Rocket Software develops enterprise software products that help large organizations modernize, optimize, integrate, and secure their outdatedIT systems, especially mainframe, IBM i, and other mission-critical infrastructure. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Rocket Software President of Data Modernization, Michael Curry, to gain a deeper understanding of the company.
Michael Curry’s Background
Can you tell us about your background and what drew you to Rocket Software? Curry said:
“I joined Rocket Software in 2023 as the President of Data Modernization, overseeing worldwide strategy, development, and product management. Before joining Rocket Software, I was an Executive in Residence at Great Hill Partners, where I conducted a comprehensive market assessment of the Data and AI space. Prior to that, I spent 17 years at IBM in various leadership roles, focusing on integration, AI, data governance, analytics, and SaaS. During my time there, I was honored to be part of the IBM Technology Team, AI Ethics Board, and Distinguished Industry Leader Board.”
“What drew me to Rocket Software was its consistency, deep expertise, and a relentless focus on customer success. Since 1990, Rocket Software has quietly powered the backbone of our global economy—from mainframes to core applications and critical data, Rocket Software specializes in bridging the gap between mission-critical systems and modern technologies. You might not see our name every day, but if you’ve booked a flight, paid a bill, or managed a supply chain, chances are Rocket Software was behind it all.”
“I saw an opportunity to build on Rocket Software’s incredible foundation while scaling its impact globally, helping global organizations stay resilient, agile, and future-ready in an increasingly data-driven world.”
“But more importantly, I was drawn to Rocket Software due to one of their core company values—Trust. At Rocket Software, we believe Trust is more than a value—it’s a mutual commitment. It’s the unspoken agreement that we will show up for one another, even when our perspectives differ. Internally, that means creating a culture where every employee feels safe to speak up, take risks, and count on their team. Externally, it means showing our customers and partners—through consistent actions—that we’ve got their backs. Trust isn’t given; it’s earned. And we earn it by reinforcing it every single day.”
Acquisition Of AMC
Looking back on Rocket Software’s acquisition of AMC, how would you describe the impact it’s had on the business—both in terms of operations and what you’re now able to offer customers? Curry shared:
“The AMC acquisition was a milestone moment for Rocket Software. Operationally, it nearly doubled the size of our organization, expanding our global footprint across seven countries and bringing in over 770 new colleagues. But more than just scale, it accelerated our ability to deliver on our mission of helping customers modernize without disruption.”
“By acquiring OpenText’s Application Modernization and Connectivity business, we’ve expanded our scale and deepened our technical expertise—making Rocket Software one of the world’s largest mainframe modernization and connectivity companies. This has significantly strengthened our capabilities in performance, capacity management, and automation, enabling us to deliver more integrated, end-to-end solutions across the entire modernization lifecycle. Today, we’re helping customers modernize without disruption, seamlessly bridging core systems with the cloud, and building secure, scalable, AI-ready IT strategies.”
AMC Acquisition Vision
How did acquiring AMC advance Rocket’s broader vision to help modernize complex IT environments? Curry noted:
“Rocket Software has always championed the idea that modernization should be evolutionary, not disruptive. The AMC acquisition allowed us to significantly expand our capabilities in that space and help more enterprises unlock the full potential of their existing systems while embracing the future.”
“With AMC’s tools and talent integrated into Rocket Software, we’re able to offer a comprehensive approach to modernization that addresses application development, connectivity, data access, and automation. This acquisition brought us closer to our vision of delivering seamless modernization across hybrid IT environments—where traditional mainframes, distributed systems, and the cloud work together cohesively.”
Customer Response
Since the acquisition closed, what have been some of the biggest lessons—or standout successes—when it comes to integration and customer response? Curry revealed:
“When you approach integration with clarity, empathy, and shared purpose, you build trust—both internally and externally.”
“One of the standout successes has been how quickly our combined teams aligned around our common mission. That alignment translated into faster innovation and greater responsiveness for our customers. We’ve already introduced new solutions and product enhancements like Rocket DataEdge, Rocket Secure Host Access, and AI updates to our skills and efficiency solutions, which directly reflect the synergy of our expanded capabilities and growth.”
“The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many tell us they appreciate not just the expanded offerings, but our continued commitment to stability, security, and partnership. In an industry that’s moving fast, that kind of trust makes all the difference.”
Evolution Of The Company
Rocket Software has gone through a significant evolution over the past few years. From a technology and innovation perspective, how would you describe that transformation journey? Curry pointed out:
“It’s been a remarkable transformation grounded in purpose and powered by momentum.”
“We’ve gone from being a highly respected, behind-the-scenes player to a modernization leader that’s defining how enterprises evolve. We’ve expanded our global partner ecosystem by over 750 organizations, invested in breakthrough product development, and launched internal initiatives like the NextGen Academy to grow future engineering talent from within.”
“Technologically, we’ve embraced hybrid cloud, AI integration, and zero-trust security—not as buzzwords, but as essential components of how we support customers in modernizing without risk. Our focus is always on enabling transformation that’s practical, sustainable, and aligned with long-term business value.”
Balance Between Traditional Systems And Emerging Demands
Rocket’s roots are in mainframe technology, how do you strike the right balance between traditional systems and emerging demands? Curry explained:
“We don’t see it as a balance; we see it as a continuum. Mainframes aren’t going anywhere. They handle the vast majority of mission-critical business transactions globally. The key is to modernize from the inside out: to evolve systems while preserving what works.”
“Rocket Software specializes in bridging that gap. We help companies extend the value of their mainframes by connecting them to modern interfaces, integrating with the cloud, applying AI and automation, and strengthening their security posture. For us, it’s not about choosing between old and new, it’s about making both work better together.”
Key Milestones
What are some key milestones—both recent and historical—that have shaped Rocket Software’s path to this point? Curry concluded:
“A few milestones stand out.
- Our founding in 1990 marked the beginning of a journey to quietly support the infrastructure behind global business operations.
- Our growth through strategic acquisitions over the years—including the landmark AMC acquisition in 2023—has shaped our product depth and market reach.
- The launch of Rocket DataEdge and Rocket Secure Host Access this past year reflects our commitment to product innovation.
- Our NextGen Academy represents a long-term investment in talent and sustainability for mainframe technology.
But perhaps the biggest milestone is the one we’re celebrating now: 35 years in business. That kind of longevity is rare in tech. It speaks to the trust we’ve earned, the evolution we’ve embraced, and the future we’re building—one modernization at a time.”
