From Download to Operation in a Few Hours
In a recent interview, Gilberto Biondo, a Sr. Specialized Solutions Architect at AWS, discussed their experience installing and configuring Lozen at AWS.
Joined by VirtualZ’s CTO, Vince Re, Gilberto discusses the smooth installation process, from downloading the software via shared file to setting up the necessary file systems and permissions. The discussion covers practical insights on leveraging Lozen in a real-world AWS environment, focusing on its ability to modernize legacy systems without disrupting operations. Gilberto shares how the system performed, ensuring seamless data access, with the mainframe’s zIIP processor running smoothly at over 90% CPU utilization for most tasks.
We highlight some portions of our discussion below; you can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.
A Smooth Start
Gilberto’s team received the Lozen software package via Sharefile, allowing for a hassle-free download and upload to their mainframe systems. With all required tools already in place, they quickly unzipped the file and began the installation process.
“It was very smooth,” Gilberto noted. “We had everything needed on the mainframe side, and the process was straightforward.”
Thoughtful Configuration
Following best practices, Gilberto’s team created dedicated file systems for Lozen, ensuring clear organization and compliance with internal standards. They also allocated appropriate paths, automated mounting, and set up startup procedures during IPL (Initial Program Load).
Overcoming Network Complexity
As part of an AWS-hosted environment, network configurations could have been a challenge. However, by working closely with their networking team, Gilberto’s team ensured seamless connectivity between the mainframe and AWS EC2 instances. The standard port configuration facilitated smooth communication without any additional complexities.
Flexible Java Compatibility
One of the highlights of the installation was Lozen’s flexibility with Java versions. Gilberto’s team tested Java 8, 11, and 17, all of which performed flawlessly. Vince Re, our Chief Architect, noted that moving from Java 8 to 11 often yields significant performance improvements, a sentiment echoed in Gilberto’s observations.
Quick Implementation
From start to finish, the entire installation process—including setup, configuration, and testing—took less than half a day.
“We were able to accomplish everything in just a few hours,” Gilberto said, emphasizing Lozen’s user-friendly design.
Real-World Results
To validate the installation, Gilberto’s team tested Lozen with a large KSDS file, replicating typical customer scenarios. The result? Seamless data access from both mainframe and Linux environments, underscoring Lozen’s capability to handle real-world workloads effortlessly.
Interested in learning more about how Lozen can transform your data access strategy? Visit our AWS Solutions page for a closer look at our offerings and how we can support your journey to seamless mainframe integration.
