Approaches to Mainframe Modernization

When considering mainframe modernization, there are several paths to follow. You can:

• Rewrite COBOL applications in another language, such as Java. History has shown this option to be the least viable. "Rewrite" projects are typically multi-year, high-risk endeavors that rarely offer the intended result. Studies have shown that only 10% of projects like these end up on time and within budget. In addition, you risk losing valuable business logic and specific functionality that cannot be replicated in the new language.
  
  
• Deploy a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) application package. This can be a viable option in situations where there are few custom applications to support. With COTS packages, however, there are significant risks in losing custom-designed business logic that currently gives your business a competitive advantage. In addition, the ability to create custom solutions in the future is severely compromised. In almost every case, business processes within a company have to be adapted around the functionality of the packaged applications, despite vendor claims of customizability.
  
  
• Rehost existing COBOL applications on a new platform. The rehosting method simply moves your applications from the mainframe to a more open and flexible platform. In many cases, rehosting offers the lowest risks and the most cost effective approach to mainframe migration. Rehosting offers the opportunity to retain the valuable business logic in existing applications and data, while leveraging the advantages of a much lower cost platform running on Unix, Linux or Microsoft Windows.

Speedware has researched and evaluated dozens of tools for modernizing mainframe environments. After thorough analysis and testing, we have built a portfolio of the best solutions currently available on the market. By combining superior technology with Speedware's proven methodology and services, we provide an unmatched ability to help our customers succeed.

Starting Mainframe Modernization

Once you have made the decision to rehost your mainframe applications, Speedware recommends a detailed and in-depth planning process to ensure your project is completed successfully.

Learn more

• About step-by-step modernization planning
• About mainframe rehosting
• About mainframe technology solutions
• About mainframe modernization tools