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Mainframe Solutions: Powering Mission-Critical Postal and Data Operations

Anchor Software offers its data quality and postal processing USPS®-certified products to operate on IBM Mainframe computers. The lack of dedicated and cost-effective postal software for mainframes helped to shape Anchor’s very successful mainframe products, which include MaxCASS OS and MaxPresort OS. Anchor’s mainframe products are engineered to provide high reliability and scalability, and also include responsive technical support and extensive online documentation. Anchor can provide expert advice and professional services to help integrate Anchor’s solutions into existing systems.

This expertise is especially critical as mainframe technology remains the backbone of mission-critical systems for many enterprises. Anchor Software’s mainframe solutions are purpose-built for enterprises that rely on high-performance computing for postal processing and data quality initiatives. With the rise of digital transformation and the emergence of hybrid IT environments, mainframes continue to be the backbone of mission-critical systems across various industries. Anchor Software brings together mainframe modernization, scalability, and USPS-certified software to help large-scale organizations maintain compliance, performance, and operational efficiency.

Mainframe statistics

There are currently 10,000 mainframes actively being used around the world. More specifically by:

  • 96 of the world’s largest 100 banks
  • 9 out of 10 of the world’s largest insurance companies
  • 23 of the 25 largest retailers in the United States
  • 71 percent of the Fortune 500 use IBM System z mainframes.
  • 10,000 mainframes actively being used around the world

Mainframe statistics

  • Reliability, availability, serviceability
  • Security
  • Scalability
  • Continuing compatibility

Distributed Processing

Occasionally, an organization may find a situation where a critical piece of software isn’t available for the mainframe platform, or where doing a full install on a mainframe system is feasible for financial or technological reasons. Mainframes can be linked to other systems in what is called distributed processing. In those cases, we can provide the needed software using our mainframe distributed systems.

For example, to access CASS on a distributed server the information stored on the mainframe is transmitted to the distributed server. It is processed using a CASS system (such as MaxCASS OS), and an output file is created. The output file is transmitted back to the client mainframe and inserted back into the workflow.

Distributed processing can be run on nearly every operating system or online as a cloud-based or SaaS build.

How Mainframe Systems are Great for Address Quality and Postal Processing

While cloud-based solutions are increasing in popularity, mainframe systems are still a great choice for address quality and postal processing, especially for larger organizations with high-volume needs. Here’s why:

Strengths of Mainframes for Address Management

  • High scalability and Performance – Mainframes are designed to handle massive amounts of data processing efficiently. They can manage large address databases and perform address verification and standardization tasks quickly, even for millions of addresses at once. Check out our MaxCASS Plus solution that can verify hundreds of millions of records per hour!
  • Reliability and Uptime –  Mainframes are renowned for their reliability. They have robust hardware architecture and redundant systems that minimize downtime, crucial for ensuring uninterrupted postal processing operations.
  • Security – Mainframes are considered highly secure platforms with strong built-in security features. This is essential for protecting sensitive customer data like addresses and financial information. Did you know that Anchor Software solutions offers Military Grade Encryption?
  • Compliance Mainframe systems often have robust compliance features, making it easier to adhere to regulations, or data privacy laws.
  • Integration Capabilities Mainframes can integrate with existing legacy systems and modern solutions, allowing you to leverage your existing infrastructure while utilizing advanced address quality tools.
  • Proven Track Record – Mainframes have been used for postal processing for decades, demonstrating their effectiveness and reliability in this specific area. Companies using them likely have established workflows and expertise in place.

What is a Mainframe?

A mainframe is a large, high-performance computer that is typically used by large organizations for critical applications and data processing. Mainframes are known for their reliability, scalability, and security, making them ideal for handling complex workloads and managing vast amounts of data. Mainframes, through their sophisticated operating systems, have evolved over the years to offer a wide range of mainframe solutions such as virtualization, cloud computing, and analytics capabilities. These mainframe solutions, powered by robust operating systems, help businesses to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve productivity while ensuring the security and integrity of their critical business data. Additionally, the operating system of a mainframe plays a crucial role in maintaining its performance and reliability.

Definition and History

  • Mainframes are used for tasks requiring high input data and handling large transactions.
  • They offer high processing power, security, compatibility, and scalability.
  • Mainframes are used by many banks to host their databases and are deeply embedded in organizational IT.

Mainframe Operating Systems    

The Need for Mainframe Modernization

  • Mainframes are business-critical and at the heart of enterprise computing.
  • They offer performance, consistency, and reliability that is unmatched by other systems.
  • Modernization aims to take what is already working and improve it to achieve new business outcomes.

