A 360-degree mainframe migration and modernization story

When migrating an entire mainframe to the cloud, the process is often done in stages. During this time, workloads and data exist in a hybrid environment, necessitating extra steps to ensure data access, maintain security, and provide fast, low-latency connectivity. One key decision is whether to Migrate, Transform, or Re-Imagine applications.

Transforming is like renovating a kitchen, where you optimize existing code to improve performance. This is useful when the original code is well-written but needs updating to a newer language, such as converting COBOL to Java or .NET. Refactored applications maintain the original business logic but improve efficiency, quality, usability, and maintenance. Although time-consuming, refactoring benefits developers skilled in modern languages. For example, our teams and partners use tools like GitHub Copilot and Cobol Agent Migration Factory to analyze data dependencies and convert code on Microsoft Azure, running applications on both the mainframe and cloud to reduce errors. Refactoring also allows for incremental improvements, making it easier to manage and test changes gradually.

Re-imagining involves discarding old applications and starting fresh with new SaaS or off-the-shelf software. This method is suitable when older software no longer meets business needs or has become too complex to support. While replacement eliminates the need for custom code maintenance, it can be expensive and requires IT teams to adapt to new technologies. Our CIO office successfully reduced IT complexity and cost by replacing u huge amount of business applications with fewer than 300 standardized applications. Additionally, replacement can lead to significant improvements in system performance and user experience.

Migrating, sometimes called "lift and shift," involves modifying older software to work in the cloud without rewriting its core architecture. This approach is the fastest and easiest way to move applications, requiring minimal changes to the underlying architecture and data. However, long-term maintenance costs may be higher. We are currently helping a global communications provider move critical mainframe applications to Microsoft Azure, integrating cloud-based applications with their service management platform for better data insights and AIOps support. Migration also allows for phased migration, minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

Choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs, available resources, and long-term goals. Carefully evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with each method to ensure a smooth and successful migration.

Once you have decided on the key pattern for your mainframe transformation, the next question is how to do it. Most hurdles can be found at the beginning of the project. Discover how your mainframe is built and sometimes you'll find unexpected tools or languages like Assembler or Easytrieve. To build a comprehensive 360-degree mainframe migration and modernization story, here's some guidance:

Do a proper assessment and planning:

- Current State Analysis: Evaluate the existing mainframe environment, including applications, data, and infrastructure. Identify dependencies and performance bottlenecks.

- Business Objectives: Align migration goals with the overall business strategy. Define success in terms of cost savings, performance improvements, and business agility.

- Stakeholder Engagement: Involve key stakeholders from IT, business units, and executive leadership to ensure alignment and support.

Develop the right strategy: 

- Migration Approach: Choose the right migration strategy, such as migrate, transform, or re-imagine. Each has its benefits and challenges.

- Technology Selection: Decide on the target environment (hybrid or Microsoft Azure) and select appropriate tools and platforms for the migration.

- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans, addressing data security, compliance, and business continuity concerns.

Go into execution (Go Go Go):

- Pilot Projects: Start with pilot projects to test the migration approach and tools. Use these to refine your strategy and address issues early on.

- Data Migration: Ensure seamless data transfer from the mainframe to the new environment, including data cleansing, transformation, and validation.

- Application Modernization: Update or transform applications to leverage modern technologies and architectures, such as breaking monolithic applications into microservices.

What can be optimized: 

- Performance Tuning: Optimize the performance of migrated applications and infrastructure, including load balancing, scaling, and resource management.

- Cost Management: Monitor and control costs associated with the new environment. Implement cost-saving measures like auto-scaling and resource optimization.

- Continuous Improvement: Establish a process for continuous monitoring and improvement, using feedback and performance metrics for ongoing enhancements.

Don't forget to communicate and train:

- Change Management: Develop a change management plan to address the impact on users and IT staff. Provide training and support for a smooth transition.

- Success Stories: Share success stories, quick wins and case studies to demonstrate the benefits of the migration, highlighting improvements in performance, cost savings, and business agility.

Follow the right governance and compliance:

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the new environment complies with relevant regulations and standards, including data protection, privacy, and industry-specific requirements.

- Governance Framework: Establish a governance framework to oversee migration and modernization efforts, defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

By following these steps, you can build a comprehensive and compelling mainframe migration and modernization story to Microsoft Azure that addresses technical, business, and organizational aspects. Continuously assess and adapt your strategy as new technologies and business requirements emerge.

This proactive approach will help maintain alignment with your business goals and ensure that your mainframe migration and modernization efforts remain relevant and effective in the long term.