L^zLabs works with COBOL-IT to shift customer mainframe applications to open source software

L^zLabs announced today that it is collaborating with COBOL-IT to deliver the world’s first Software-Defined Mainframe – a technology solution which enables customers to migrate their legacy mainframe applications and data seamlessly to open Linux server and Cloud platforms. COBOL-IT will act as an integrated software provider for the solution as it is implemented for L^zLabs’ customers across the world.

The L^zLabs Software Defined Mainframe^TM is designed to support major legacy operating environments and languages so that customers can escape the high recurring cost of mainframe software and hardware, whilst  preserving their enormous investment in legacy applications, data and business processes. This new environment works without forcing recompilations of COBOL or PL/1 application programs or making complex changes to the enterprise business environment. However, should a customer intend to make changes to it’s COBOL applications COBOL-IT’s customized Compiler provides a solution.

As part of the Software Defined Mainframe, L^zLabs will incorporate a customised version of COBOL-IT’s Compiler software, which enables companies to migrate, deploy and maintain their legacy COBOL applications on all forms of open software, including Windows, HP-UX, Solaris, AIX, Linux and zLinux, at the lowest possible cost and risk.

An alternative provider to long-time market leader in the sector, Micro Focus, COBOL-IT has gained significant market traction in recent years with the allure of comparable performance and reliability, at a typical cost reduction of 50-80%.

Stephane Croce, CEO and Founder, COBOL-IT, said: “we speak to companies across various regions which want to move away from legacy IT systems that are expensive to run and are stifling IT innovation. There is significant demand for a solution that opens up their applications to more flexible platforms, and can sustain IT performance. L^zLabs Software Defined Mainframe^TM achieves this, and we’re delighted to be a part of this seismic shift in enterprise application management.”

“The Software Defined Mainframe delivers the efficiency and openness that companies are demanding from their enterprise applications,” states Thilo Rockmann, Chairman of L^zLabs. “When developing the solution, we wanted to work with companies that are redefining the way enterprises view migration from legacy environments, and COBOL IT’s compilation solution stood out in terms of both quality and efficiency. We’re excited about the opportunities this presents for existing and prospective customers of both companies.”