The short answer is yes, you can.
Achieving cost savings depends on the COBOL system you’re running and how that app performs in the new Java environment.
Let’s take a look.
What are Specialty Processors?
IBM Z offers specialty processors designed to offload specific types of work from the General Purpose Processor (GPP). The two big players in the IBM Z lineup are the zIIP and the IFL:
The zIIP is designed for certain DB2 data workloads, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and Customer Information Control System (CICS) transaction workloads.
The IFL is dedicated to running Linux workloads and optimized for large-scale server consolidation.
The decision should consider not only the immediate cost benefits but also the long-term implications for performance, maintenance, and operational practices.
Software Licensing Costs is Where You’ll Save
IBM’s software licensing costs on Z systems are often based on the capacity of the GPPs. This is where you’ll locate the gold. Workloads running on zIIPs or IFLs do not count toward the GPP capacity, which can lead to lower Monthly License Charge (MLC) costs.
By offloading work to specialty processors, you can reduce the overall GPP utilization, which can lower your software licensing costs.
Make an Assessment
The move from COBOL to Java running on specialty processors can save you money, but first, assess to determine whether the move can predictably get you the gains you’re looking for.
This is what your assessment should include, for starters. Any factors unique to your specific situation should be added:
Eligibility Assessment
When considering a COBOL to Java migration, you’ll want to assess your application’s eligibility to do so.
Two key considerations relating to zIIP processors:
- Java applications can be eligible to run on zIIP processors if they are performing certain types of eligible work, like DB2 access or certain types of transaction processing.
- Migrating COBOL applications to Java could allow leveraging the zIIP eligibility, assuming the workload is compatible with zIIP processing.
Performance Impact
Java performance on IBM Z has improved significantly over the years, but it’s important to note that COBOL is still highly optimized for the mainframe environment.
Be sure to conduct a thorough performance analysis to ensure that the Java version of the application will perform adequately when compared to the COBOL version.
Development and Maintenance Costs
While there could be savings on the operational side, converting COBOL applications to Java involves development and testing costs.
The complexity of the migration process and the need for skilled Java developers familiar with mainframe systems should be considered.
Operational Impact
There might be differences in how COBOL and Java applications are managed and monitored within a mainframe environment, which could have implications for operational procedures and tooling.
Final Thoughts
While there is potential for cost savings, migrating COBOL applications to Java for execution on specialty processors should be carefully evaluated. The decision should consider not only the immediate cost benefits but also the long-term implications for performance, maintenance, and operational practices.
CM First Group Can Help
Our deep experience with legacy enterprise systems puts us uniquely positioned to help reinvent your modernization efforts and set the stage for COBOL refactoring that can transform your organization.
Please contact us for more information or to schedule a demonstration of our CM evolveIT software and how its impact analysis capabilities can set your COBOL refactoring project up for long-term success.
You can also call us at 888-866-6179 or email us at info@cmfirstgroup.com.
