ARTICLES

COBOL, Mainframe Modernization, Modernization Quality

CloudFrame Insight: CPU Savings with CloudFrame Relocate Server on z/OS

February 15, 2023

CloudFrame Relocate provides an easy way to shift COBOL workloads from CPs to a zIIP using cross-compilation. This means that COBOL source code is converted directly into Java bytecode, allowing the executable to run in a zIIP-eligible Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This process is transparent to the code’s existing relationship with data stores and other infrastructure. Therefore, stored procedures don’t have to be rewritten, batch schedulers don’t have to be adjusted, and sort processes can

Mainframe Cost Optimization: Full Capacity, Sub-Capacity, and Tailored-Fit

February 15, 2023

Mainframe cost optimization is a current buzzword being applied to many different processes and techniques. But let’s face it, optimization in this context inevitably means reduction. The general idea is that companies are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their computing infrastructure. And who can blame them? If you can pay less for something, why not do it? So, what types of things get lumped into mainframe cost optimization? Generally speaking, you can

What is the Average Cost per MIPS or MSU? Who Cares!

January 25, 2023

The title of today’s post is a question that I get asked all the time. Sometimes by users who are interested in trying to curtail mainframe costs. Sometimes by vendors looking for a way to promote their products that help to reduce costs. While both are well-meaning, this is a question I never answer. Because it is meaningless. Let’s discuss why this is so. First, let’s look at some of the “answers” to this question

Common Shifting COBOL Compute Mistakes

January 25, 2023

Shifting COBOL compute to less expensive platforms is a great first step on many organizations’ application modernization journey. There are multiple reasons an organization might want to begin with shifting COBOL compute, including low risk, the straightforward nature of the approach, and the potential for extraordinary ROI. NOTE: Cross-compiling COBOL programs into Java byte code is CloudFrame’s recommended shifting COBOL compute approach and is accomplished using the CloudFrame Relocate product. You can learn more about

The Many Types of Mainframe Pricing

January 12, 2023

Whenever somebody talks about software pricing on the mainframe or tuning to save on their monthly mainframe bill, I always wonder just exactly what they are talking about. Are they aware of all their company’s licensing agreements and all the intricacies therein? Before we move on, let me just state that the mainframe still makes good economic sense. The total cost of ownership (TCO) for the mainframe, when you add up all of the cost

Improving Mobile Access to Mainframe Assets

December 28, 2022

Mobile computing has had a seismic impact on IT and modern computing architecture… and will continue into the foreseeable future. Mobile devices – smartphones and tablets – have overtaken traditional computing devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, in terms of how we interact with service providers and retailers. And this transition is even more pronounced among the young. It is not uncommon for a smartphone to be used non-stop during the course of the

The Last MSU is the Cheapest

December 22, 2022

The cost per MSU (or MIPS) is not steady. At least not for sub-capacity pricing. As the number of MSUs or MIPS you consume increases, the cost per/MSU (MIPS) goes down. This means that each MSU (or MIPS) saved will be the cheapest you are paying for. This can be verified by reviewing the IBM Z Software Pricing Reference Guide. The price per MSU is based on a multi-level system unique to the sub-capacity pricing

Understanding COBOL Cross-Compile

December 16, 2022

CloudFrame’s Relocate product is used to cross-compile COBOL systems in executable Java bytecode. When we talk about cross-compile, some may think it’s synonymous with trans-compile. That isn’t the case, as the two concepts are slightly different. This article explains some of the basics. Cross-compile isn’t the same as Trans-Compile.Cross-compiling and trans-compiling are two techniques used in the field of software development to enable the creation of code that can run on different platforms or architectures.

The Impact of Staffing and Skills Changes on Modernization Plans

November 15, 2022

In an earlier post, we discussed changes in the technology landscape that should be understood when evaluating an organization’s modernization plans. Another essential reality of the current IT market must be considered as part of a company’s modernization strategy: staffing and skills. For many organizations, staffing changes are driven by the inevitable march towards the retirement of a key constituent of the legacy application technology environment over the last 50 years – Baby Boomers. Baby

MIPS versus MSUs: What’s the Difference?

November 11, 2022

How do we rate the capacity of IBM System Z mainframe hardware? Well, these days, IBM publishes the capacity rating of every mainframe that they sell in MSUs, not MIPS. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. When people discuss mainframe capacity, they often talk in terms of MIPS. But what does MIPS mean? And what is an MSU? A Little Bit of MIPS History Starting at the beginning, the question to ask is, “What

CloudFrame’s Intelligent COBOL Transformation Platform is bolstered by enhanced partnership and investment from EPAM

May 14, 2024

CloudFrame has advanced their strategic partnership with EPAM, with an eye towards accelerating enterprise modernization efforts and furthering collaboration that takes advantage of evolving technologies in GenAI Princeton, N.J., USA, May 14, 2024: CloudFrame, a pioneering company specializing in mainframe application modernization solutions, further strengthens its market position today by announcing a strategic investment from […]

FS Firm envisions a COBOL-less future by collaborating with CloudFrame and EPAM

May 4, 2024

FS Firm envisions a COBOL-less future by collaborating with CloudFrame and EPAM Download RenovateCase Study Download Case Study Financial Services Firm envisions a COBOL-less future by collaborating with CloudFrame and EPAM as a partner Customer A Financial Services (FS) Firm wanted to reduce mainframe COBOL application costs without disrupting operations. CloudFrame facilitated a collaboration between […]

Telecom Saves $4m a Year by Reducing MIPS Usage with CloudFrame

May 4, 2024

Telecom Saves $4m a Year by Reducing MIPS Usage with CloudFrame Substantial Savings, Reduced RiskCase Study Download Case Study Telecom Company Reduced Mainframe Application Costs with CloudFrame Relocate™ Customer A large TeleCom achieved nearly $4M in savings using an incremental project approach with CloudFrame Relocate, moving COBOL workloads to both cloud and zIIP eligible JVM. […]