Your IBM i systems are critical to your business, but they may no longer support the speed of innovation you need. As your team strives to keep pace with market demands, these mature systems can slow you down. The pressure mounts—business growth, customer experience, and operational efficiency all begin to feel the strain.
But here’s the thing: the right AS/400 modernization partner can help you break free. Companies that succeed don’t just upgrade their technology; they choose partners who understand IBM i ecosystems. One wrong choice could cost you years and millions.
So, how do you choose the right partner? Not all IT service providers understand the intricacies of IBM i systems, nor do they possess the expertise to turn a complex COBOL to JAVA migration into a seamless process. This guide lays out the key factors you must consider when deciding who will take your systems—and your business—into the future.
1. Proven Expertise in IBM i Modernization
IBM i systems have powered businesses for decades. To move forward, you need a partner who knows these systems inside out, understands the complexities of RPG and COBOL, and can guide your transformation throughout.
Key Questions:
- How many RPG/COBOL to Java/PHP projects has the partner completed?
- Do they specialize in IBM I Application modernization, or is it just a side offering?
Why It Matters:
AS/400 systems require special attention due to their complexity. Look for a partner with a rich history in IBM i technologies, tools, and people. Without this, you risk delays and errors that can cost your business.
Fact to Consider:
According to IDC, outdated IT systems cost businesses over $1.5 trillion globally due to inefficiencies and maintenance costs. This makes RPG/COBOL modernization not just a nice-to-have but a must for future scalability and innovation.
2. Tool-Assisted Automation for AS/400 Modernization
Manual code conversion takes time, often introduces errors, and creates unnecessary risk. Automated tools, on the other hand, offer accuracy, speed, and the preservation of business logic throughout the modernization process.
Key Questions:
- Does the partner use automation tools for RPG/COBOL transformation?
- How do they ensure the functionality of your applications remains intact?
Why It Matters:
Manual code conversion wastes time and risks errors. The best partners use advanced automation tools to accelerate the process and maintain accuracy. They go beyond simple conversion to fully transform the applications into solutions that are maintainable and ready for the future and ensure long-term success and adaptability.
Fact to Consider:
A report from KRC Research shows about 30% of business leaders report reduced labor costs due to process automation. Automated code transformation can prevent delays that cost businesses both time and money.
3. Comprehensive Service Offering for IBM i Systems
IBM i Modernization involves more than code migration. Your partner should offer end-to-end services, from application refactoring to database modernization and post-deployment support.
Key Questions:
- Does the partner provide a complete modernization solution, from IBM i system upgrades to testing and ongoing support?
- How do they manage risks during the transformation?
Why It Matters:
Your IT environment is more than just the code; it includes data, applications, and workflows. A true IBM i modernization partner, like Fresche, offers comprehensive services from database upgrades to AI-assisted testing. Their full-spectrum approach ensures your entire IBM i environment is optimized for future growth, not just patched up. They take the time to assess your business and transform only what is necessary, which reduces both time and costs.
4. Focus on Business Continuity and Risk Mitigation
RPG / COBOL Modernization poses risks if not managed well. Downtime, data loss, and operational disruptions can result from poor planning.
Key Questions:
- What strategies does the partner have for maintaining business operations during the process?
- How do they plan to mitigate risks like downtime or data loss?
Why It Matters:
Downtime can seriously affect a business, especially when every second leads to thousands of dollars in losses. Choose a partner committed to business continuity. Fresche uses a phased rollout with rigorous testing to guarantee zero downtime and ensures smooth operations throughout the transformation. Additionally, incremental delivery provides “quick wins” by delivering the project in phases — you see immediate results while the transformation progresses smoothly.
Fact to Consider:
The average cost of IT downtime is around $5,600 per minute. Choose a partner with strong risk mitigation strategies to save your business from these hefty costs.
5. Proven Methodology and Real-World Case Studies
Structured methodology and case studies of successful projects speak volumes about a partner’s reliability. A good partner should provide a clear timeline, defined milestones, and real-world examples of past projects.
Key Questions:
- What is their methodology for RPG/COBOL modernization, and how do they track progress?
- Can they provide case studies from similar transformations?
Why It Matters:
A proven methodology ensures the project runs smoothly and stays within budget. Fresche follows a detailed, step-by-step process for AS/400 modernization, and ensures each phase—from discovery to testing—meets strict performance benchmarks.
6. Security and Compliance Considerations
As you modernize IBM i systems, security and compliance must remain a top priority. A shift to modern architecture can expose vulnerabilities that older systems didn’t face. Your IBM i modernization partner must have a robust strategy to ensure your applications remain secure throughout the process.
Key Questions:
- What security protocols does the partner implement during modernization?
- How do they ensure compliance with industry regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX?
Why It Matters:
Cyber threats evolve constantly, and legacy systems often lack the necessary safeguards for modern security standards. During modernization, gaps can emerge, and leave your data exposed. A strong partner will implement the latest security protocols, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Fact to Consider:
According to a 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime damages are projected to hit $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025. As you modernize, make sure your partner has security built into their process to save your business from costly breaches.
7. Cost and ROI Transparency
Modernization is an investment, but you need clarity on both the costs and the return on that investment (ROI). Your IBM i modernization partner should provide transparent pricing, explain the long-term benefits clearly, and set expectations for when you will see returns from the project.
Key Questions:
- What is the total cost of the modernization project, and how is it broken down?
- What ROI can you expect, and how soon will you realize the benefits?
Why It Matters:
Without clarity on cost and ROI, you may find yourself over budget or waiting longer than expected to see the benefits. Fresche ensures cost transparency from day one, provides a detailed breakdown of project expenses and timelines and outlines clear expectations for the ROI.
COBOL to JAVA: US-Based Telco Modernizes for the Future
One of the best examples of successful modernization comes from a US-based telecommunications company that embarked on a multi-year transformation with Fresche. The telco relied on aging COBOL systems that slowed their operations and made innovation impossible.
The Challenge:
Outdated COBOL systems limited the company’s ability to deliver modern services and adapt to evolving customer demands. They needed a partner who could guide them through modernization without disrupting ongoing operations.
Fresche’s Solution:
Fresche started with an in-depth analysis of the telco’s processes. Fresche then led the entire transformation, moving them from COBOL to Java, upgraded their user interface, and streamlined business processes to enable faster service delivery and a more agile response to market changes.
Results:
- Complete migration from COBOL to Java
- Modernized UI, enhancing employee productivity
- Faster, more efficient service delivery, enabling the company to innovate and respond to market demands
This modernization positioned the company for long-term success and created a flexible, scalable system ready for future growth.
Why Choose Fresche for Your RPG/COBOL Modernization?
With the right partner, modernizing your RPG/COBOL systems becomes a strategic decision that drives future success. Proven expertise, automation, end-to-end services, security, risk management, and clear ROI expectations should guide your selection.
Fresche excels in all these areas. With millions of lines of COBOL and RPG code modernized and real-world results like those seen with the telecom provider, Fresche is more than just a service provider—we are your partner in long-term success.
Ready to take the next step?
Fresche is offering a free modernization strategy session. Book yours now to discover how we can fast-track your RPG/COBOL transformation.
