Information Systems Transformation

Introduction

This case study describes a pilot modernization project at a major US company and includes a description of the modernization methods, technologies, and processes employed in this project. The software environment was written in PowerBuilder and COBOL that was generated by a fourth generation language code generator (4GL). The entire environment was deployed on an IBM mainframe. The pilot project encompassed the investigation, planning, and a proof of technology test to move (or retire) applications from the technology stack using an iterative, phased approach that encompasses multiple methods of conversion.

Although this was technically considered a pilot project, the intent from the beginning and throughout the work effort was ...