TSO/ISPF Experts in Germany
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used TSO/ISPF
Robert K.
Last position:
Interim Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS) at Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank
- Functional management and further development of a team of 28 IT employees (internal & external) in the areas of HelpDesk / HelpLine, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basic operations
- Management of external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basic operations)
- Personnel, resource and budget planning for the IT department and projects
- Introduction and establishment of regular communication formats (regular meetings, team and cross-departmental meetings)
- Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows / Linux with database and web/application servers)
- Support for transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g. DevOps approaches)
- Building and introducing digital IT procurement for hardware & software (e.g. with DELL)
- Development and management of the „IT Operations DOS" department based on the company strategy
- Preparation of management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization potential and automation opportunities
- Representing the department in Rentenbank committees and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, DSGVO, BSI, MaRisk)
Hans-Dieter G.
Last position:
Training as an AI Expert
I continuously expand my expertise in AI and automation. I work with ChatGPT, OpenAI, Manus, Gemini, MS CoPilot, APIs, LangChain, Hugging Face, Manus, TensorFlow, and Auto-GPT, as well as Python-based ML frameworks and MLOps tools, to intelligently transform traditional software development, analysis, and testing processes.
Christian K.
Last position:
Service Catalog Manager at Deloitte Team
- Worked in the IT infrastructure of the Deloitte team.
- Planned assignment as Service Catalog Manager at an insurance company in Hannover.
Jürgen S.
Last position:
IT – Consultant / Analyst / Developer / Tester / Support at Automotive manufacturer
- Analysis, software development/adaptation and testing of various transaction and batch objects
- Execution of specialist integration and regression tests on TEST and QA platforms under z/OS for subsequent implementation in production
- Hardware / software / tools: IBM-MVS, z/OS, JES2/3, TSO-ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL, SQL/PL, QMF, QMF for Work-Stations, SPUFI, FileAid, IMS-DB/DC, MFS, XPEDITER, COBOL, REXX, Windows-10, MS-Office-365, MS-Teams, batch job management via OPC, BETA92, RVS, BVB, ABL, DIALOGplus, PROBA, PRODPR (VW internal systems), JIRA, CONFLUENCE
Alex V.
Last position:
CTO, Co-Founder, Cryptography(incl. Post-Quantum Cryptography) and AI Security Expertise at AISLEIPNIR
- Integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms into high level protocols.
- Security of implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography algorithms.
- Transition to Post-Quantum public key infrastructures.
- Security evaluations of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) primitives.
- Drone Cybersecurity
- Satellite Cybersecurity
- AI Security
Matthias O.
Last position:
IT Project Manager at IT service provider
Implementation of anti-money laundering requirements under AMLA/KYC for an international major bank in Munich
Services provided:
- Clarification of the assignment and definition of the work package structure for the AMLA/KYC implementation project
- AI-supported project planning using a custom AI workflow for project management
- Preparation of the project management plan
- Resource and capacity planning
- Development of collaboration structures between the IT service provider and the bank client
- Agreement on responsibilities (RACI matrix)
- Management of 5 project members (core team)
- Project control, project monitoring, project reporting
- Communications management
- Escalation management
- Stakeholder management (11 stakeholders)
- Permanent member of the Steering Committee
- Project representation internally and externally
- Project reporting and management of decision-making bodies
- Project volume: 506 person-days (development effort)
- Risk management
- Quality management
- Organization and delivery of workshops
Methods: PMI PMBOK, EVM, GWG, DORA, BAIT, KANBAN, AML, AMLR, AMLA, GWG, KYC
IT environment: JIRA, Confluence, Sharepoint, Kantata Kimble, AI LLM Copilot, ChatGPT, anti-money laundering systems (custom-developed and SMARAGD)
Christian W.
Last position:
Technical Senior Tester and Test Manager at Christian Wegener Beratung
Creation and review of test conditions
Execution of functional tests
Defect management
Supplier management
Team coordination
Estimation of test effort and reporting
Test planning
Further development and new development of integrated schedule systems
Java web client/Linux server, Oracle Instantclient/Oracle Database Appliance Server, Unix, ESB – Enterprise Service Bus, SQL, TIBCO EMS – Enterprise Message Service/JMS, REST, Impero Guest
HP ALM / Micro Focus Quality Center, Citrix, JIRA, XRAY, Impero Guest, MobaXTerm, Confluence, Sharepoint, MS-Teams, MS-Office
Stefan M.
Last position:
Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer
- Design, planning and execution of complex acceptance tests for a document exchange platform for the German justice authorities.
- Validation of decrypted and certificate-based message exchange via web platform, mobile app, and Java API.
- Documentation of test cases, execution steps, and test results.
- Technologies: Windows 11/10, Ubuntu, iOS, Android, Bash for Windows, Java 17, IntelliJ, Git, Jira, Confluence, Citrix Server, xJustiz standard implementation, specific justice software.
