Mainframe Migration Proofs of Value (PoV)

A PoV is a pivotal step in the mainframe modernization process, serving as a low-risk, high-impact validation of technical feasibility, cost estimates, and strategic alignment before committing to a full-scale project. By testing migration tools, processes, and outcomes on a representative subset of applications, organizations can mitigate risks associated with legacy system transformation, such as data loss, functionality gaps, or timeline overruns. Industry data suggests that a successful PoV correlates strongly with project success, with studies indicating that upwards of 95% of modernization initiatives following a well-executed PoV achieve their objectives; compared to a 50% or less success rate for projects launched without such validation.

The following case study illustrates how a meticulously planned PoV delivered actionable insights and set the stage for a broader modernization effort

A prominent retail and partnership organization operates a complex IT ecosystem with mainframe applications written in Assembler (ASM) and COBOL, supported by Db2 databases. Facing escalating maintenance costs, limited scalability, and a dwindling pool of mainframe expertise, the Client sought to modernize these systems. Partnering with mLogica, the Client initiated a PoV to migrate three key application modules to a cloud-native environment. The goal was to convert ASM and COBOL code to Java, shift Db2 data to PostgreSQL, and deploy the solution on the Client’s Google Cloud Platform (GCP) tenant, providing a blueprint for future efforts.

The Statement of Work (SOW) outlined a five-week, remote PoV to migrate:

1. System #1: Up to seven COBOL programs to Java
2. System #2: Two COBOL programs to Java
3. Common Modules: ASM, COBOL, and JCL components to Java and Groovy, with Db2 tables to PostgreSQL

The PoV unfolded in four phases: Light Assessment, Data Migration, Code Migration, and PoV Walkthrough (Validation), leveraging mLogica’s automated mainframe migration suite.

Phase 1: Light Assessment

The Light Assessment, completed in week one, confirmed the scope and timeline. The Client provided components, which mLogica analyzed to resolve discrepancies (e.g., missing or duplicate elements). A finalized scope and five-week plan emerged, ensuring alignment across all parties.

Phase 2: Data Migration

In week two, mLogica migrated Db2 data to PostgreSQL using automated tools to generate unload jobs and target DDL. The Client supplied data layouts and test data access, enabling the mLogica modernization team to configure and load the data into GCP efficiently.

Phase 3: Source Code Migration

The Code Migration phase converted ASM and COBOL code to Java and Groovy, tested against two Client-provided test cases. Completed over two weeks, this phase validated functional equivalence, with the Client assisting in test execution.

Phase 4: PoV Walkthrough (Validation)

The final two weeks featured daily one-hour validation sessions, where mLogica supported the Client in reviewing job submission, testing, deployment, and integration. This phase equipped the Client to estimate future migration efforts accurately.

• Scope Uncertainty: : Initial uncertainty surrounding the component counts for common modules posed a potential risk to project planning. This was effectively resolved through an iterative clarification process during the Light Assessment, where mLogica and the Client exchanged detailed reports to pinpoint missing, duplicate, or irrelevant elements. By finalizing the scope early, the team established a precise baseline, enabling more accurate timelines and cost projections for the PoV and future modernization phases. This proactive approach also identified dependencies and third-party components, reducing the likelihood of surprises in subsequent stages and ensuring resource allocation aligned with the Client’s strategic goals.
• Data Access: Restricted access to unloaded test data initially threatened to delay the Data Migration phase, as the mLogica modernization team required representative samples to validate the automated toolkit’s performance. The Client’s timely intervention, providing data layouts and facilitating secure access, overcame this hurdle, maintaining the project’s aggressive five-week schedule. This collaboration not only accelerated the PoV’s data migration process but also established a precedent for efficient data handling in a full-scale migration. By streamlining access protocols and resolving bottlenecks, the Client and mLogica built a foundation to expedite data preparation and validation across the entire mainframe environment moving forward.
• Limited Testing: With only two test cases available, the scope for validation was constrained, necessitating a focus on simple yet representative processes, such as batch file creation or data inquiries. This approach ensured sufficient proof of functional equivalence within the PoV’s limits, confirming the software’s reliability for core application behaviors. While constrained, this testing laid critical groundwork for a comprehensive testing strategy in the broader modernization effort. Lessons from these initial tests, such as execution efficiency and error handling, will support the development of a robust framework, incorporating diverse test scenarios to validate performance, scalability, and edge cases once the entire environment is migrated.

The PoV conclusively demonstrated the feasibility of the migration, achieving precise conversion of ASM and COBOL code to Java and seamless data transition from Db2 to PostgreSQL within an accelerated five-week timeline. This success delivered the Client a robust, repeatable framework for modernization, instilling confidence to scale the initiative across their broader mainframe portfolio. The PoV highlighted the power of remote execution, leveraging automated modernization software to ensure efficiency and reliability without compromising quality. Beyond technical validation, the PoV offered tangible business benefits: a faster time-to-market by streamlining legacy transformation, significantly lower costs compared to traditional manual approaches, and reduced risk through rigorous testing and a phased methodology. These outcomes underscored the potential for minimal disruption to ongoing operations, positioning the Client to achieve operational agility and long-term savings with a modernized IT landscape.

• Scope Precision: Early validation prevents delays.
• Collaboration: Clear roles and communication drive success.
• Automation: Tools accelerate and enhance migration quality.

This PoV not only proved the technical and strategic viability of migrating legacy systems but also positioned the Client for a full transformative process. Impressed by mLogica’s automated mainframe software, structured methodology, and expertise, the Client is now eager to engage the mLogica to modernize their entire mainframe environment. Building on the PoV’s success, the Client envisions a comprehensive overhaul, leveraging mLogica’s capabilities to transition all ASM and COBOL applications to a cloud-native Java ecosystem on GCP. This partnership promises to unlock agility, reduce costs, and future-proof their IT infrastructure, with the PoV serving as the catalyst for a full-scale modernization journey.