My name is Saashin, and I’m a rising senior at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to be selected for Broadcom’s Next-Gen Mainframer Program in Lisle, where I focused on a project in mainframe security. Prior to this opportunity, I had no experience or even familiarity with mainframes, their software stack, or current purpose in today’s world of computing. However, being introduced to this area of software development has led me to thoroughly enjoy it.
More specifically, my project’s focus this summer has been on creating a testing facility for one of Broadcom’s mainframe security products, which provides multi-factor authentication capabilities for the mainframe. Testing is important for any product, but especially for cybersecurity. For this product, the process has been difficult and time-consuming with no easy way to create and execute test modules, instead requiring hands-on work with HLASM (high level assembler). I worked closely with a group which included one other intern and an architect, as well as our manager and a number of others along the way. Our mission was first to automate the creation of test modules given input text files. Then, to automate the building and execution of said modules. We wanted to minimize the need for anyone using the facility to interact with ISPF or HLASM directly, and allow anyone to run standardized system tests with the click of a button and see simple “pass/fail” results.
We built an initial prototype using JCL and REXX, then evolved this into a Java/YAML version. With support for a variety of calls to the product, the tool minimizes the amount of input fields needed, and is able to intelligently adapt to provided values. Thus allowing for immense flexibility and ease in creating diverse test modules. We then shifted our focus into making a full-fledged facility that would handle the intermediary steps in order to perform a test. With JCL and Python frameworks, the installation, building, and testing processes were automated.
As my first experience in software development, I have learned about how much more there is to this important role than just writing code. I’ve had the opportunity to explore all aspects of the role, including Agile procedures and documentation. While I was familiar with Java in the past, I’ve enjoyed using it in a new way and testing my knowledge.
Regarding mainframe-specific skills, though, like JCL, REXX, and the use of z/OS, ISPF, and SYSVIEW, I’m proud to have gone from square one to a level of working proficiency.
Nonetheless, there is much for me to explore in the mainframe world. Having gained so much in three short months, I am excited about where years of future experience with mainframe technology will take me and the impact I might bring to this critically important technology.
I am fortunate and grateful to have been mentored by my manager, project architect, and other engineers, who have prioritized my learning and understanding in this new environment. Thanks to their time and commitment, I’ve been able to grow my confidence and proficiency in all aspects of this work. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had this summer, and am excited about the prospect of continuing to work at Broadcom MSD in the future.