321Gang – Newsletter – March – 2026

Kimba Hackett

4 hours ago

Welcome to March!

We’re highlighting the expertise driving innovation at 321Gang and SodiusWillert. Our IBM Champions — Walter van der Heiden, Andy Lapping, Martin Stockl, Johannes Trageser, and Tom Hollowell — bring decades of IBM experience in training, support, and community leadership, helping teams tackle complex systems with confidence.

☘️ Read the full newsletter for all the latest updates and insights!

Partner News and Announcements

IBM Apptio, Turbonomic, Targetprocess, Instana, Cloudability, and Kubecost

Kubernetes FinOps integration: IBM announced a Turbonomic + Kubecost integration (Public Preview) that brings real‑time cost data into automated resource optimization workflows, so teams can see cost impact predictions alongside performance actions when rightsizing workloads. More>>>

Join us LIVE on April 23 for Episode 1 of the TBM C-Suite Series with Wayne Kaplan, exploring how leaders use Technology Business Management to bring transparency and control to rising IT spend. Learn how to connect every dollar of technology investment to measurable business outcomes and make smarter decisions about cloud, software, and innovation. Register on LinkedIn>>>

Cut Cloud Waste by Using Native Tools Cloud waste adds unnecessary cost and complexity — but using native cloud tooling helps teams streamline operations, improve visibility, and reduce spend without sacrificing capability. Learn how to trim excess and optimize your cloud environment. Read>>>

IBM Instana now includes Kubecost‑powered Kubernetes cost monitoring features, enabling teams to track performance and spend side‑by‑side in one observability interface — bringing historical trends, alerts, and optimization guidance together.

Check out Kubecost 3.0!

Enterprise‑Scale Agile & Strategic Planning — As part of IBM’s Strategic Portfolio Management suite, Targetprocess continues to be positioned as a tool that connects strategy, investment, and execution — supporting real‑time alignment of work and portfolios with enterprise goals. Here>>>

Stay connected by following our FinOps LinkedIn page for insights, stories, and best practices from practitioners and thought leaders.

SodiusWillert

SodiusWillert AI Modeling Assistant for IBM Rhapsody (SAM) brings AI directly into model-based engineering. SAM enables an AI assistant to read and modify IBM Rhapsody models through an interface built on 30 years of Model-Based Systems and Software Engineering expertise and deep knowledge of the Rhapsody API, allowing AI to interact with models like an expert. Watch the video>>>

Interoperability issues aren’t just about tools. In the third episode of the “Conversations with our experts” series, SodiusWillert explains why true interoperability requires alignment across people, processes, and data to break down silos and improve engineering collaboration. Read the blog to learn more>>>

SodiusWillert is a Gold Sponsor of the 3rd Annual MOSA for Defense and Warfare Summit, April 8–9, 2026, in National Harbor, MD, where defense and industry leaders discuss Modular Open Systems Approaches for interoperability and cost-effective design. Info>>>

Connecting Requirements, Changes & Tests Across Tools

Keep your multi-tool engineering workflows connected without disruption. Learn how standards-based links let requirements, changes, and tests stay in their native systems while maintaining full traceability. Read>>>

IBM

Agile doesn’t eliminate the need for requirements — it demands better-managed ones. When tools like DOORS Next support rather than constrain agile workflows, regulated software teams don’t have to choose between speed and control. They get both. Read>>>

IBM ELM Hybrid Cloud v1.0 leverages containers and Red Hat OpenShift to automate setup, monitoring, and backups for RM, CCM, Rhapsody Model Manager, and QM, supporting on-premises, IBM Cloud, and private cloud deployments while boosting reliability and productivity. More>>>

Cybersecurity trends for 2026 — IBM’s predictions highlight a shift toward treating identity as a strategic security priority in an AI‑driven environment, with rising threats like deepfakes and model manipulation shaping enterprise defenses. Read>>>

GitLab

GitLab released early‑2026 patches (18.9.2, 18.8.6, 18.7.6) fixing critical bugs and security issues like XSS, DoS, and access control. Self‑managed admins should upgrade to the latest versions. Here>>>

Pure Variants

PTC Pure Variants made easy — The new Web Client lets teams access and manage models in a browser, simplifying updates, deployment, and transformation workflows. Here>>>

Jira Align

Jira Align now features enhanced epic and feature grids and new roadmaps, helping portfolio leaders plan, track, and connect strategy to execution. These updates boost visibility, alignment, and real-time decision-making for enterprises. Here>>>

Discover how attending Team ’26 can help your team boost skills, collaboration, and impact — with practical tips for getting the most out of the event.

Industry-Related News

Users Praise IBM Targetprocess for Agile Planning and Visibility

AI is Forcing Software Engineering to Adopt Formal Traceability

Your FinOps Dashboard is Lying to You

10 Best Asset Management Tools in 2026

IBM and Anthropic Team Up for Secure Enterprise Software