IDMSX

IDMSX Modernisation

Our experts have wide-ranging VME-specific language and database experience. They have been responsible for the migration of over 150 IDMSX schemas to relational databases, supporting full application (and data) migrations, in addition to data-only migration projects. We performed the first IDMSX to Microsoft SQL Server synchronisation in 2000. This stayed in mission-critical twice-daily production use until 2015, and provided the first daily synchronisation of ICL IDMSX to Oracle databases for UK Government across 54 parallel services.

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Latest Findings: 2020 Mainframe Modernisation Report

What does the future hold for mainframe applications? 

Read report

Understanding key issues

CHALLENGES

High costs

As technology becomes legacy, the costs to maintain it increase. Not only do those who understand the technology become more expensive, but license costs rise as well.

Diminishing talent pool

People who understand mainframe technology are steadily retiring, and most universities no longer offer mainframe instruction, increasing the shortage and cost of experienced programmers.

How our IDMSX Modernisation Services can help you

FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • Strategy

    Our IDMSX conversion strategy includes the generation of a new relational database to replace the functionality, set relationships, indexes and data structures that are currently part of the IDMSX network database.

    On or off the mainframeOn or off the mainframe

    The new target database can reside on or off the mainframe, and can use any of the standard relational database management systems - Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or IBM DB2.

    Applications and languagesApplications and languages

    We convert applications that use the IDMSX database, including COBOL (with or without TPMS) and SCL, as well as many specific 4GL products such as Application Master (AM) and DELTA.

    Target relational database optionsTarget relational database options

    Microsoft SQL Server on Windows
    IBM DB2 on Windows
    IBM DB2 on Unix
    IBM DB2 on z/OS
    Oracle on Windows
    Oracle on Unix
    PostgreSQL
    EnterpriseDB

    Mainframe footprintMainframe footprint

    With this migration comes zero or minimal mainframe footprint. This reduces risk and lessens impact on the production system.

  • Functionality

    Our IDMSX conversion solution provides a complete replacement for all IDMSX database functionality including multi-member sets, chained and sorted sets, bill-of-material structures, group and occurring fields, DBKEY usage and more.

    Resulting databaseResulting database

    Primary keys, foreign keys and index definitions are automatically created, removing the chance of human error, with all constraints being generated into the resulting DDL.

    Understood by youUnderstood by you

    Table spaces, indexes, table names and column names are all generated according to your naming standards, so they can be recognised and understood by your teams.

    PerformancePerformance

    What we deliver is a highly performant and scalable solution that is faster than any ETL (Extract Transform Load) process, and can be relied upon to support your workload.

    SQL-basedSQL-based

    A true SQL-based database is created from the IDMS definitions with one-way synchronisation of IDMSX data with target RDBMS, processing IDMSX journals to generate corresponding SQL DML.

  • Data

    The IDMSX data extract and relational load process is simple, straightforward and fast. This handles your data securely, quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to your business during the process.

    Handling special requirementsHandling special requirements

    We can provide a number of extract variations for sites that have special requirements for a short IDMSX data conversion window. Our aim is to tailor the process to you.

    WorkbenchesWorkbenches

    Special workbenches provide additional capabilities for tailoring your data migration so that the new database meets your needs and requirements.

  • Understanding

    We’re committed to providing visibility and building knowledge. We ensure that your development teams have a full understanding of existing databases and the post-conversion relational database so they can be confident in working with them.

    ReportingReporting

    Many reports and diagrams are generated to assist with the knowledge-building aspect of this process, as part of the IDMSX conversion solution.

“Without the automation you’d add unwanted risk. For example, some changes on the mainframe side would require inserting bits of COBOL code or creating database hooks in IDMS to capture the daily transactions.”

Carl Allen, Technical Architect

Read case study

“The re-platformed system provides the DWP and its citizens with a faster and more responsive service with improved resilience and scalability.”

Mark Bell, VME-R Deputy Director at the Department for Work and Pensions

  • Companies House
  • Department for Work and Pensions

Additional insights to help you transform

RESOURCES

  • Reimagining Legacy Applications to Embrace Transformation

    Embracing digital transformation through reviewing and modernising your legacy applications.

    Read whitepaper
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  • Analyst Firm EMA Recommends Advanced

    EMA positions Advanced as a leader in Application Modernisation and they recommend ModPaaS.

    Read whitepaper
    an image associated with Analyst Firm EMA Recommends AdvancedWhitepaper

  • Advanced Support Major Application Modernization Milestone Success in UK Central Government

    BlogRead blog

  • The 2020 Mainframe Modernisation Business Barometer Report

    WebinarWatch on demand

  • Liberating Legacy Data from IDMS and IDMSX

    WebinarWatch on demand

Explore our additional solutions

Application Analysis

APPLICATION ANALYSER

Deeply understands your applications, ensuring your digital strategies are the most effective and efficient for your business.

Learn More

Mainframe Migration

MODERNISATION SERVICES

Eliminates hardware and associated licence costs, ensuring you retain business logic and the value inherent in your core applications. 

Learn more

VME Migration

MODERNISATION SERVICES

Our re-host and re-platform tools can migrate and modernise your VME-based, business-critical applications.

Learn more

News & Opinions

BLOG // 17-03-2020

Is it time to move your mainframe applications to the Cloud?

by Tim Jones, Managing Director - Application Modernisation

Is it time to move your mainframe applications to the Cloud?