Cost is the primary driver for shifting COBOL compute to less expensive platforms. But once organizations decide that they are going to use shifting COBOL compute they discover there are other benefits to this modernization method. These benefits are realized in three areas: impact, risk, and momentum. Financial Impact The immediate benefit of shifting COBOL compute can be seen in the reduction of mainframe MSU utilization of the environment from which the program or application
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
Shifting COBOL compute to less expensive platforms may be the best first step on the modernization journey. Identifying and moving the execution of your most expensive COBOL batch jobs provides an opportunity to reduce cost or free up funds in an existing IT budget. This modernization technique offers a low-risk, straightforward, and cost-effective approach that could lead to a reduction in your MSU usage spikes and MLC fees. If you move your COBOL compute to
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
As mainframe costs continue to rise, alternate compute and execution environments such as the zIIP, Linux, and the cloud are gaining more attention and credibility. Using cross-compile techniques to transform COBOL systems to Java creates opportunities for application owners and IT management to explore and prove the economics of hybrid environments that leverage less expensive execution. While IT organizations are getting comfortable with hybrid environments for enterprise applications, most still need to pull their mainframe
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.
Mainframe costs continue to rise. Those increases have a tremendous impact on IT and business unit budgets. Not only are IT and business operations asked to do more with less, but adding insult to injury, the less actually may cost more. As organizations seek opportunities to reduce costs, one important area of potential savings should not be overlooked: COBOL execution on mainframe GPP. If organizations could shift COBOL compute or execution off of the mainframe
Developing a sound business case for your modernization projects is critical to success. The business case helps you communicate your modernization project’s impact, scope, cost, and lasting benefits. It lets you plan and rationalize the modernization choices you’ll make in the project. Without a strong business case, your project is less likely to succeed. Attend this webinar and learn about CloudFrame tools and processes to help you construct a financial business case for shifting COBOL
Over the last several decades, I have spoken to many organizations about their mainframe application “modernization plans.” Many claim to HAVE plans, but few report any progress toward completion! Why is that? Why are modernization plans so difficult to start and complete? Perhaps it’s best summarized in the line from a Robert Burns poem – “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry”! In other words, no matter how a project is planned,
You’ve heard that COBOL cross-compile delivers Java byte code that allows you to move COBOL execution or compute to less expensive platforms. That includes the zIIP, cloud, Linux, or anywhere else a JVM is running. But, you’ve got questions. So many questions. You’re in good company because we get questions all the time! In this session, CloudFrame leaders reveal and answer the top questions. The webinar includes • The basics of COBOL cross-compile • The
Regular readers of my posts here know that zIIPs are a type of mainframe specialty processor that augments the general-purpose CPUs. Instead of running all workloads on the general-purpose CPUs, specific workloads are shuttled to the specialty processors for execution. The zIIP, or Integrated Information Processor, was initially created to process certain types of Db2 […]
Units of work that run on the mainframe, at least those running on z/OS, are dispatched using two different types of control blocks: TCBs (Task Control Blocks) and SRBs (Service Request Blocks). It can be beneficial to understand these two types of control blocks, including how they are used, the differences between the two, and […]
Cost is the primary driver for shifting COBOL compute to less expensive platforms. But once organizations decide that they are going to use shifting COBOL compute they discover there are other benefits to this modernization method. These benefits are realized in three areas: impact, risk, and momentum. Financial Impact The immediate benefit of shifting COBOL […]