Case Study Unisys Mainframe Transformation

This case study centers around a prominent financial organization dealing with operational issues concerning its legacy Unisys mainframe environment hosting a check payment system. This system was built on top of a DMSII database with Algol libraries and WFL job control, interfacing with IBM and Tandem environments. The bank's IT modernization initiative sought to migrate from its proprietary Unisys platform to a new open-standard, flexible, and cost-effective Linux-based solution.

The journey of transformation faced multiple key challenges, such as:

• Strategic Risks: The proprietary framework of Unisys posed a long-term strategic risk by tying the team to a specific vendor with limited modernization options.
• Developing Technology Standards: The bank has to be in line with standard technologies in the market (e.g., Java, Oracle, and Linux) to be ready for the future.
• Access Restriction: Restricted access to the legacy Unisys environment added to migration challenges and possible business interruptions.
• Operating Flexibility: The platform adopted could not accommodate the changing business landscape and regulations.

To tackle these challenges, the bank engaged mLogica's mainframe modernization team, who applied a software automation and phased migration approach composed of the following key initiatives:

• COBOL to Java with Advanced Software Technology: Using powers of AI-powered software technology, Automatic conversion of the whole Unisys COBOL codebase to Java while keeping the business logic intact and ensuring continued running of the business.
• WFL Scripts Translation to Perl: Automated translation of the bank's WFL scripts to Perl for smooth integration with the bank's Autosys job scheduling system. Job Control Optimization.
• Software was employed to compare parallel automated run alignments.
• Customized Tool Enhancements: Migration tools were enhanced to meet custom bank-specific business logic and environment constraints.

The migration succeeded, transitioning from Unisys to an open standard platform to provide:

• Cost: The switch to a Linux-based setup delivered a sizable decrease in infrastructure and upkeep costs and enhanced return on investment.
• Operational Flexibility: The new platform offered greater flexibility, allowing the bank to respond quickly to market demands and regulatory changes.
• Reduced Vendor Lock-in: Getting off Unisys eliminated vendor lock-in, as the bank could now own more of its IT roadmap and strategic plans.
• Easier Maintainability: The converted Java code retained structural integrity with the original COBOL logic, making it easier to maintain and upgrade in the future.
• Scalability: The new platform could now connect effortlessly to increasing transaction volumes and the businesses' internal demand.

The bank successfully completed migration on its Unisys mainframe, bringing significant technological transformation on par with modern IT and ensuring future sustainability. This transition not only reduced operational risk but also enabled the bank to adapt confidently to future innovations.