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Why Modernize PL/I, Easytrieve, COOL:Gen, or APS Applications to COBOL

Overview

Many organizations still operate legacy systems based on PL/I, Easytrieve, COOL:Gen, or APS on mainframe environments. While historically robust, these systems often lead to high costs, growing operational risks, and significant barriers to innovation. Modernizing these systems by migrating to CICS/DB2/COBOL environments has become not just a technological choice, but a strategic business necessity.

Cost Savings

Maintaining environments based on PL/I, Easytrieve, COOL:Gen, or APS involves high costs related to licensing (often based on MSU) and specialized infrastructure. Migrating to DB2/CICS/COBOL significantly reduces MSU consumption, eliminates expenses associated with these software platforms, and leverages infrastructure already available within the organization. In addition, modern environments offer more flexible and scalable cost models.

Eliminate Risks

The shortage of professionals with expertise in PL/I, Easytrieve, COOL:Gen, and APS has become critical, with many already retired or close to leaving the market. The learning curve for new developers is steep, making it difficult to sustain these systems over time. In addition, there is the growing risk of technological obsolescence and the accumulation of technical debt in legacy code that is difficult to maintain and audit. All of these challenges are eliminated through the conversion.

Agility and Innovation

Environments based on COOL:Gen or APS make it difficult to adopt modern technologies such as APIs, mobile applications, cloud platform integrations, and the use of BI and AI tools. Modernization enables systems to integrate into the digital ecosystem, accelerate the delivery of new features, and generate value more quickly. Companies that modernize gain competitiveness and greater capacity to adapt.

Conclusion

Modernizing PL/I, Easytrieve, COOL:Gen, or APS applications to CICS/DB2/COBOL is more than a technology upgrade: it ensures operational continuity, reduces costs, mitigates strategic risks, and enables the company to innovate and compete in the digital era. Postponing this decision may result in a much greater hidden cost.