Kyndryl: Kyndryl expands Google Cloud partnership for genAI mainframe modernisation

Kyndryl has expanded its relationship with Google Cloud to tap into generative AI (genAI) to accelerate the modernisation of mainframe applications and data. According to a statement from Kyndryl, the combination of the global IT services firm's mainframe expertise and skills with Google's gen AI capabilities will give customers a "trusted path" to modernise their mainframe applications, increase agility and drive cloud-native innovation. Through the expanded arrangement, Kyndryl has been certified as a specialised partner for Google Cloud's AI and Gemini models. "Google Cloud delivers the scalability and cutting-edge AI-driven capabilities needed to power and transform modern businesses," said Kyndryl global practice leader for core enterprise and zCloud Petra Goude. "Through our collaboration, customers can unlock the full potential of their mainframe data, create AI-driven innovations and transform mainframe applications to modern cloud applications with lower risk and faster time to value." Additionally, Kyndryl will be offering a Mainframe Modernisation with Gen AI Accelerator Programme, providing customers a path to start modernisation journeys without upfront commitments. After an assessment, customers will be given a modernisation blueprint and plan, with Kyndryl Consult experts guiding customers through a phased modernisation approach. The partnership also sees Kyndryl combine its data democratisation capabilities with Google Cloud's Mainframe Connector product to integrate and automate mainframe data with Google Cloud's BigQuery analytics platform. The firm will also use its mainframe modernisation skills with the hyperscaler's suite of products, including Mainframe Assessment Tool (MAT), Dual Run, Mainframe Rewrite and Gemini models, to streamline mainframe workload migration to the cloud. "Google's Gemini models and related tools are bringing new levels of efficiency to mainframe modernisation efforts," said Nirav Mehta, senior director of cloud infrastructure solutions at Google Cloud. "Combined with Kyndryl's long-standing experience with mainframes, our mutual customers will have the expertise and leading technology to successfully modernise mainframe applications faster and with more sustainable code." Google is considered one of Kyndryl's top hyperscaler partners, with its Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) head of strategic partnerships and alliances, Kimberley Marlay, saying that the firm works with the tech giant in the mid-market space across A/NZ.