CICS vs. Modernization Myths: Debunking the Hype - A perspective

Uday Prasad

ZEDINFOTECH

IBM’s recent research on “Watsonx Code Assistant for Z and how to Use GenAI to Modernize Mainframe Apps" presents an intriguing perspective on modernizing legacy systems. ?

Over my 30-year career in IT, I've consistently witnessed CICS's unmatched capabilities in transaction processing. ?CICS processes over 1.1 million transactions per second, equivalent to 100 billion transactions a day. This level of performance is unmatched by many modern systems. The pseudo-conversational programming model of CICS, which allows for multitasking and reentrant programs, is one of the most efficient methodologies for interactive business applications.

Here are some key aspects that solidify its position in the mission-critical space:

• Unparalleled Data Management: Z-environment offers a robust data management ecosystem with features like GDG files for efficient version control and VSAM files powered by technologies like AMS and IDCAMS. These combine to provide unparalleled data integrity, security, and access control, surpassing what open systems can readily offer.
• Pseudo-Conversational Mastery: CICS's unique approach to program flow through objects like DFHEIBLK, DFHAID and DFHCOMMAREA enables highly efficient "pseudo-conversational" programs. ?

Why This Isn't "Old" - It's Ahead of its Time!?

?While some might consider this approach "old," it's crucial to recognize its enduring value. Here's why pseudo-conversational programming remains unmatched:

• Resource Efficiency: CICS excels at releasing memory and CPU resources when a program awaits user input. This allows for better handling of high transaction volumes compared to open-system alternatives.
• Task Management Prowess: Pseudo-conversational programs enable efficient task switching, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
• Reduced Complexity: The clear separation between user interaction and program logic simplifies development and maintenance, making it easier to understand and modify CICS applications.

(wonder what makes people think that this is Old and needs modernization!)

Seamless Transaction State Management: CICS excels in managing the state of transactions with unparalleled efficiency. Its built-in mechanisms and clever use of fields like EIBCALLEN and EIBAID flawlessly distinguish between a program's first execution and subsequent calls within a single transaction. These are just a few examples of CICS's "master strokes" that continue to make it a frontrunner in mission-critical environments. Its inherent strengths, coupled with strategic modernization efforts, ensure its continued relevance for years to come.

Built-in Intelligence for Streamlined Processing

This embedded intelligence empowers your application programs. They can automatically determine whether to send or receive data (maps) based on the transaction stage, a critical aspect of pseudo-conversational programming in online systems. This eliminates the need for complex logic within the program itself.

Why Fix What Isn't Broken?

CICS's proven methodology for transaction state management provides a clear advantage. It delivers:

• Simplified Development: Programmers don't need to write intricate code to manage transaction flow. This reduces development time and the potential for errors. Imagine in other environments needing to explicitly track the transaction state using flags or variables, leading to increased code complexity and the risk of human error.
• Optimized Performance: The automatic handling of transaction state frees up resources and optimizes program execution. In some open-system alternatives, developers might need to write additional logic to manage memory or resource allocation based on transaction state, potentially impacting performance.
• Reliable Processing: CICS ensures consistent and predictable behavior across all transaction stages, leading to robust and reliable applications. Manually managing transaction state in other environments can introduce inconsistencies and increase the risk of transaction failures.

CICS: Empowering Developers, Streamlining Operations

?CICS's built-in intelligence reduces the burden on developers, allowing them to focus on core business logic. They can write cleaner, more concise code without the need to worry about intricate transaction state management. This translates to faster development times, easier maintenance, and ultimately, more robust mission-critical applications.

