Mainframe COBOL to Java, C# & Cloud

Unraveling Performance: COBOL vs. Translated Java & C# Applications Deployed on Cloud

COBOL, being a compiled language, often delivers superior performance compared to interpreted languages such as Java. However, Java is specifically designed to excel in multi-threading and distributed processing, making it well-suited for leveraging cost-effective multi-processor systems, multi-core infrastructure, and cloud deployments.

This article delves into performance insights for Java and C# applications derived from COBOL code translations.

• MIPS: Mainframe vs. Cloud

  Cloud scalability is an immense advantage. Depending on the cloud platform, whether Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, or a private Cloud, applications can efficiently scale processor availability and power based on demand fluctuations.

  This capability largely addresses performance concerns for cloud-deployed applications.

  Learn more: Mainframe COBOL to Cloud Roadmap & Checklist

• Batch Applications

  Batch applications, especially those sensitive to performance, can benefit by:
  • Opting for the cloud to distribute processor loads by executing varying batch tasks on multiple processors.
  • Parallelization: Splitting processes to run concurrently. E.g., having one thread manage records A-M and another N-Z.
  It's crucial that the translated code, along with its libraries, supports parallelization. Check out the insights on migrating COBOL to multi-threaded Java and .NET.

• Online Applications

  The translation of online COBOL code to Java or C# integrates with servers like Apache-Tomcat, WebSphere, Weblogic, or Microsoft IIS. The performance usually correlates with concurrent users. The greater the user base, the higher the processor and memory demands. Yet, effective load-balancing strategies for high concurrent users have been perfected by giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook.

• VSAM / KSDS vs. SQL

  SQL requests are more demanding than reading a VSAM file. Nevertheless, SQL databases present enhanced integration and maintainability. Even in COBOL, a shift from VSAM/KSDS to SQL databases has been evident. To counteract performance challenges, the translated Java/C# system should optimize database activity.

  Discover more: Transitioning VSAM / KSDS files to SQL Databases

• Minimizing COBOL Emulation

  Certain COBOL features, like Packed-Decimals, variable group assignments, REDEFINE statements, and GO TO statements, need to either be omitted during Java/C# translations or be supported in the deployed application. A tailored evaluation, like a detailed usage analysis during conversion, is recommended.

  Get more details: Essential translation features needed for Successful COBOL to Java Conversion Projects

• JCL & SORT

  SoftwareMining's pure Java SORT utility implementation covers most SORT/DFSort features and is adaptable to any Java-supporting platform. Performance boosts can be achieved through ample memory, SSD hard-disks, RAM disks, and other tactics.

  Discover more about SoftwareMining's approach: JCL to Unix / Windows Shell Scripts

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