Benefits of Mainframe Solutions for Large Organizations

  • Mainframe solutions offer high processing power, security, compatibility, and scalability.
  • They enable organizations to optimize mainframe performance, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
  • Mainframe solutions are essential for large organizations to achieve digital transformation and stay competitive.

Mainframe systems are used by IT organizations to host the most important, mission-critical applications. This includes customer order processing, financial transactions, production and inventory control, payroll, and many other functions. Mainframe systems are inherently stable and reliable—they owe much of their longevity and popularity to this fact.

Why Mainframe Systems Still Matter in a Cloud-First World

Despite the popularity of cloud computing, mainframe operations remain critical for businesses that require high throughput, robust security, and uninterrupted performance. Mainframes handle vast workloads, making them ideal for address quality initiatives, regulatory compliance, and processing millions of mailing records without performance loss.

Strengths of Mainframes for Enterprise Postal Operations

  • Scalability and Performance: Mainframes can process large volumes of address data at unmatched speeds, verifying millions of records per hour using tools like MaxCASS OS.
  • Security and Compliance: Mainframes are inherently secure, with built-in controls that enable the management of sensitive data and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Reliability and Availability: These systems are known for minimal downtime and consistent performance.
  • Integration Capabilities: Mainframes work seamlessly with legacy systems and modern platforms, supporting digital transformation.

Address Quality & Postal Processing with USPS-Certified Mainframe Software

Anchor Software’s USPS-certified tools, including MaxCASS OS and MaxPresort OS, operate directly on IBM mainframe systems. These solutions bring address validation, presorting, and standardization directly to your enterprise infrastructure.

Key Benefits

  • Improve address data quality with real-time validation.
  • Reduce postal costs by identifying duplicates, incomplete records, and out-of-date addresses.
  • Enhance delivery performance through accurate ZIP+4 and carrier route codes.
  • Support postal compliance with USPS regulations.

Mainframe Modernization: Reducing Costs, Increasing Flexibility

Mainframe modernization is not about replacing mainframes; it is about enhancing their functionality to meet evolving business needs. Anchor Software supports mainframe modernization through:
  • Improved SQL performance and resource optimization
  • Integration with cloud services for better data access
  • Reducing maintenance costs by streamlining software processes

Why Modernize?

  • Achieve faster processing for batch jobs
  • Improve operational visibility and management
  • Lower your MIPS consumption and operational costs
  • Gain agility to respond to business and regulatory changes

Maximize Mainframe Performance with Anchor Software

Anchor Software’s mainframe product suite offers:
  • MaxCASS OS: CASS certified address processing software that verifies and standardizes addresses.
  • MaxPresort OS: PAVE certified postal processing for automating sorting to maximize USPS discounts.

Mainframe Modernization: Reducing Costs, Increasing Flexibility

Mainframe modernization is not about replacing mainframes; it is about enhancing their functionality to meet evolving business needs. Anchor Software supports mainframe modernization through:

  • Improved SQL performance and resource optimization
  • Integration with cloud services for better data access
  • Reducing maintenance costs by streamlining software processes

Why Modernize?

  • Achieve faster processing for batch jobs
  • Improve operational visibility and management
  • Lower your MIPS consumption and operational costs
  • Gain agility to respond to business and regulatory changes

Maximize Mainframe Performance with Anchor Software

Anchor Software’s mainframe product suite offers:

  • MaxCASS OS: CASS certified address processing software that verifies and standardizes addresses.
  • MaxPresort OS: PAVE certified postal processing for automating sorting to maximize USPS discounts.

Address Quality and Postal Compliance at Scale

Through mainframe technology, enterprises can:

  • Conduct real-time address standardization
  • Ensure data accuracy across distributed systems
  • Improve customer satisfaction with timely and accurate mail delivery
  • Maintain regulatory compliance with built-in USPS rulesets

Anchor’s Commitment to Enterprise Modernization

With decades of experience in mainframe applications, Anchor Software is a trusted partner for:

  • Mainframe services and postal processing expertise
  • Support for hybrid cloud integration
  • On-premise or SaaS deployments tailored to your IT environment

Internal Resources and Support

Anchor Software offers:

  • Professional consultation for mainframe deployment
  • Responsive technical support and documentation
  • Seamless integration with other Anchor Software tools like PilotPro, DataDialog, and MaxMover

Ready to Transform Your Mainframe Environment?

Take the next step in modernizing your mainframe operations with Anchor Software’s trusted mainframe solutions.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how to enhance your postal processing and data quality strategy.

Request a Demo

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