Overview
ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility)
Panel programming is closely tied to the IBM mainframe operating and hardware
environment.
Applications developed to make use of ISPF features and
functionality are normally considered to be beyond the reach of a system
migration because of their integration with ISPF and a costly rewrite is
therefore regarded as the only way of moving these applications forward.
MigrationWare has developed a comprehensive solution that enables the migration
of ISPF applications in a manner that retains their existing functionality,
thereby creating a portable application that can be deployed onto any open
platform that supports the use of Micro Focus technology. In the migration,
character-based screens and behaviour are retained to ensure users’ experience
of the application remains the same.
The presentation layer can also be
modernised by introducing a graphical interface that is deployed either by using
a web browser of a Windows based GUI environment. The migration converts many
aspects of the source environment to COBOL where COBOL is not already being
used.
Where Panels are driven by either Clist or REXX, these scripts are
converted to COBOL, reducing the number of technologies in the environment and
lowering the costs of administration and maintenance.
The MigrationWare approach
to ISPF application migration delivers a familiar environment to support staff
in a modernised environment that greatly enhances productivity.
Benefits
MigrationWare’s solution frees organisation from a dependence on ISPF
applications and therefore removes the dependency on third party vendor
products. Even the most proprietary of mainframe technologies can now be
considered part of any migration or modernisation exercise without the need to
undertake a costly rewrite of the application.
The migrated application is based
on open technologies and is entirely developed in COBOL.
This means that the
environment is portable across multiple platforms and may be maintained and
developed by existing developers skilled in COBOL.
Key features
• Emulates the
behaviour of ISPF, including providing support for: – ISPF Panels and Popups –
ISPF Table Management Services – ISPF Dataset Browse – File Tailoring Services –
ISPF Select Services – ISPF Variable management (Emulation of pools and scope
within Function pool)
• Conversion of CLIST statements in Panels to COBOL
•
Interface from BATCH, CICS or Terminal
• Uses SQL Server or Microsoft Access (or
any ODBC compliant database) for Table Management |
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Conversion execution MigrationWare will either deliver turnkey solutions to its
clients or it will partner with the client in executing elements of the
conversion allowing the client to participate actively in the conversion
project.
The conversion from ISPF to COBOL requires the delivery of the
conversion inventory to MigrationWare for subsequent conversion. The ISPF
sources are automatically converted into clean compiling COBOL programs, which
are then returned to the customer for subsequent testing and implementation.
Should any issues surface, which require MigrationWare’s involvement,
MigrationWare will remain active in a support role throughout the testing phase.
Pricing
Each project is unique with differing requirements volumes, schedules
and deadlines. It is therefore usually impossible to supply a fixed pricing
structure.
A final quote is only provided after initial interaction with the
client and when MigrationWare has fully understood the scope of the project and
the client’s required involvement from MigrationWare. |