One of the manufacturing plants in Europe has moved away from unsupported versions of IBM hardware and software underlining their mainframe applications. Financial institutions are not the only institutions needing the high performance, reliability, and security that the mainframe is renowned for.
At CROZ, we are proud to have played a key role in this migration as mainframe consultants. Moving away from the previously unsupported IBM processor, storage, and tape units also required upgrading the operating system and core components by seven versions. This was a major leap to ensure compatibility and stability — including transitioning from zOS v1.12 to v3.1 and Db2 v11 to v13.
Upgrading a mainframe is never a small task—especially when it involves jumping seven software versions in a single step. What might sound like an impossible mission was exactly the challenge we faced. Instead of taking the traditional, incremental approach, we decided to go bold: a one-step upgrade that would modernize our environment, reduce downtime, and set the stage for future innovation. Something like Rod Stewart with Atlantic Crossing
In this blog, we’ll share the strategy, the hurdles we overcame, and the lessons learned from making one giant leap forward.
- Migrating to the latest z/OS was mandatory as the customer was moving away from an unsupported zProcessor. The challenge here was to mitigate the risks by preparing on the existing old zOS for the migration. Moving away from unsupported data types, introducing additional RACF profiles and preparing for required TCPIP changes were handled beforehand to reduce the impact they may have at the migration time. CROZ’s experience from previous similar migrations was essential.
- Migrating COBOL and PL/I source programs to the new zOS was especially delicate and required good planning. Customers’ knowledge of their source code and applications was to serve a vital role in this migration. CROZ’s experience was used to help giving directions and guidance. In order to take advantage of the new zProcessor, a complete recompile of COBOL and PL/I programs is required. Usage of IBM software solutions like ABO (IBM Automatic Binary Optimizer for z/OS) and other IBM solutions reduces risks and time required for this considerable task.
- Migrating to the latest Db2 version requires all Db2 tables to be unloaded from the unsupported Db2 version and loaded into the new Db2 version. On top of these newly loaded tables, a rebind of all plans and packages is required. This migration also needs good planning and preparation. CROZ has developed their own software solutions to help with this migration.
- As the switch to the new zOS ,Db2 and CICS requires new code to exist and execute in a new zProcessor, adeqate testing could be conducted in parallel with the old zProcessor containing old zOS, Db2 and CICS working in production. Also due to the fact that the new and old are completely segregated, in worst case scenarios, during the cutover, there is an ease for a rollback. This is a valuable breathing space for such a complex migration process.
All this show cases this brave migrating effort to get to a modern mainframe platform. Endurance and patience must be present as well as a good execution and testing plan.
An important aspect of this unique migration is that this leap is unsupported by IBM and experience from similar migrations executed by CROZ in the past was essential.
Even with the best efforts and knowledge, something might be missed out, and this requires all hands-on board during this delicate migration and cutover. CROZ was there to support it all the way through.
The end result produces a mainframe environment that is both supported by IBM on hardware and software level and an environment that can be further improved through additional modernization.
Gateway to modernization of the mainframe platform.
Mainframe modernization was underpinning the need to upgrade to supported IBM hardware and software for the mainframe. Moving out of unsupported IBM hardware and software paved way to an environment that enables functionalities unavailable on previous hardware and software and opens the door to modernization of the mainframe platform.
Exposure to z/OSMF, z/OS Container Extensions (zCX), new compression and encryption features among others is part of the modernization that was previously unavailable to the customer.
Migration to supported IBM hardware and software paved the way for other benefits essential for any further modernization projects.
- Scalability
Running on a supported level of IBM hardware ensures easy upgrades to facilitate potential requirements for increased processor power and storage for the client.
- Enhanced Performance
New IBM zProcessors enable better general performance with additional memory capacities at a lesser cost in comparison to the previous IBM processor used by the customer.
- Advanced availability
Support for complex networking protocols, advanced security features, high availability and disaster recovery solutions, and extensive middleware and application integration options provided by latest versions of Db2 and CICS. New, advanced features will help customers to easily follow new technical requirements and standards.
- Integration with Modern Technologies
Latest versions of z/OS, Db2 and CICS enable tight integration with modern technologies and industry standards, making it easier to integrate mainframe systems with other platforms, applications, and services within the customer’s IT ecosystem. Better integration will facilitate interoperability and data exchange between mainframe and distributed systems, as well as better control of application lifecycle management.
The Importance of Modernization for Mainframe Users
Mainframe customers need to keep their mainframe infrastructure updated. For some mainframe customers, this might be the only motivation to upgrade their IBM hardware and software. Nevertheless, lots of today’s enterprises want to further optimize mainframe applications and architecture by enhancing applications, adding capabilities, modernizing user interfaces, etc. (hybrid-cloud, DevOps, machine learning, data-streaming) with traditional mainframe technologies. We help our clients create a roadmap to transform the mainframe expanding its capabilities and maintaining competitive advantages in the industry.
How We Can Assist with Your Mainframe Modernization
As biz-tech consultants, we assist our clients in modernizing their mainframe systems. In each project, our first step is to understand our client’s business and technology drivers for modernization. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for success. We prepare a roadmap for modernization that ensures all technical and business targets are met.
After creating the roadmap, we proceed with assessments and proof-of-concept work before preparing the actual implementation plan. For less complex topics, we streamline the process directly. The comprehensive plan takes into consideration risk mitigation strategies and a thorough testing plan.
While some clients may choose to remain on their existing IBM mainframe hardware and software, running out of IBM support is an unacceptable risk for a company’s operation.
CROZ may help move out of such risk while modernizing other aspects of their mainframe systems, such as integrations, DevOps, or automation.
With our team of experts and extensive experience in managing large-scale projects, we are well-equipped to assist organizations in navigating the complexities of mainframe modernization and migration. We know what needs to be done and how to do it, ensuring top quality and successful outcomes for our clients.
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