Mechanical Orchard, an applied AI pioneer, has announced the launch of Imogen, a new end-to-end mainframe modernisation platform. Alongside the launch, Mechanical Orchard revealed its first global partnership with technology consultancy Thoughtworks. This collaboration aims to help large organisations modernise their systems more simply, with less risk, no disruption to operations, and at a significantly reduced cost.
Mechanical Orchard’s new approach focuses on the behaviour of systems rather than directly translating old code. Imogen rewrites mainframe applications safely and quickly by capturing real-time data flows, ensuring the generated code is accurate, well-organised, and ready for cloud deployment. This method promises to eliminate the risks, uncertainties, and disruptions typically associated with traditional “big-bang” modernisation efforts. The platform supports an incremental upgrade process, allowing organisations to modernise in stages without risking current operations.
Rob Mee, CEO of Mechanical Orchard, said, “Many of the world’s largest organisations are battling a perfect storm. The cost of maintaining legacy systems is increasing, those maintaining old code are retiring and the pressure to evolve with changing market conditions is growing. It’s a mess that gets more complex and riskier the longer it’s left unsolved. So, it was time for a fresh approach to an old problem: Imogen brings transparency, speed and simplicity to mainframe modernisation. I’m immensely proud of our talented team who brought the vision to life and we look forward to a prosperous partnership with Thoughtworks.”
Partnership focuses on accelerated, risk-free modernisation
The partnership between Mechanical Orchard and Thoughtworks introduces a joint offering named “AI-Accelerated Mainframe Modernization with Mechanical Orchard”. This solution focuses on modernising what matters most by addressing system behaviour instead of simply translating code.
Thoughtworks’ CodeConcise Legacy Assistant will work alongside Imogen to speed up system understanding and enable faster, high-quality rewriting of mainframe applications. Thoughtworks will manage progressive migrations, ensuring a seamless transition away from legacy constraints while enabling clients to enjoy immediate benefits from modernisation efforts.
Gene Reznik, Chief Strategy Officer and Global Head of Service Lines at Thoughtworks, commented, “The partnership with Mechanical Orchard offers our clients an AI-powered, accelerated and lower-risk approach to mainframe modernisation. As a technology consultancy, every day we see first-hand how technical debt plagues the world’s largest organizations. The iterative, modular approach – underpinned by the Imogen platform – transforms the modernisation process. This incremental rewrite of old, legacy systems is a game-changer for our clients.”
With its extensive engineering expertise and innovative digital strategies, Thoughtworks aims to support businesses in building future-ready applications, reducing technical debt, and boosting competitiveness.
Mechanical Orchard to showcase innovation at Google Cloud Next
Mechanical Orchard will showcase Imogen during Google Cloud Next. Founder and CEO Rob Mee will present a breakout session titled “Supercharge your mainframe modernisation with AI-powered tools” on 10 April at 4:00 PM PT. Attendees can also explore the “Mainframe Modernization Offering Showcase” on the same day from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM PT at the Thoughtworks hospitality suite. Additional networking opportunities and thought leadership events will also be available, with more details provided through the official registration links.
Mechanical Orchard, founded in October 2022 and headquartered in San Francisco, focuses on reshaping the future of legacy modernisation. Its clients span global retail, public sector, logistics, and consumer goods industries, supported by investors including GV, Emergence Capital, Fin Capital, and MongoDB.
Thoughtworks, with more than 10,000 employees across 48 offices in 19 countries, has spent over 30 years helping businesses solve complex problems using technology. The consultancy integrates design, engineering, and AI to drive innovation and deliver digital transformation across industries worldwide.
