SoftwareMining •
COBOL to Java & C#
• Predictable & Repeatable
Bank of Montreal used SoftwareMining's automated, rule-based COBOL-to-Java translation tools to convert a COBOL and DB2 batch application into maintainable Java. The application comprised approximately 250,000 lines of code, and the conversion was completed in approximately three months.
The existing COBOL application and its established results were used to validate the business behaviour of the translated Java application.
"We rate SoftwareMining 5 out of 5 for the exemplary conversion and exceptional support we received."
This project involved modernizing one of the Bank of Montreal's remaining COBOL and DB2 batch applications, comprising approximately 250,000 lines of code, into Java. Although it represented a single enterprise application rather than a complete modernization programme, the project demonstrated that predictable, rule-based translation could deliver a production-ready, maintainable Java application within approximately three months while preserving proven business behaviour.
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 .