IBM Z and LinuxONE Ecosystem Podcast

AI isn't just changing how we build software — it's changing how attackers operate. 
In this episode of the z/Action Podcast, we sit down with Trend Micro to unpack the accelerating security risks of the AI era and what a modern defense strategy looks like across IBM Z and LinuxONE, hybrid cloud, containers, and modern application platforms.
The central challenge: agentic AI attacks demand agentic AI defenses. We explore why reactive, siloed tooling falls short — and how organizations can actually reduce tool sprawl and alert noise while gaining more control.
We walk through Deep Security and the Zero=Day Initiative as the foundation, then build upward: security for OpenShift Container Platform, and a path toward full-stack visibility that spans every workload touching Z environments. The goal isn't just detection — it's the ability to correlate threats, predict attack paths, and act with precision before damage is done. This conversation maps out a practical approach to addressing this accelerating threat with speed and automation.

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Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.
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Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

Tune in as Devonte’ Hawkins and Caitlin Mooney chat with Niall Ashley, Security Technical Consultant at Vertali and IBM Champion. 
Niall shares his unexpected journey into mainframe security, having transitioned from aeronautical engineering. He discusses what makes mainframe security unique, strategies for learning complex concepts, and the importance of making education engaging. 
The conversation also touches on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the value of giving back to the community through volunteering.

In this episode, we speak with Christian Friberg from PPI and Ralf Schopohl from SIZ to explore the evolution of EBICS, the implementation of verification of payee in the European savings banking sector, and the critical role the Mainframe plays in ensuring secure, resilient and compliant transaction processing. We discuss how PPI and SIZ began their collaboration, the origins of EBICS as a German standard now adopted across Western Europe, and how core server-side programs running on IBM Z support the security and integrity of modern banking services.
Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.
And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

In this episode, we sit down with Gil Peleg, Co-founder and CEO of Geniez, which is enabling developers to connect their AI agents and applications directly to real-time mainframe data—without requiring deep mainframe expertise. This conversation explores how simplifying access to mainframe data is helping organizations retain talent, attract new developers, and keep critical workloads on the platform. 
Stay Connected
Be part of the conversation! Join the ISV Ecosystem User Group to explore the latest blogs, events, videos, and more from IBM Z partners and innovators.
And don’t forget to subscribe to z/Action!
Each month, we spotlight some of the world’s most innovative companies and how they’re driving success with IBM Z.

In this episode of New to Z: Road to SME, we’re joined by Richelle Anne Craw—Mainframe Software Engineer, IBM Champion, and community leader—for an honest and fun conversation about growth, curiosity, and confidence on the road to SME.
Richelle shares her journey from early‑career developer to trusted expert, why teaching is often the moment you realize you’re an SME, and how transferable skills, mentorship, and curiosity shape long‑term success. From COBOL and pseudocode to open source and modern tooling, this episode is all about learning one step ahead—and making space for everyone in the mainframe community.
Perfect for anyone new to IBM Z, navigating their career, or questioning whether they’re “expert enough” yet.