Mainframe
COBOL to Java, C#
& Cloud
Organizations utilizing iSeries machines often have a blend of COBOL and RPG applications. This article delves into the intricacies involved in migrating COBOL-based applications.
The COBOL ILE dialect aligns closely with the standard IBM COBOL implementations. A notable distinction includes enhanced screen operations and DB400 access through the VSAM type API.
The COBOL ILE supports COBOL screen definitions within DDS Sub-files. Typically, such screens are integrated within Conversational applications suited for client-server deployments. Interaction with these screens mirrors the method of VSAM file operations, through READ and WRITE statements.
SoftwareMining transforms these Conversational applications into an Application-Server framework. The DDS screen configurations are transposed into an JSP/XHTML structure that integrates with a Web-Server, dynamically generating HTML screens. While these migrated AS400 DDS screens are in HTML, they retain the character-based appearance of their original counterparts. As part of a modernization initiative, businesses can revamp these screens to capitalize on a refreshed user interface. This modern system supports substituting screens crafted in JSP/ASP formats into the new Java or C# infrastructure, eliminating the need to alter the underlying business logic.
COBOL ILE employs conventional COBOL READ and WRITE commands to interface with data entities mapped to DB400 (e.g., SELECT record ASSIGN TO database-record). Essentially, the AS400 / iSeries employs an identical API as VSAM (keyed/Indexed Files) for DB/400 database access.
SoftwareMining transforms DB400 FD's (file definitions) and the record access API into Object-Relational data access modules. These modules leverage standard SQL for interactions with the DB400 or other SQL databases. The Java adaptation of the COBOL ILE applications can remain operational on an AS/400 (iSeries) system while accessing the same DB400 database. Alternatively, both the database and the code can be hosted on a different platform such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Solaris.
Many AS400 / iSeries systems house applications developed in both RPG and COBOL. While SoftwareMining specializes in COBOL migration, it does not offer solutions for migrating RPG. For RPG translations, it's advisable to engage third-party companies that specialize in this area.
© 2024 SoftwareMining is a trademark of Software Modernization Technologies Ltd (UK). Registered in England company no: 07300248. Reg Offices: 79 Stevens House, Jerome Place, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1HX, United Kingdom.