Sire,
I took a quick look at the web site for the company that converted that software: relativity.com
In my opinion automated conversion may work in certain situations, but it is not a silver bullet. Here are a few observations:
1) Automated conversion programs work best for stable, consistent, well-designed applications of low to medium complexity. But such systems are often relatively easy to fix through traditional methods.
2) Many systems use DB access methods that are not supported by the automated converter. For example, the Rescueware product you cited handles VSAM, QSAM, and DB/2 data base access, but not Adabas. That means it would be useless for most of the Cobol systems maintained by my state government.
3) Many complex systems have interfaces with other systems that greatly complicate conversion planning and testing, and may contain languages or scripts that are not supported by the automated code converter. Interface examples include:
a) Periodic data exchange via tape or modem with the IRS, state department of labor, credit bureaus, suppliers, customers, etc.
b) A common data base shared by entirely distinct systems.
c) Specialized printing systems for high-volume productions of checks, statements, etc.
d) Automated customer dial-in systems.
I hope this helps explain why it is not possible to simply convert all of that Cobol code on short notice.
Greg
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