The Problem

An increasing number of proprietary developments in RPG and Cobol are being replaced by standard software like SAP. It often only becomes apparent after such a replacement that the familiar functionality and individuality which sets the company apart from the competition is only feasible with standard software or a high degree of effort. The triggering factor lies in (apart from golf-playing managers) the presumption that the existing RPG or Cobol application lacks sustainability.

The Solution

The application's sustainability should be verified in due time so that no thoughts on replacement arise in the first place.  This can be done step-by-step over the course of modernization. With the help of tools, a modern user interface is created, the application is modularized to improve the ease of modifications and make it SOA-capable, and the application is updated.

Procedure

• Analysis of the application and rough draft of concept with initial cost estimate
  
• Through a transition assessment, an extensive plan including detailed costs is drawn up fort the application's modernization
  
• Through a prototype (proof of concept), the procedure is checked on the basis of a small part of the application
  
• Modernization project with customer involvement