Mainframe Modernization

Mainframe Modernization, Modernization Quality, Modernization Technology

Why you need to know the difference between a TCB and an SRB

March 1, 2023

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 the implications of using each. There are significant nuances to understanding how z/OS work is dispatched, but we will not

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

Planning a Successful Shifting COBOL Compute Project Now Available on YouTube

January 19, 2023

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

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.

Live Transformation: Shifting COBOL Compute to Azure Now Available on YouTube

December 15, 2022

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

Financial Services Firm Accelerates Application Modernization by Automating JUnit Test Case Generation

January 30, 2024

Financial Services Firm Accelerates Application Modernization by Automating JUnit Test Case Generation Automated JUnit Test Case GenerationCase Study Download Case Study Financial Services Firm Accelerates Application Modernization by Automating JUnit Test Case Generation Customer The client is a leading international financial services organization with a strong focus on providing protection and wealth management solutions. Operating […]

Large Credit Card Company Successfully Migrates Two COBOL Applications in Record Time

January 9, 2024

Large Credit Card Company Successfully Migrates Two COBOL Applications in Record Time Credit Card CompanyRenovate Case Study Download Case Study Large Credit Card Company Successfully Migrates Two COBOL Applications in Record Time Business Challenge A tier-1 financial services company confronted a critical modernization challenge with two legacy applications. Extensive batch processing on a mainframe was […]

Fortune 500 Financial Services Firm collaborates with CloudFrame to explore a tool-assisted approach to refactoring

December 13, 2023

Fortune 500 Financial Services Firm collaborates with CloudFrame to explore a tool-assisted approach to refactoring Customer Success Download Case Study The Customer For almost 90 years, this financial services company has been one of the largest banks in the United States and a household name. With over $50B in revenue, over $1T in assets and […]