What does COBOL migration involve?
COBOL migration means moving your legacy mainframe applications off COBOL and onto a modern stack, in our case maintainable C++. It covers assessing the existing code, designing a target architecture, converting programs module by module, migrating the data, and validating that the new system produces the same results.
Why migrate from COBOL at all?
COBOL still runs critical systems, but skills are scarce, mainframe costs are high, and changes are slow and risky. Migrating to modern C++ reduces ongoing costs, makes the system easier to maintain and extend, and removes the dependency on a shrinking pool of COBOL expertise.
Do you migrate COBOL to C++ or to another language?
Our core service is COBOL to modern C++17/20, which suits performance-critical, long-lived systems. Where a different target makes more sense for your case, we will say so during the assessment rather than force a one-size-fits-all answer.
How do you make sure the new system behaves the same?
We use output-parity testing: the migrated C++ is run against the same inputs as the original COBOL and the results are compared automatically, record for record. The new system also runs in parallel with the legacy one until you are confident it matches.
Can you handle our data, VSAM, DB2, and flat files?
Yes. We migrate VSAM, indexed and flat files, and DB2 data to modern formats such as PostgreSQL, SQLite, or other structured stores, with automated validation confirming every record matches the source.
Will the migration disrupt our business?
We design to avoid a risky big-bang switch. The new system runs alongside your existing COBOL environment, and we only cut over once output parity is confirmed, so day-to-day operations keep running throughout.
What is the assessment phase and do we need it?
The assessment is a full audit of your COBOL: complexity, dependencies, dead code, data stores, and risk areas, plus a target architecture and a phased roadmap. It is the safest way to scope and price a migration, and you can stop there or proceed to the full migration.
How long does a COBOL migration take?
It depends entirely on the size and complexity of the codebase. The assessment phase gives you a realistic, phased timeline with milestones before any conversion work begins, so there are no surprises.
Do we get the source code and a way to build it?
Yes. You receive the full C++ source with a CMake-based build and CI/CD pipeline for your target platforms, so your team can build, run, and maintain the system independently.
Will we own the migrated code?
Yes. On final payment you own all the migrated code and intellectual property we produce for you, delivered with full source and documentation.
What support do we get after go-live?
The full migration includes 60 days of bug fixes and support after go-live. Beyond that, we offer ongoing support and maintenance on a package or per-project basis.
How does the quote process work?
Tell us about your COBOL estate and pick the option that fits. We review it and send you a tailored quote, usually within one business day. For a full migration, final pricing is confirmed after the assessment phase. It is free and there is no obligation.