My Journey from Mainframe to AI - Paperback

by Lewin Wanzer (Author)

From Mainframe to AI is a bold and insightful journey through the evolution of enterprise technology, from the days of green screen terminals and floppy disks to the modern world of artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud transformation. Written by a seasoned technologist with over 30 years of experience and work across more than 130 organizations, this book blends deep technical knowledge with personal storytelling to uncover the real truths behind the tech industry's biggest challenges.

More than just a memoir, this is a practical guide for what the author calls the Second Migration, the shift from cloud-centric thinking to AI-powered operations. Along the way, readers will discover why so many digital transformations fail, how collaboration tools often fall short, and what it truly takes to build systems that can adapt and scale in a rapidly changing landscape.

Through compelling case studies, real-life strategies, and field-tested insights, the book explores:

Why collaboration myths, fueled by Agile, ITIL, and team silos, often undermine productivity

How to prepare for AI with clean, structured, and governed data

The rise and fall of once-dominant technologies such as SharePoint, Windows Phone, Blackberry, and legacy platforms

Why shadow IT thrives in organizations lacking proper governance

Lessons in leadership, resilience, and reinvention drawn from sports, music, and global consulting

What companies must do to stay competitive in an era defined by automation, sustainability, and digital acceleration

From major federal agencies to fast-moving startups, the author has consulted across industries and continents-offering valuable takeaways for executives, consultants, IT professionals, and business leaders seeking to understand the recurring patterns of technology success and failure.

From Mainframe to AI is more than a retrospective. It's a strategic roadmap for leading with clarity, embracing change with purpose, and building future-ready platforms that deliver real impact in the age of AI.