IBM’s mainframe operating systems (OS/390, z/OS) now include a common runtime library known as Language Environment (LE). IBM no longer supports non-LE versions of their third generation languages, including COBOL. Language Environment provides the performance, connectivity, and functionality benefits of a consolidated runtime environment for multiple high-level languages, replacing older language-specific runtime libraries, and is required for organizations implementing z/OS.
IBM’s withdrawal of support for older COBOL versions necessitates that mainframe customers migrate to LE-conforming environments in order to receive full support for their mission-critical systems and also to enable them to implement newer technologies and architectures such as service-oriented architecture (SOA).
Organizations planning to upgrade their environment to COBOL LE must address the following issues:
- Syntax rules and reserved words may differ between COBOL versions
- Multiple COBOL versions (including unsupported versions) may be in current use
- Assembler macros and COBOL generators must be examined and upgraded
- Modification to logic may be required as status and ABEND codes may have changed between versions of COBOL—issues that will be discovered at runtime
- Modification of VSAM return-code values may have changed and need to be adjusted
BluePhoenix COBOL/LE-Enabler is a cutting-edge, high-efficiency solution for COBOL upgrades and LE implementations. This converter tool addresses the various challenges by:
- Permitting the required site-wide installation of LE while step-wise testing and implementing batch programs
- Identifying compatibility of the COBOL code with the COBOL/390 standard
- Converting to the COBOL/390 standard including new standards required by the customer
- Analyzing calling and called-by Assembler programs to identify potential problems
Business Benefits
- Preserves the enormous investment made throughout the years
- Enables minimum downtime during the project execution
- Gives organization experts 100% control on the performed changes (automated or manual)
- Provides cost-effective conversion
- Uses proven, automated tools, thereby mitigating many of the project risks
Technical Benefits
- Compiles COBOL/390 LE programs “cleanly” with their source code and copybooks, including comments documenting any program modifications
- Provides conversion audit trail documenting each change
- Generates listing of programs that have had the same changes made to assist in setting testing criteria
- Allows for multiple language versions (including unsupported ones)
- Examines and upgrades Assembler macros and code generators automatically