Hello, it’s Des here. I am in Pittsburgh in the USA. We are at Share 2019. I have the pleasure of being joined by Nicole Fagan who is the Director of Product Management in the Broadcom Mainframe Division.
Nicole Fagan, the Director of Product Management in the Broadcom Mainframe Division, sat down with Des at Share 2019 in Pittsburgh to discuss the exciting developments in the mainframe platform. From modernization and optimization to security and the ASE program, Nicole provided valuable insights into the strategic initiatives at Broadcom.
Driving Strategy with Modernization, Optimization, and Security
Nicole emphasized that modernization, optimization, and security are at the core of Broadcom’s strategy for the mainframe platform. She highlighted the importance of enabling customers to move their businesses faster and outlined the following key points:
- Open and frictionless approach to modernization
- Enabling application developers to access the mainframe seamlessly
- Focus on driving data centers into the future with enhanced buying experience, installation, and usage
The Relevance of Mainframes and the ASE Program
Nicole addressed the misconception surrounding the relevance of mainframes and shed light on the substantial amount of data stored on mainframes. She also discussed the Associate Software Engineer (ASE) program and its impact on bringing fresh faces into the mainframe community. Key points covered include:
- The significance of mainframes in processing critical transactions for Fortune 500 companies and world’s largest banks
- The ASE program’s role in introducing new talent to the mainframe platform
- The positive energy and professionalism displayed by the ASEs at Share 2019
Empowering Women in IT
Nicole shared insights into the efforts to support women in IT and the broader business landscape. She discussed the challenges faced by women in IT and highlighted the importance of role models and mentorship. Key points included:
- The high attrition rate of women in IT and the need to break down barriers
- Participation in women in IT panels at Share 2019 and the focus on career progression
- Extending outreach and mentoring programs to empower women in IT
Expanding Role in the Share Community
Nicole reflected on her 20-year engagement with the Share community and discussed Broadcom’s plans to expand its investment in the mainframe community. Key points covered include:
- The history of her engagement with the Share community and the plan to strengthen the relationship with Broadcom’s support
- The upcoming sponsorships and additional investments in Share from Broadcom
- The significance of Share as a platform for knowledge sharing and community building
Engaging with Broadcom
Des concluded the conversation by encouraging viewers to engage with Broadcom and join the conversation. He highlighted the opportunities to connect with Broadcom’s technical experts and access key assets on their website. Key points included:
- Engaging with Broadcom on LinkedIn and Twitter to join the conversation
- Accessing technical exchanges and engaging with subject matter experts on Broadcom’s latest deliverables
- The importance of starting conversations early to avoid potential pitfalls and delays
Thank you very much for making time to catch up with me, Nicole. Congratulations on Share 2019. It’s been an amazing event, and I’m looking forward to what the next few days have ahead for us.
Excellent, thank you so much, Des. Thanks, Nicole.
In conclusion, the conversation with Nicole Fagan provided valuable insights into the strategic initiatives at Broadcom and the exciting developments in the mainframe platform. From modernization and optimization to empowering women in IT, Share 2019 has been a platform for knowledge sharing and community building in the mainframe industry.