Jörg S.
Last position:
Software Developer at Commerzbank
- Created interface programs between mainframe and distributed online screens
- Modified and created batch programs for daily data processing
- Provided advice on program setup, database structures, and programming tools
- Performed error analysis for the overall project
- System: OS/390, ISPF, TSO, IMS DB, IMS Connect, COBOL, DB2, SQL, SPUFI, IBM debug tool, Confluence, Jira, Eclipse, Rational Developer for Z Systems (RDZ)
Benedikt T.
Last position:
Actuarial Analyst at Standard Life
- Preparation of implementation concepts based on predefined technical business plans and actuarial requirements
- Testing of changes made to the policy administration system
- Carrying out individual actuarial calculations
- Carrying out portfolio and system corrections
Ulm P.
Last position:
DataStage ETL Expert at ING Bank
- Datastage 11.7, dbt, Oracle 19, Python 3.12 / PySpark 3.5, Azure GitHub, Azure DevOps, Automic
- Development of migration jobs to transfer data from the collection DWH to the new Risk Mart, as well as development of ETL pipelines to migrate historical data from the old Mart to the new Risk Mart.
- Storage of the silver layer on Hadoop and the gold layer in Oracle.
- Translation of DataStage jobs into dbt to publish reporting data in Google Cloud to a PostgreSQL database.
- Creation and optimization of complex SQL queries for data extraction from a data vault, taking into account historical data in the point-in-time tables.
- Creation of Oracle table definitions (DDL) and adjustment of existing stored procedures.
- Versioning changes in GitHub and deployment via the CI/CD portal.
- Refactoring long-running DataStage jobs into Python using PySpark to reduce server load.
- Migration of SAS scripts to PL/SQL, including new development of distribution functions that have no direct equivalent in Oracle.
- Development of Automic jobs to run DataStage pipelines and Python scripts (PySpark jobs) that control the population of the SME and institutional risk tables in the Risk Mart and perform business calculations.
- Participation in the agile process, including creating user stories, estimations, and planning in Azure DevOps.
- Handling Azure DevOps tickets and close collaboration with testers and business teams for error analysis and resolution.
Sebastian H.
Last position:
Overall Project Manager; Turnaround Manager & Coach at Statutory Health Insurance Fund
- Taking over the troubled project from the internal project management and successful turnaround of project phase 1 (cutover of approx. 1000 servers (VMs)/standard desktops, specialized desktops)
- Responsible project management for the successful phase 1 transition (planning in the shortest possible time followed by implementation (very successful with low ticket volume))
- Stakeholder management – taking over direct (daily before cutover) communication with the client from the Chief Operation Manager in the format of regular meetings in taskforce mode. Rapid rebuilding of the previously lost trust base and restoration of the client relationship for optimal satisfaction
- Taskforce mode to eliminate all existing issues/showstoppers before cutover
- Scope clarification, setup, and scheduling of phase 2 activities (e.g. silo/admin servers)
- Kick-off of phase 2 / handing the project back to the success line for the internal project management/line to handle the remaining defined topics
- Establishing, preparing, and conducting steering committees with V-1 management to align the guardrails
- Moderation of various regular meetings and operational workshops
- Participation in the lessons learned with the client to address dissatisfaction related to the internal project management (before my start! They are extremely satisfied with my work)
- Tools: Atlassian Suite (Confluence/JIRA), MIRO, Sharepoint; MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project)
Georg D.
Last position:
Senior Project Manager at Apleona GmbH
- Project review, restructuring and PM for the migration of a total of 12,000 Windows workstation systems (650 applications) from SCCM or Empirum/Matrix42 to MS-Intune following a merger.
- Took over a significantly delayed and poorly managed project in the role of “firefighter”.
- Completely revised and adjusted/updated the planning of the customer and the service provider involved.
- Introduced planning baselining and the recording/mitigation of current risks.
- Introduced an efficient, partly automated planning/reporting interface between MS-Project Planning (service provider) and Jira (customer).
- Restructured meetings to increase efficiency and eliminate redundant appointments.
- Completed the analysis and design phase and prepared basic data for migrations from the heterogeneous systems of the two merged companies.
- Started the User Acceptance Test (UAT).
- Technologies: MS Autopilot, Zero Touch.
Martin S.
Last position:
MS Fabric Certification
MS Fabric certification with creation of pipelines and notebooks in Fabric using data from Azure, Azure Repos, Azure Boards, and GitHub. Data ingestion via OneLake Explorer, direct IP connection, and API (REST) are the main topics
Romuald G.
