33.2.3.1 Product Positioning

COBOL and CICS Command Level Conversion Aid for VSE Release 1 is positioned as a COBOL migration aid designed to provide:

Automated conversion of most COBOL syntax differences.

Programmer productivity for the migration process.

Reduction of manual conversion errors.

Flexibility through an open converter design.

Generation of conversion management reports.

CCCA eases the migration process, allowing customers to upgrade their old COBOL technology, to the new COBOL technology (as in VS COBOL II) quickly. Once on the new VS COBOL II product, customers are positioned for upcoming technological advancements, such as object-oriented technology and client server.

33.2.3.2 Technical Description

As in CCCA Release 2 for MVS and VM, COBOL and CICS Command Level Conversion Aid for VSE Release 1 contains the following components:

Language Conversion Programs (LCPs)

LCP Compiler

Driver

Report Programs

Front-end Panels

Tables

Language Conversion Programs (LCPs): The LCPs are written in a COBOL-like language used to describe the process of converting the differences between the old COBOL language (that is, OS/VS COBOL, DOS/VS COBOL or ANSI 74 VS COBOL II), and the new COBOL language (that is, VS COBOL II ANSI 85 Standard or IBM COBOL for VSE).

A set of LCP modules describing how each old COBOL language element is to be converted into the new COBOL language is provided with this tool. The set also provides CICS command level-related statements conversion. The basic set enables users to convert most differences, and can be very easily customized for specific conversion requirements.

By adding new LCPs, the user can:

Change COBOL source syntax.

Add, replace or remove a word, clause or statement.

Indicate where the newly generated COBOL source needs to be reviewed for possible manual action.

A set of panels is provided to help the user with LCP development within CICS.

LCP Compiler: Each LCP module is processed once by the LCP compiler component and is then used by the driver component to convert each statement requiring conversion. The basic set of LCP modules included in the product is already processed by the LCP compiler.

Chapter 33. Conversion Services and Tools 523

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IBM OS/390 manual Product Positioning, Technical Description

OS/390 specifications

IBM OS/390, a versatile operating system, was a cornerstone in enterprise environments and played a pivotal role in mainframe computing. Released in the mid-1990s, OS/390 combined the strengths of IBM's MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) with new features and enhancements, targeting scalability, reliability, and performance in demanding business applications.

One of the key features of OS/390 was its robust support for multiple users and processes. The system allowed thousands of concurrent users to access applications and data, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime—a critical requirement for many large organizations. This scalability was supported through various enhancements in memory management and processor scheduling, enabling optimal resource allocation across diverse workloads.

OS/390 was known for its superior workload management capabilities. The Workload Manager (WLM) component allowed administrators to define service policies, specifying how system resources would be allocated according to the priority of tasks. This ensured that critical business processes received the necessary resources while less critical tasks were managed more flexibly.

Another significant characteristic of OS/390 was its commitment to security. The operating system provided comprehensive security features, including user authentication, data encryption, and auditing capabilities. This focus on security was vital for organizations handling sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding against unauthorized access.

OS/390 also supported advanced technologies that facilitated integration and development. The system included features like the IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System) for transaction processing and IMS (Information Management System) for database management. These technologies allowed organizations to build robust, high-performance applications tailored to specific business needs.

The ease of network integration was another strength of OS/390. With the advent of the Internet and global connectivity, OS/390 systems could easily interface with various network protocols, enabling businesses to operate in a connected world. This inclusion paved the way for many organizations to expand their capabilities and offer new services, driving digital transformation.

In conclusion, IBM OS/390 represented a significant advancement in mainframe technology, combining scalability, security, and robust workload management. Its rich feature set and support for critical enterprise applications solidified its role as a vital component of many organizations' IT infrastructures, ensuring they could meet their operational challenges head-on while supporting future growth. As technology continues to evolve, the legacy of OS/390 remains influential in the realm of computing.