The Common Business Oriented Language, abbreviated as COBOL is among the oldest languages used in programming. Created in the late 1950’s most organizations legacy systems are in fact based on COBOL programming. Due to this though, most companies are finding it hard to update their business processes to reflect the changes in technology. The main problem that is associated with using COBOL legacy systems is that it is an expensive platform to maintain, especially since the number of programmers that are familiar with COLBOL keeps reducing each year. Furthermore it prevents companies from being able to standardize their technology as modern software is not compatible with these older platforms. Since rewriting the source code is equally expensive most firms are viewing migration from COBOL to Java as a more viable option.
If you’re not entirely convinced to jump on the COBOL to Java bandwagon you can review the other alternatives available and compare the cost and benefits of all the options. Two other methods of dealing with the issues presented by legacy system use are modernization or re-writing. Modernization entails upgrading to the latest program which will standardize coding format and make it easier to maintain code. The drawback of this though is that the firm will continue to incur COBOL maintenance costs and the system still cannot be integrated with modern technologies. Rewriting entails translating COBOL into a modern code, which while the cleanest method to use is very expensive very slow.
The beauty of Java as a programming language is that it can run on practically any operating system platform. COBOL to Java migration should be a serious consideration where organizations are concerned as it enables them to expand the number or applications that it can develop to meet organizational needs. Moving from COBOL to Java would avail the company with cost-effective technologies and enable them to custom develop new ways to deal with business processes. Unlike the drastically low number of experts that are familiar with COBOL, Java is not only popular amongst programmers but most are also familiar with the techniques used to migrate legacy system applications on technologies like COBOL, to Java and other modern technologies.
The benefits that a firm will acquire by moving from COBOL to Java are numerous and contribute directly to the increased efficiency of the company. COBOL to Java migration not only drastically reduces the company’s annual expenditure used to maintain the COBOL platform but it also makes management of such activities easier as there are more programmers that understand COBOL to Java conversion. Development of new applications is also simplified as Java enables the use of open-source frameworks. COBOL to Java also increases access to industry standard technologies, which provide options to improve current business processes. Access to these third-party products would have been impossible while relying only on legacy software.
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