Fujitsu confirms mainframe biz to die in 2035, in time for quantum AI supercomputers to take over

2026-05-01 · Source: The Register: Enterprise Technology News and Analysis · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Technology Business Strategy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

Fujitsu has confirmed it will cease its mainframe business by 2035, coinciding with the company's centenary and a strategic pivot towards AI and quantum computing. CEO Takahito Tokita outlined plans for "AI supercomputers" powered by "Monaka" CPUs developed with Broadcom and inferencing chips with Scaleway, alongside quantum computers, to become mainstream by 2035. The company intends to implement AI-driven management internally to enhance decision-making speed and quality. Fujitsu is also transitioning its earnings structure from hourly systems integration to value- and outcomes-based models under its "Uvance" brand, aiming for more evenly distributed quarterly revenue. Additionally, Fujitsu Japan has shifted its hiring strategy from annual graduate intake to skill-specific recruitment and is engaged in discussions with defense officials from Japan, the UK, and Australia regarding advanced defense technologies. This strategic shift follows a full-year revenue decline of 1.3 percent to $22.3 billion, despite a 31 percent profit increase to $2.2 billion.

Key takeaway

For Directors of AI/ML evaluating long-term infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Fujitsu's 2035 mainframe sunset and aggressive pivot to AI and quantum computing signal a significant industry shift. Your organization should assess its own legacy system dependencies and explore emerging AI/quantum hardware roadmaps, potentially aligning with vendors making similar strategic transitions to ensure future compatibility and competitive advantage.

Key insights

Fujitsu is strategically pivoting from mainframes to AI and quantum computing by 2035, driven by internal AI adoption and a shift to value-based services.

Principles

• Future hardware will be AI supercomputers or quantum machines.
• AI will permeate all future company operations.
• Shift to value-based earnings improves management quality.

Method

Fujitsu will implement AI-driven management using its own AI on a globally standardized data platform to enhance decision-making. It will also transition to an earnings structure based on value and outcomes, moving away from hourly billing.

In practice

• Develop "Monaka" CPUs with Broadcom.
• Collaborate with Scaleway on inferencing chips.
• Engage defense officials on AI/quantum for national security.

Topics

• Mainframe Discontinuation
• AI Supercomputers
• Quantum Computing
• Monaka CPUs
• AI-driven Management

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Executive, Director of AI/ML, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Register: Enterprise Technology News and Analysis.