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Mainframe Modernization, Modernization Processes, Modernization Technology

The Role of Mainframe Data in a Hybrid Cloud Environment

June 29, 2023

More and more organizations are adopting a hybrid approach to their IT environment. In the context of computing and IT infrastructure, a hybrid environment combines multiple types of resources or technologies, typically involving a mix of on-premises infrastructure, private cloud, and public cloud services. It allows organizations to leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud-based solutions to meet their specific requirements. This approach particularly appeals to larger organizations with a mainframe footprint because of

Moving from Greenfield Application Modernization to Bluefield with CloudFrame Renovate

June 21, 2023

In the first three posts in this series, we looked at the commonly-made case for “greenfield” COBOL-to-Java application modernization efforts, the most frequent ways such initiatives go wrong, and how tool-assisted transformation offers a better way to achieving most of the strategic goals companies are hoping for from modernization, at much-reduced levels of risk and opportunity cost. In this final post, we’ll examine how CloudFrame Renovate—the “tool” in “tool-assisted transformation”—delivers on the promise of application

Techniques for Application Developers to Encourage zIIP Usage

June 16, 2023

The IBM zIIP (Integrated Information Processor) is a dedicated specialty processor available on IBM mainframe systems. It is designed to offload specific workloads and processing tasks from the general-purpose processors (CPUs). Work that runs on the zIIP instead of a general-purpose CPU is not charged on your organization’s monthly IBM software bill. So, exploiting the zIIP processors available on your mainframe systems makes sense. But only specific types of workloads are permitted to be run

Greenfield Modernization: The Better Way

May 24, 2023

The greenfield modernization approach is a tempting option for IT teams, but it’s also one filled with significant risks—as we’ve discussed in previous articles of this series. However, a less risky and more effective approach is available, so let’s unpack it and see how it addresses or avoids many of the problems greenfield faces. A Better Way The better way is easy to summarize: modernization teams should use automated code transformation for the bulk of

Strategies for Modernizing the Mainframe Experience

May 22, 2023

You may have recently read The Benefits and Challenges of Mainframe Application Modernization here in the blog. Careful readers will note that the term I use is “mainframe application modernization” and not “mainframe modernization,” as it is commonly used. You see, the mainframe is a modern computing platform, having been continually updated and modified by IBM over the decades of its existence. It would be difficult to find a more modern platform than today’s current

Global Bank finds a self-funding approach to Mainframe Modernization with GFT and CloudFrame

May 19, 2023

A leading Global bank knew it needed to modernize its mainframe as costs increased, but it was also concerned about the impact on its daily activities and business disruptions. Digital transformation leader GFT and COBOL to Java modernization experts CloudFrame worked together to transform two batch jobs and their Cobol programs into a new environment in just three weeks. The project delivered greater-than-expected cost reductions without impacting the development teams supporting the application. Background Mainframe

Five Great Use Cases to Gain the Benefit of zIIPs

May 15, 2023

The IBM zIIP is a dedicated specialty processor designed to operate asynchronously with mainframe general processors. The IIP in zIIP stands for Integrated Information Processor, but that doesn’t really define what the zIIP is or how it can best be used. When you use zIIPs, some percentage of your mainframe workload can be redirected off the general processors onto the zIIP specialty processor. The primary reason for doing this is that software charges are not

The Many Ways Greenfield Application Modernization Can Go Wrong

April 21, 2023

In our previous post, we covered the most common reasons why an enterprise faced with a COBOL application modernization challenge might choose to start again from scratch with a “greenfield” requirement, design, and build project. We mentioned some of the risks arising from this approach, and in this second part of our series, we’ll take a closer look at these. Forewarned is forearmed, and being able to understand and explain the potential dangers of greenfield

The Benefits and Challenges of Mainframe Application Modernization

April 19, 2023

Mainframe systems have been the backbone of large businesses and organizations since the advent of the IBM System 360 in 1964. That is a long time for mainframe systems to grow and increase in complexity, making them difficult to maintain over time. As a result, many companies are now considering mainframe application modernization as a means of increasing their efficiency and reducing their costs. Mainframe application modernization refers to the process of updating and optimizing

The Role of Db2 DBAs in Promoting zIIP Usage

April 12, 2023

As most z/OS practitioners know, zIIP processors can provide significant benefits in cost savings and improved performance. And one of the most significant areas for taking advantage of the benefits that zIIPs can provide is within Db2 for z/OS. As such, the role of Db2 DBAs in promoting zIIP usage can be critical. It is important to note that not all features of Db2 for z/OS can run on zIIP processors and that the extent

CloudFrame’s intelligent COBOL transformation software accelerates the migration of COBOL applications to cloud-ready native technologies.

June 30, 2023

Princeton, N.J., USA, June 30, 2023 – CloudFrame, the fast-growing COBOL to Java transformation software company, today announces its partnership with EPAM Systems, Inc., a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, to provide enterprises and government agencies that rely on COBOL applications with an automated, end-to-end, modernization journey. EPAM’s Mainframe Modernization team will […]

The Role of Mainframe Data in a Hybrid Cloud Environment

June 29, 2023

Shifting COBOL Compute Workload: GFT and CloudFrame Partner to Reduce Mainframe Costs Now Available on YouTube

June 29, 2023

Organizations that rely on mainframe COBOL applications for mission-critical internal and customer-facing applications are facing significant challenges. The IT professionals needed to maintain these applications are getting harder to find and more expensive to hire. Additionally, the execution cost of delivering long-standing results is increasing yearly. Historical increases for MLC have been around 5% […]

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