Case Study Mainframe Modernization for Retail Operations

This case study focuses on a prominent retail organization aiming to modernize its legacy mainframe environment, which underpinned critical operational systems. The infrastructure, built on IBM z/OS with ASM and COBOL applications and IBM Db2 databases, supported essential functions like branch-level operations, insurance claims processing, and shared utility modules. To boost agility and cut costs, the retailer initiated an IT modernization effort to shift these systems to a cloud-based, open-standard platform using Java and PostgreSQL on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

The push to modernize legacy mainframe systems and transition to the cloud was driven by critical business needs.

• Legacy Limitations: The proprietary mainframe setup restricted scalability and adaptability, threatening long-term efficiency in a rapidly changing retail environment.
• Technology Alignment: The retailer needed to embrace industry-standard technologies (e.g., Java and PostgreSQL) to ensure future compatibility and integration with modern systems.
• Migration Complexity: Converting ASM, COBOL, and Db2 components to a cloud-native environment demanded automated precision to maintain uninterrupted retail and insurance operations.
• Cost Pressures: The high operational expenses of the aging mainframe infrastructure underscored the urgency for a more cost-efficient solution without compromising reliability.

To ensure a successful migration, the retailer engaged mLogica, a leading mainframe modernization provider. mLogica deployed its LIBER*M suite—a powerful, AI-driven automation toolset—and followed a phased approach, including:

• Proven Methodology and Expertise: With decades of experience, mLogica applied its structured migration methodology, combining rigorous planning, automated tooling, and expert oversight to deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes tailored to the retailer’s needs.
• Automated Code Conversion: : The LIBER*M suite transformed ASM and COBOL codebases into Java, preserving business logic and ensuring functional equivalence across migrated applications.
• Database Migration: LIBER*M generated unload jobs, programs, and control cards to seamlessly migrate Db2 tables to PostgreSQL, maintaining data integrity in the GCP target environment.
• Phased Validation: The process included an assessment, data migration, code migration, and a validation walkthrough, with LIBER*M ensuring accuracy and performance against predefined test cases.
• Remote Execution: mLogica performed the migration remotely in its lab environment, leveraging secure collaboration tools to minimize disruption to the retailer’s operations.

The successful project, powered by mLogica’s LIBER*M suite, delivered significant advantages, laying the groundwork for broader modernization of the entire environment:

• Cost Efficiency: Moving to a GCP-based platform reduced reliance on costly mainframe hardware and maintenance, enhancing cost predictability.
• Operational Agility: The Java and PostgreSQL environment enabled rapid updates and integrations, aligning IT capabilities with evolving retail needs.
• Resource Availability: These latest technologies also enabled access to a vast and experienced resource pool reducing risk to maintain an old technology with a shrinking resource base.
• Scalability: The modernized platform supported higher transaction volumes and operational growth, free from legacy constraints.
• Future Readiness: Adopting open-standard technologies via LIBER*M eliminated vendor-specific limitations, giving the retailer greater control over its IT roadmap.

Leveraging mLogica’s expertise and the LIBER*M suite, the retailer’s migration project marked a critical milestone in its digital transformation. This shift aligned its IT infrastructure with modern standards, reducing risks tied to legacy systems and positioning the organization to respond adeptly to future market demands, customer expectations, and technological advancements. The validated migration of applications—spanning branch operations, claims handling, and shared utilities—confirmed the LIBER*M suite’s effectiveness, establishing a robust foundation for sustained success and competitiveness in the retail industry.