Unlocking the Future: Revitalizing Legacy Power with Mainframe Modernization

Mainframe Modernization:

Mainframe modernization refers to the process of modernizing and converting legacy mainframe applications to make them more efficient, cost-effective, and compatible with contemporary technologies. In today’s industry, mainframe modernization plays a crucial role in transferring mainframes to cloud platforms.

Why should firms opt the Mainframe modernization?

Many firms still rely on mainframe systems for important business activities, but these systems are often old, expensive to maintain, and difficult to connect with modern software and hardware. Modernization tries to overcome these difficulties while keeping mainframe applications core features.

The modules involved in mainframe modernization are detailed below.

  1. Application code
  2. UI
  3. Database
  4. Middleware
  5. Infrastructure

Modernization Approaches:

There are three methods for migrating application code.

  1. Re-Factoring
  2. Re-Hosting.
  3. Re-Platform.

Re-Factoring

Re-factoring is the technique of redesigning existing computer code without affecting its exterior behaviour. The basic purpose of refactoring is to improve the underlying structure of the code, making it easier to understand, maintain, and extend without affecting its observable functioning. This method is typically used with legacy code or code that has grown difficult to manage.

Mainframe modernization [Re-Factor process]

The mainframe application code will be rewritten in Java, .Net, C, Python, and other languages during the re-factoring process. This will be accomplished in two ways.

  1. Automation
  2. Manual

Automation:

Certain tools are currently available on the market. These tools can convert the code completely, however there are certain downsides.

  1. Can’t optimize the code.
  2. Tools cost.
  3. Only can convert into selected languages like Java, .Net, etc.,
  4. Only supports selected cloud platforms.

Manual:

In this manual, mainframe application code can be converted into any cloud platform-supported language. With optimization, conversion can reach 100%, however there are some disadvantages.

  1. Deployment timing will be 2 years. [Depending on the various factors]
  2. Resource availability.

Benefits of Re-factoring:

  1. Improves the code quality.
  2. Reduce support cost.
  3. Maintain a stable code base.
  4. Reusability of software components

Challenges and Considerations:

Challenges:

  1. Maintaining functionality
  2. Managing dependencies
  3. Testing
  4. Communication
  5. Balancing short-term and long-term goals

Considerations:

  1. Understanding the code base
  2. Define clear objectives.
  3. Ensure sufficient test coverage.
  4. Use incremental refactoring.
  5. Maintain version control.
  6. Monitor Performance

Tools:

  1. Blu Age
  2. Fujitsu NetCOBOL
  3. Micro Focus Visual COBOL
  4. Astadia Code Turn

Re-Hosting

Re-hosting, often known as lift-and-shift, is a modernization strategy that involves relocating an application or system from its existing environment to a new one without significantly altering the underlying code or design. The purpose of re-hosting is to reap the benefits of a new infrastructure, such as the cloud, while reducing the time and risk involved with code changes.

Mainframe modernization [Re-Host process]

Benefits of Re-hosting:

  1. Minimal or no changes to the application code
  2. Reduce complexity and risk associated with migration process.

Challenges and Considerations:

Challenges:

  1. Data Migration issues
  2. Cost implications
  3. Compatibility issues
  4. Security concerns
  5. Lack of documentation

Considerations:

  1. Assessment and Planning
  2. Infrastructure
  3. Compatibility and Compliance
  4. Data migration
  5. Performance optimization
  6. Testing, Monitoring, and Documentation

Tools:

  1. Micro Focus COBOL
  2. Astadia Code Turn
  3. TMAXSOFT

Re-Platform

Re-Platform, often known as lift-and-reshape. This cloud migration tactic focuses on refining a legacy system to function effectively within a cloud setting, all without needing to completely overhaul its fundamental structure.

Mainframe modernization [Re-Platform process]

Benefits of Re-Platform

  1. Modernizes the technology stack.
  2. Improves the performance and security.

Challenges and Considerations:

Challenges:

  1. Risk of data loss or corruption
  2. Skills and Resources
  3. Compatibility issues
  4. Vendor Lock-in dependency

Considerations:

  1. Impact Analysis
  2. Platform selection
  3. Data migration strategy
  4. Performance optimization
  5. Security and compliance

Tools:

  1. TMAXSOFT
  2. MicroFocus