By now, the hyperscalers Microsoft (Azure), AWS & Google Cloud have quite an extensitve mainframe migration portfolio.
Having said that, you will have to change your workload somewhat to board the cloud.
As mainframe and z/OS architectures are not natively supported. You will need some kind of transition service or products to help you with that.
This article delves into the diverse range of transition and runtime software available on Azure, which is crucial for businesses looking to migrate their mainframe workloads to the cloud. It's important to note that these solutions are not direct ports; Azure does not natively support z/OS environments as is, unlike IBM zCloud which mirrors z/OS functionalities.
Migrating mainframe workloads to the cloud is a complex process that should not be underestimated. It involves not only transferring applications but also ensuring that all interconnected systems and associated products are effectively replaced or adapted to meet existing service level agreements (SLAs). The integration and maintenance intricacies make the migration process challenging, though not insurmountable. Note that the below solutions offer in many cases only a partial solution. In many cases, some products or functions are left unaddressed. It's important for a mainframe customer to ensure all application, product and dependency requirements are satisfied.
Azure provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to facilitate the migration of mainframe applications. These offerings focus on refactoring and replatforming legacy languages and environments to Azure's cloud architecture. Below are some of the key solutions:
Advanced Refactoring for PL/I, COBOL, NATURAL and DB2, ADABAS: This service transforms legacy code into cloud-optimized applications without altering the external behavior of the programs. It ensures that the applications are scalable, maintainable, and integrated within Azure’s cloud environment.
Astadia Refactoring for PL/I, COBOL, NATURAL and DB2, IMS, ADABAS: Similar to advanced refactoring, Astadia focuses on converting mainframe applications into modern languages that are compatible with cloud architectures, enhancing flexibility and reducing dependency on old systems.
Raincode Refactoring for PL/I, COBOL, ASM370, DATACOM, CICS, and IMS/DB2: Raincode provides a comprehensive toolkit for migrating complex applications from mainframe to cloud. It includes support for assembly languages and critical mainframe systems like CICS and IMS, which are essential for transaction processing and management.
MicroFocus Enterprise Server: MicroFocus Enterprise Server enables organizations to modernize and migrate their mainframe applications to Azure. This platform provides a scalable, high-performance environment that supports COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler applications. It facilitates the integration of modern development tools and processes into legacy systems, making it easier for enterprises to adapt to changing business needs without sacrificing the reliability and performance of their core applications.
LzLabs SDM Replatforming: LzLabs' Software Defined Mainframe (SDM) offers a path to migrate a broad spectrum of mainframe workloads, including languages like C370 and HLASM, and systems like PL/I, COBOL, CICS, DB2, and IMS. SDM encapsulates the functionality of the mainframe within Azure, providing a seamless transition path while maintaining operational integrity.
NTT Replatforming: This solution supports the migration of specific mainframe workloads such as some CICS, IMS, and batch processes. It is designed to replicate the mainframe environment within Azure, allowing for continuity of operations with minimal changes to the codebase.
OpenFrame from TmaxSoft: OpenFrame is a comprehensive mainframe rehosting solution that allows businesses to lift and shift their mainframe workloads to Azure without rewriting code. This platform supports a wide range of mainframe technologies, including COBOL, Assembler, JCL, and various mainframe databases. OpenFrame reduces TCO and increases agility by enabling mainframes to operate in a more cost-effective and flexible cloud environment.
Azure's mainframe migration offerings are robust, providing a range of solutions for organizations looking to transition from traditional mainframe environments to a more flexible and scalable cloud infrastructure. While the process is complex and requires careful planning and execution, the tools and services provided by Azure can significantly simplify the transition, ensuring that legacy applications continue to perform efficiently and reliably in their new cloud home. Interestingly, it seems that Heirloom and Microfocus Enterprise Server
Note that any migration to another platform has it's challenges and risks. Even through replatforming and refactoring is less risky than redesigning an application from scratch, it still needs to be thoroughly tested for functionality and performance, aswell as maintainability. All the above solutions have their advantages and disadvantages and promise a seamless transition - but all of these solutions have their limits. Either lacking support for certain functions, products, testing capacilities, development tooling, maintenance or not performing well enough in certain areas.
Below the link to the Azure offering: