Mainframe files are essential — but sharing them beyond the mainframe has always been a challenge.
For decades, moving files from IBM Z to the cloud, distributed applications, or even backups has meant clunky FTP scripts, fragile ETL pipelines, or proprietary virtual disks that lock everyone else out.
At VirtualZ Computing™, we knew there had to be a better way. That’s why we created FlowZ™ — a lightweight, no-code solution that makes mainframe file sharing effortless, fast, and secure across cloud and hybrid environments.
Why We Built FlowZ
Our journey to FlowZ started with feedback from customers and partners who asked us for something more focused than our general-purpose Zaac™ storage solution. We heard things like:
- “We just need to back up mainframe data to the cloud.”
- “We just need to share a single file with a distributed application.”
They didn’t need a full virtual disk infrastructure — they just needed a way to move files quickly and simply.
So we built FlowZ around one core idea: Treat each file like a direct pipe to the cloud — no disks, no complexity, no proprietary formats. Instead of forcing every use case into a heavyweight storage or ETL framework, FlowZ delivers exactly what you need — lightweight, file-based sharing for backups, hybrid workflows, and AI pipelines.
How FlowZ Works
FlowZ eliminates unnecessary layers and keeps things simple:
- Your mainframe application writes to a FlowZ-managed file — that’s it.
- The application itself doesn’t change — only the output file name (configured in JCL or equivalent) points to FlowZ.
- FlowZ intercepts standard mainframe file operations — open, close, read, write — and transparently maps them to your cloud or distributed storage.
- The data is delivered in open, standard formats, ready for any platform to consume — no translation, no proprietary formats.
- FlowZ is also bidirectional — allowing cloud-generated files to be ingested back into mainframe applications just as easily.
And because it works entirely through configuration, FlowZ installs in minutes, with no specialized skills required.
Our CTO Vince Re explains: “Instead of organizing everything around virtual disks, we simply create a file that acts as a pipe to the cloud. You don’t worry about the mainframe format — you just write to it, and it’s already where it needs to be.”
FlowZ + AI
FlowZ isn’t just for backups or file sharing — it also unlocks your mainframe data for AI and machine learning workflows.
Mainframe files often contain rich, unstructured business data that AI models can use for training, inference, or archival analysis.
FlowZ delivers this data in standard formats that modern AI platforms can consume — without manual preprocessing or complex pipelines.
Whether you’re enabling hybrid workflows, backing up critical files, or feeding unstructured data into AI, FlowZ makes it possible — and simple.
Why FlowZ, Why Now
Enterprises today are moving faster than ever — adopting hybrid cloud, AI, and modern collaboration platforms to stay competitive. But outdated tools for moving mainframe data are holding them back.
FlowZ delivers what modern enterprises need:
- Back up mainframe files to the cloud in minutes — without virtual disks.
- Share files seamlessly with distributed and hybrid platforms.
- Enable AI and hybrid workflows with open, standard formats.
- Eliminate staging, scripting, and heavy ETL pipelines.
Where FlowZ Fits in the VirtualZ Portfolio
Our portfolio of no-code solutions make mainframe data accessible, secure, and cloud-ready — each designed for different use cases.
Here’s how FlowZ fits alongside our other products, and when to use each:
FlowZ
Use FlowZ when you need lightweight, file-based sharing of mainframe data — fast, simple, and in open formats.
- Best for: Backups, hybrid workflows, file-level AI inputs, cloud file exchange.
- Why: Minimal setup, no disks, no ETL — just files to/from the cloud.
PropelZ™
Use PropelZ when you want to extract structured mainframe data at scale and load it into databases, data lakes, or analytics platforms.
- Best for: Feeding BI, analytics, and AI platforms with structured, transformed datasets and migrating tape to cloud storage.
- Why: Handles large, complex ETL pipelines while remaining no-code and high-performance.
Lozen™
Use Lozen when you want to keep your data on the mainframe while letting cloud or distributed applications access it in real time — with full Z/OS security and compliance.
- Best for: Application modernization without moving data, hybrid applications that depend on mainframe data.
- Why: Data stays on Z, but is accessible anywhere — with no replication.
Zaac
Use Zaac when you need mainframe storage backed by cloud or SAN — as virtual disks or tapes — with advanced journaling and recovery features.
- Best for: On-demand storage, disaster recovery, and reducing DASD costs.
- Why: Appears to Z/OS as standard disk/tape, but powered by the cloud — resilient and scalable.
Choosing the Right Tool
If you…
- Need to share or archive individual files? Choose FlowZ.
- Want to extract and transform structured data sets or migrate tape to cloud storage? Choose PropelZ.
- Need distributed apps to access live mainframe data? Choose Lozen.
- Want to replace or expand mainframe storage? Choose Zaac.
With the right VirtualZ solution, you can modernize how your mainframe data works — securely, simply, and on your terms.
FlowZ Pricing
At VirtualZ Computing, we believe simplicity shouldn’t stop at the technology — it should extend to how you buy it.
FlowZ is offered as a flat-rate, annual subscription — with no meters, no hidden fees, and no surprises.
Unlimited Use License:
$125,000 per year, including license and maintenance.
What’s Included:
- No-code, out-of-the-box installation
- Unlimited LPARs, sites, and installations for your entire enterprise
- Supports sequential mainframe files in standard, open formats
- Cloud-agnostic and bidirectional integration
- Supports data transformation for file content, enabling standard formats and easier consumption
- Special pricing available for multi-year subscriptions
Our pricing is as straightforward as FlowZ itself — simple, transparent, and worry-free. No meters. No true-ups. No surprises.
See FlowZ in Action
With FlowZ, your mainframe can keep pace with your business — sharing files securely and simply across hybrid environments, feeding AI models, and supporting collaboration without the usual complexity.
No code. No delays. No unnecessary layers. Just fast, secure, open file sharing for IBM Z.
Ready to see how FlowZ can help you move smarter? Schedule a briefing or request a demo today.
Learn More
- Watch the FlowZ demo.
- Watch the FlowZ webinar.
- Review all VirtualZ Solutions, Thought Leadership papers, and Solution Briefs.
- Explore our YouTube channel, podcasts, and blog.
- Still have questions? Contact us.
