SHARE (for a brief overview and more information on becoming a member)

Hosts: Lindsi Gish and Marty Brown of Vibrant Technologies
Producer: Lindsi Gish