Get Clarity On Your Mainframe Hosting Options

Three Paths to Modern Mainframe Hosting helps IT leaders understand the most common ways organizations are hosting and operating their mainframe environments today. As expectations rise around cost control, resiliency, skills availability, and modernization, this guide lays out three proven hosting models – what they are, how they work, and what problems they solve – so decisions are based on real operational needs rather than assumptions. It provides a practical framework to help you clarify direction before committing to a long‑term path.

What you’ll learn:

• The three most common modern mainframe hosting models and how they differ in ownership and responsibility
• When Fully Managed Hosting makes sense for reducing operational burden and infrastructure responsibility
• How Remote Hosting shifts day‑to‑day operations without requiring immediate hardware or data center changes
• Where Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) fits when skills gaps or continuity risks are the primary concern
• Key factors—environment constraints, operational risk, and modernization goals—to consider when choosing a path forward

Download the guide

Get a clear, straightforward overview of modern mainframe hosting approaches and learn how organizations are aligning operational models with today’s realities and tomorrow’s goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are organizations rethinking their mainframe hosting models now?

Many organizations face aging hardware, rising operational complexity, cost pressure, and a shrinking pool of experienced mainframe talent. At the same time, expectations for resiliency, security, recovery, and compliance continue to increase – prompting a reassessment of how the platform is hosted and managed.

What is Fully Managed Hosting, and who is it best for?

Fully Managed Hosting places infrastructure, platform operations, and day‑to‑day management with a single partner. It’s often a fit for organizations looking to significantly reduce internal operational responsibility or move away from running mainframe infrastructure themselves.

How is Remote Hosting different from Fully Managed Hosting?

With Remote Hosting, the mainframe hardware stays in the client’s data center or colocation facility, but operational responsibility shifts to a partner. This model provides operational relief without requiring immediate changes to hardware ownership or data center strategy.

What problem does Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) solve?

RIM focuses on providing operational expertise rather than hosting. The client retains full ownership of the mainframe and facility, while a partner supplements internal teams – often to address skills gaps, stabilize operations, or manage knowledge‑transition risks.

Is this guide about choosing a final solution?

No. The guide is designed to help clarify direction by explaining common models and decision factors. It’s a starting point for understanding which approach may best support your current environment and longer‑term modernization goals.