SHARE is honored to welcome new board members this year, including Anthony Anter of BMC Software Inc., a new director-at-large member. SHARE asked him a few questions about his career and passions so members can get to know him better.
SHARE HQ: WHAT’S YOUR MAINFRAME STORY? HOW DID YOU COME TO THE PLATFORM?
Anthony Anter (AA): I’m not a traditional mainframe developer, I have worked on the distributed side of the house and all of my experience is on that platform. Specifically, I spent the last decade of my career in the DevOps space.
In my previous role, I was the director of engineering for CI/CD with a remit to automate everything in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and streamline the path from development to production on the distributed side. Eventually, I was approached to do the same thing for the mainframe platform. I had no prior mainframe experience, so I had to quickly educate myself on the ins and outs of the platform, particularly with regard to DevOps.
What I discovered was an amazing platform with all of the sophistication of any distributed system. After this, I focused my attention on the mainframe platform because it drives business.
SHARE HQ: HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT SHARE?
AA: As part of my role at BMC, I was asked to participate in the “Mainframe IDE Shootout.”
Before this, I had never really heard about SHARE because my work was focused on the distributed side. Since I was going to be at SHARE, I submitted a couple of session abstracts, which were selected, and from there, I became a regular attendee.
I’ve gone to SHARE events for the past four years. One of the most memorable moments at SHARE was when Frank Abagnale gave the keynote speech. I was fascinated. I was also happy when the “It's Time to Rip Off the Training Wheels and Enable End-to-End Automation” session Mark Schettenhelm and I presented in Atlanta won the best DevOps session award.
SHARE HQ: WHAT DREW YOU TO SHARE?
AA: I liked the density of mainframe solutions presented at each event and the focus on protecting what is traditional on the mainframe platform. At the same time, SHARE looks to push the platform to adapt and innovate. If you are going to try and reach most of the mainframe ecosystem’s users, the place to start is at SHARE.
SHARE HQ: WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AT WORK, AND WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?
AA: At work I’m passionate about two things: talking to companies and organizations about the art of the possible (e.g., what can they do with the mainframe platform) and helping and educating interns.
I started in the industry many years ago as an intern. At that time, I had a mentor Bill Olsen who was instrumental in my growth as an engineer. With that, I’ve always wanted to pay it forward by helping as many interns as I can.
Outside of work, I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have been very passionate about my growth in the sport. I think it teaches you a lot about yourself. I’m not particularly good at it frankly, but I love it. I also enjoy reading. One of the business management books I would recommend is Jocko Willink’s “Extreme Ownership,” which is fantastic book from an American hero. When reading for pleasure, I like science fiction and fantasy novels, such as “A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin and “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan.
SHARE HQ: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS AS A NEW SHARE Board MEMBER?
AA: I want to make sure that SHARE is the go-to place for educating the next generation of mainframers and to bring new blood to the platform. I think SHARE is in a unique position to help train the next generation of mainframers and get them excited about the platform.
SHARE HQ: WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY OR TECHNOLOGY NEWS THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
AA: Artificial intelligence (AI). I’m excited to see where AI goes, and I think the mainframe is in a position to be a major contributor to the growth and proliferation of AI. I am really interested to see what can be done with AI.
SHARE HQ: TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT SHARE MEMBERS MAY NOT ALREADY KNOW.
AA: My first degree was in military history. Like with the mainframe, I sort of fell into engineering. I love reading and learning about military history, especially ancient military history.
Get to know more SHARE board members and discover how to get involved with SHARE.
Serena Agusto-Cox has more than 20 years of editorial experience and six years of experience writing about mainframe and information technology. She interviews and crafts forward-looking and engaging technical updates related to the mainframe ecosystem, highlights the experiences of thought-leaders in the community, and shares important updates to technical education and training.