Last position:
Software Developer at Aluminium Norf GmbH
- Set up a server to distribute production events from MES to the existing PPS
- Added further servers to the existing process
- Reported changes to the packing inventory to TWMS
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using TSO/ISPF
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
36 years
Position duration
2.2 years
Positions per freelancer
22
Top business areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence
Top industries
Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Insurance
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Project Management
Bachelor's degree or higher
58%
Master's degree or higher
33%
Doctorate
8%
Certifications per freelancer
3
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
94%
Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using TSO/ISPF
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
TSO/ISPF experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Information Technology (90%)
- Banking and Finance (84%)
- Insurance (77%)
- Manufacturing (55%)
- Professional Services (45%)
- Automotive (42%)
- Government and Administration (42%)
- Healthcare (32%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
What TSO/ISPF does
TSO/ISPF combines IBM Time Sharing Option with Interactive System Productivity Facility on IBM z/OS. TSO provides interactive access to mainframe resources, while ISPF supplies menus, panels, editors and utilities for working with data sets, jobs and system functions. Together, they remain a practical interface for daily operations and application support.
Core work areas
TSO/ISPF expertise appears wherever teams need controlled access to z/OS environments and repeatable operational tasks.
- Create and maintain ISPF panels, dialogs, skeletons and command procedures
- Edit partitioned data sets and manage libraries across development stages
- Submit, monitor and troubleshoot JCL jobs and batch processing
- Automate recurring work with REXX, CLIST and TSO commands
- Support migrations, release activities and production incident response
Ecosystem and tooling
Strong professionals understand how TSO/ISPF connects to JES, SDSF, RACF, JCL and z/OS data sets. They may also work with COBOL, PL/I, DB2, CICS, IMS, Git-based workflows and enterprise change-management tools. Knowledge of IBM utilities, ISPF services and panel development is important when standard menus are not enough.
When companies need specialists
Companies often bring in freelance expertise during mainframe modernization, application migration, platform consolidation or urgent operational change. TSO/ISPF specialists can document inherited procedures, improve batch workflows, build operator-friendly panels and transfer practical knowledge to internal teams. In Germany, remote work is common, while regulated environments may still require on-site collaboration or German-language communication.
What strong experts deliver
A capable TSO/ISPF professional reads existing JCL and REXX before changing it, checks dependencies and preserves operational controls. They distinguish a panel problem from a permission, data-set, JES or application issue. Their deliverables may include tested dialogs, reusable procedures, runbooks, migration plans and clear rollback steps.
Choosing the right fit
Look for experience with the specific z/OS release, security model, workload and tooling used by your organisation. Ask for examples of ISPF customization, TSO automation and production troubleshooting rather than relying on tool names alone. The right specialist explains risks clearly, tests changes in the correct environment and leaves maintainable documentation behind.
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most about TSO/ISPF — answered in short.
TSO/ISPF is used to access and manage IBM z/OS systems interactively. Teams use it to edit data sets, submit and review jobs, run commands, manage libraries and provide structured menus for operational or application workflows.
TSO/ISPF offers direct, low-overhead access to z/OS resources and is deeply integrated with mainframe security and batch operations. Graphical tools can improve discoverability, but they may not replace ISPF panels, command procedures or the control needed for established production processes.
A strong TSO/ISPF specialist commonly brings JCL, JES, SDSF, REXX or CLIST knowledge, along with data-set management and RACF awareness. COBOL, DB2, CICS, IMS, change control and mainframe release practices are also valuable depending on the assignment.
TSO/ISPF freelancers are useful for panel development, workflow automation, batch troubleshooting and mainframe migration work. They can also document inherited procedures, support production transitions or help internal teams maintain z/OS operations during periods of change.
The required depth depends on the risk and scope of the work. A small panel change may need focused ISPF knowledge, while production automation or a migration calls for someone who understands JCL dependencies, security, recovery procedures and the surrounding z/OS applications.
TSO/ISPF work can often be performed remotely when secure access, testing environments and clear change procedures are available. On-site collaboration may still matter for regulated operations, controlled facilities or teams that require German-language workshops and handovers.
Ask the specialist to describe a real ISPF panel, TSO procedure or JCL issue they have diagnosed. Good answers cover validation, security, testing, rollback and documentation, not just command syntax. References to production controls and dependency analysis are strong quality signals.
TSO/ISPF assignments in Germany may involve banks, insurers, manufacturers, public organisations or other enterprises with long-running z/OS estates. Professionals should clarify access rules, language expectations, on-site requirements, release windows and the use of tools such as RACF, JES and enterprise change management before starting.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects is 94 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 751 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects, 58% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 33% hold at least a Master's degree, and 8% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects have 36 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.2 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects are German (100%), English (94%), and French (23%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects are Information Technology (90%), Banking and Finance (84%), and Insurance (77%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used TSO/ISPF in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Quality Assurance (87%), and Business Intelligence (65%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used TSO/ISPF
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
