Mainframe
COBOL to Java, C#
& Cloud
In just three months, the Bank of Montreal modernized one of its final COBOL and DB2 mainframe applications into Java using SoftwareMining's automated translation technology. The project demonstrated how legacy batch systems can be rapidly refactored into maintainable, Java-based applications.
"We rate SoftwareMining 5 out of 5 for the exemplary conversion and exceptional support we received."
This project involved converting a key COBOL and DB2 batch application—one of the bank's last remaining mainframe-based systems—into Java. The converted solution provided enhanced readability, maintainability, and scalability while preserving full functional accuracy.
The Bank of Montreal, one of Canada's largest financial institutions, faced the challenge of maintaining COBOL and DB2 back-office systems developed in the 1990s. These batch-based applications required constant updates to meet evolving business demands. As some of the last systems still running on the IBM mainframe, the bank identified the need to transition to Java to ensure long-term flexibility, maintainability, and reduced cost.
Using SoftwareMining's COBOL-to-Java conversion tools, the Bank of Montreal team modernized their core batch applications with minimal disruption. During the translation process, ongoing COBOL updates were quickly re-translated into Java, ensuring both systems stayed synchronized until final cutover.
The bank’s approach combined the expertise of its Java developers with insights from COBOL specialists. This close collaboration enabled accurate testing, smooth deployment, and effective knowledge transfer between legacy and modern development teams.
Within three months, the bank achieved a complete modernization of the target application, delivering clean, maintainable Java code that could evolve with future business needs.
Explore more modernization examples in our COBOL Modernization Success Stories .