Thoughtworks Technology Podcast
Accelerating mainframe modernization using generative AI
May 15, 2025
Rob Mee, CEO of Mechanical Orchard, and Rachel Laycock, CTO of Thoughtworks, discuss the challenges of modernizing mainframe systems using generative AI. They explore how their collaboration has led to innovative tools that simplify the complexity of legacy codebases. The conversation highlights the gradual approach required for effective modernization and the importance of skilled developers. They also emphasize the role of generative AI in identifying crucial data flows and creating reliable new code, prioritizing quality and maintainability throughout the process.
38:28
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Quick takeaways
- Generative AI can significantly aid in overcoming the essential and incidental complexities of modernizing legacy mainframe systems.
- The partnership between Mechanical Orchard and ThoughtWorks exemplifies the importance of incremental approaches to ensure risk management during system transitions.
Deep dives
Partnership for Legacy Modernization
A partnership has been formed between Mechanical Orchard and ThoughtWorks to enhance the legacy modernization processes using Generative AI and specialized consulting services. This collaboration integrates ThoughtWorks’ proprietary tool, CodeConcise, into Mechanical Orchard’s platform, which is focused on updating complex legacy systems that often consist of extensive codebases. Both organizations share a common approach to agile software development, emphasizing disciplined engineering practices, making them ideal partners in tackling the intricacies of modifying older systems. The partnership aims to streamline the modernization of these systems and improve overall project efficiency for clients.