• ???? These inherent strengths of CICS make it a compelling choice for mission-critical transaction processing. Replacing this well-established approach with a new system might introduce unnecessary complexity and challenges, potentially hindering performance and maintainability.
• Fort Knox-Level Security: The Uniqueness of RACF

CICS resides on the z/OS platform, renowned for its robust security architecture. But the true champion within this fortress is RACF (Resource Access Control Facility). Unlike generic security solutions, RACF offers a unique set of features that elevate CICS security to an unmatched level:

RACF goes beyond basic user permissions. It allows for highly detailed control over individual resources, granting access down to specific data sets, programs, or even fields within a record. This granular control minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

?It acts as a single point of control for all security-related tasks. User profiles, resource definitions, and access permissions are all managed within RACF, simplifying administration and ensuring consistency across the entire system.

RACF allows for dynamic adjustments to security policies based on factors like time of day, user location, or even specific transaction types. This adaptability ensures that security remains robust in the face of evolving threats.

It meticulously tracks all access attempts, successful or failed. This comprehensive audit trail allows for detailed analysis of user activity and facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.? This powerful combination creates a multi-layered defense against unauthorized access.

While open systems offer various security tools, none replicate the unique combination of features and functionalities provided by RACF. Its granular control, centralized management, comprehensive auditing, dynamic capabilities, and hardware integration solidify RACF's position as the cornerstone of z/OS security, making CICS applications virtually impregnable.

While Watsonx Code Assistant for Z presents a solution for migrating CICS to Java, the real question is whether such a move is necessary. The burden of proof lies in demonstrating tangible benefits beyond the existence of this new tool."

Transitioning from a Unique System

Risk of Transferring Legacy Issues

Modernization efforts often risk transferring existing legacy problems from one platform to another. Without thorough analysis and restructuring, this could result in simply moving "garbage" from the old system to the new one. A well-planned approach is crucial to ensure that modernization genuinely enhances efficiency rather than perpetuating existing issues.

Instead of immediately transitioning to new languages, why not first consider transforming the codes written in COBOL 74 and earlier into COBOL 85 and beyond? Modernizing these systems could involve eliminating outdated constructs like GOTO, NEXT SENTENCE, and unstructured IF ELSE statements, and incorporating simple enhancements like scope terminators. This approach could optimize the existing systems and make them more efficient. Furthermore, why isn't AI being used to directly convert COBOL 74 code to COBOL 85, thereby modernizing the codebase without a complete language shift?

Security Concerns - Fort Knox-Level Security?

Open systems, being more internet-dependent, might not offer the same level of security as the tightly controlled z-systems. Ensuring that the new environment can match or exceed the security measures of the legacy systems is paramount. Traditionally Z-system uses VTAM technologies which is not fully internet dependent than the modern TCP method, Is VTAM less efficient than TCP.IP? I have learned from my system programmer friends that they are not.

The Longevity Debate: COBOL vs. Java

?A common argument against COBOL is its age, often branded as an "old" or "legacy" language. However, it's essential to question the relevance of this point. Java, the proposed modern replacement, is itself over 20 years old. This raises a critical question: what happens when a new language, such as Python or other, rises in popularity? Will organizations then be pressured to convert Java programs to the new language in the name of modernization? This cycle could lead to continuous, costly migrations driven more by industry trends than by.

Conclusion

The debate over modernizing from CICS/COBOL to Java is complex and multifaceted. While there are valid arguments on both sides, it is essential to approach this transition with a critical eye and thorough understanding of the unique strengths and challenges associated with each environment.

The proven reliability, performance, and security of CICS/COBOL systems should not be underestimated, and any modernization effort must ensure that these qualities are not compromised. As technology evolves, the goal should be to integrate the best of both worlds, leveraging modern tools and languages without losing the robustness and reliability of legacy systems.

Modernization should be driven by thoughtful analysis and long-term strategic goals rather than by the fleeting appeal of new technology trends. Organizations must carefully evaluate the true benefits and risks, ensuring that any transition enhances their operational capabilities and maintains the high standards established by their legacy systems.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this conversation is based on the expertise of a large language model and is intended to be informative and thought-provoking. It does not constitute professional advice on IT strategy or system selection. Organizations should conduct their own thorough evaluations and consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding their specific needs.