Global Fashion Leader – Micro Focus Cobol to Java Migration

A global fashion leader with headquarters in the EU and branches in China, Russia, and the Middle East, the client operates in one of the most competitive markets, where agility and innovation are paramount. Years ago, the client migrated from IBM z/OS to Micro Focus Cobol, but their legacy systems were becoming increasingly unsustainable due to high maintenance costs, operational inefficiencies, and a critical shortage of COBOL expertise.

Key components in the client's technology stack and the corresponding issues:

• 6,200 COBOL programs: Essential for daily operations but rapidly deteriorating due to a lack of skilled resources.
• 515 JCL/PROCS: Complicating job scheduling and execution.
• 800 Db2 LUW databases: Incompatible with the client’s growing reliance on Oracle systems.
• 500 VSAM files: Legacy storage formats that lacked modern integration capabilities.
• Dozens of REXX/ISPF scripts: Used for administrative tasks but outdated and misaligned with CI/CD strategies.

The global footprint also required robust support for double-byte character sets to handle Chinese, Russian, and Arabic languages.

The old Micro Focus Cobol environment hindered the client’s ability to adapt to evolving industry demands and manage global operations effectively.

Core challenges included:

1. Rising maintenance costs: Operating the outdated systems consumed a significant portion of the IT budget.
2. Operational inefficiencies: COBOL and JCL dependencies slowed development cycles and modernization efforts.
3. Vendor lock-in: The reliance on Micro Focus Cobol limited flexibility and scalability.
4. Incompatibility with modern practices: Legacy scripts and databases conflicted with the client’s CI/CD goals and Oracle adoption.
5. Inefficiency and Incompatibility in Legacy Printing Systems - legacy printing systems faced inefficiencies due to outdated technology that could not integrate seamlessly with modern content management systems.

The client sought a comprehensive modernization solution to refactor their applications into Java while leveraging their existing midrange infrastructure, ensuring future scalability and efficiency.

Using mLogica’s expertise and automated solutions, the client seamlessly migrated to Java, transforming their legacy systems and aligning with modern business needs.

Key solution components:

1. Automated Refactoring: COBOL programs were converted to Java, preserving business logic while enhancing scalability.
2. Database Transition: Db2 LUW and VSAM files were migrated to Oracle, simplifying the data environment.
3. JCL to XML: Scheduling scripts were transformed for integration with modern tools.
4. CI/CD Alignment: REXX/ISPF scripts were replaced with automated processes, streamlining deployments.
5. Virtualized Printing Solutions: Legacy printing systems were upgraded for seamless integration with the client’s CMS.
6. The support for the double-byte character set issue was resolved as part of a comprehensive modernization effort. The migration ensured seamless support for double-byte character sets, enabling the client to effectively handle Chinese, Russian, and Arabic languages across their global operations.

The project was executed in phases, ensuring minimal disruption to global operations.

The 18-month project was divided into key phases:

1. Assessment: A detailed analysis of the legacy systems identified key components, interdependencies, risks, and opportunities.
2. Planning and Design: A roadmap addressing migration timelines and resource needs was created.
3. Execution: Migration was done in batches, with rigorous testing at every step.

The focus on operational continuity ensured uninterrupted services for the client’s global customer base.

The migration delivered transformative outcomes:

• Cost Savings: Significant reductions in IT expenditure, as the existing resources were freed up for innovation and new projects.
• Improved Efficiency: Enhanced scalability and maintainability with Java.
• Vendor Independence: Eliminated dependency on Micro Focus Cobol.
• Global Compatibility: Seamless support for double-byte character sets.
• Future-Ready IT: Established a foundation for further technological advancements, including cloud migration.

With the successful migration, the client is exploring:

• Cloud Migration: Preparing to harness cloud-native scalability and agility.
• Ongoing Optimization: Investing savings in modern technologies to stay competitive.

By partnering with mLogica, the client successfully modernized its IT environment, achieving cost efficiencies, improved agility, and technological independence. The transition from Micro Focus Cobol to Java underscores the power of strategic modernization to drive long-term growth and innovation.

This case study demonstrates how mLogica’s automated solutions can transform legacy systems into future-ready IT landscapes.