COBOL migration

COBOL Migration

COBOL migration that turns legacy mainframe applications into modern, maintainable C++. We assess, plan, and migrate your COBOL with output-parity testing and parallel running, so the new system behaves exactly like the old one, only faster and easier to maintain.

COBOL → C++ C++17 / 20 & Qt VSAM · DB2 → SQL
COBOL to C++C++17/20, clean code
Output parity testedMatched to the original
Data migratedVSAM/DB2 to SQL
No big-bang riskRun old and new in parallel

What our COBOL migration covers

From a first code assessment to a fully migrated, validated C++ system, we cover the whole journey. A selection of what we deliver:

Code assessment & audit

Static analysis and manual review of every program, copybook, JCL, and data dependency, with a clear complexity and risk report.

Target architecture & roadmap

A clean C++ module design, data-layer plan, and a phased migration roadmap with milestones and resource estimates.

COBOL to C++ conversion

Each COBOL program rewritten in modern C++17/20 with clean, maintainable architecture, module by module.

Data migration

VSAM, flat files, and DB2 converted to PostgreSQL, SQLite, or structured modern formats.

Output parity testing

Automated comparison of the C++ output against the original COBOL to prove the behaviour matches, record for record.

Parallel running & handover

The new C++ system runs alongside legacy COBOL until validated, with full source, CMake/CI, and 60 days of bug fixes.

Our Process

1

Discovery & Code Audit

We analyse your COBOL programs, copybooks, JCL, and data stores, and give you a detailed report covering complexity, dependencies, and risk areas.

2

Architecture & Planning

We design the target C++ architecture, define module boundaries, and create a phased migration plan that you review and approve before any code is written.

3

Module-by-Module Conversion

We convert COBOL programs to modern C++ in priority order. Each module goes through unit testing and output comparison against the original.

4

Data Migration & Validation

We migrate VSAM, flat files, and DB2 data to modern formats, with automated validation confirming every record matches the source.

5

Parallel Running & Go-Live

The new C++ system runs alongside the legacy COBOL environment. Once output parity is confirmed, we cut over. A 60-day support period covers you after launch.

Request a Quote

Tell us about your COBOL estate. No obligation, just honest technical guidance from our UK-based engineering team. We respond within one business day.

Tell us briefly about your codebase and platform. We respond within one business day.
Thank you! Your quote request has been sent. We will get back to you with a tailored quote shortly.
256-bit SSL encrypted Your data stays private NDA available

F.A.Q About COBOL Migration

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.

Prefer to Talk First?

Not ready to send a request? Reach out on any channel below and we'll talk through your project.

We respond to all messages within 24 hours.