COBOL :: Essays Papers

COBOLIn the summer of 1998, St Louis Public Schools ( SLPS ) chose to convert form its IBM System/390 processor to a client waiter environment. Not only was the SLPS affected but the Public School Retirement System ( PSRS ) was as well affected since they use their mainframe system.PSRS started looking for a source for their processing requirements. They were debating on weather to obtain an existing package to replace their system If they did would the be able to convert it to support how they run their business, or would they pay to change how they conduct business to match the new software. They were also confused as to what new equipment might have to be purchased since they currently were running on older standalone workstations without a server. The organization decided to purchase new workstations, a server, a high-speed networked laser printer and Windows/2000 workstation and server components. Due to the organizations small coat they elected to hire two contrac t software engineers to assist in the conversion, as well as process year end systems.The company also had to select a programming language, they decided on COBOL, the SLPS had a free copy of Micro Focus Net Express COBOL called the University Edition. It is available for schools to utilize in a classroom situation. The software was reviewed, it was decided that it would be adequate for their needs. It had features necessary to satisfy the requirements. Net Express is a Windows based product that is extremely powerful.That mainframe COBOL code formed the basis of the conversion, The conversion consisted mostly of modifying select statements, CICS code, some program calls to mainframe support routines, compare statements also had to be checked for sequence problems ensuring that a mainframe if statements of equal to or greater than were still valid for an ASCII based environment. The company found Downloading software and data files from the mainframe relatively easy, they use d a mainframe approach path program called Extra Packed fields were unpacked on the mainframe, downloaded to the server, and repacked if necessary.After the conversion took place the next task was to conduct year-end processing. This involved many tasks for the organizations, including block out of last years business, income tax, providing information to our retirees, allowing for Open Enrollment for various insurance plans, and providing data to our actuarial firm to assist in funding and benefit decisions.