Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Value of Blu Age automated refactoring w/AWS Mainframe Modernization (ENT211)

Summary

Xavier Plot and Tony Hottin presented the session, focusing on AWS Mainframe Modernization using Blu Age for automated refactoring.
AWS Mainframe Modernization offers two strategies: refactor and replatform, with this session focusing on refactoring.
Refactoring is chosen over manual rewrite, product replacement, or maintaining legacy languages.
The process is workflow-oriented, not just tool-based, and focuses on no surprises, functional equivalence, maintainable code, and test coverage.
Blu Age, a company with 20 years of experience, uses model-to-model transformation for modernization.
The transformation process is end-to-end automated, with validation being the critical path.
AWS offers a managed runtime environment for the modernized applications, which can be provisioned from the AWS console.
Tony Hottin shared his experience with migrating Jonas Fitness's mainframe COBOL application to AWS, highlighting cost savings, talent acquisition, and modernization benefits.
The technical deep dive explained the transformation process, including assessment, calibration, mass modernization, and testing phases.
The process is designed to be simple and automated, with AWS partners and professional services available to assist.
A hands-on session was available for attendees to experience the transformation process.

Automated refactoring with Blu Age and AWS Mainframe Modernization can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with modernizing legacy mainframe applications.
The process emphasizes predictability and risk mitigation by providing upfront analysis and fixed price and duration commitments.
Functional equivalence ensures that the modernized application behaves identically to the legacy application, which is critical for business continuity.
The modernized application is maintainable and fits into the Java ecosystem, allowing for future evolution and integration with modern services.
AWS's managed services and infrastructure simplify the operation and maintenance of the modernized application, reducing operational costs.
The transformation process is not only about code conversion but also includes infrastructure as code, providing a complete modernization package.
Engaging existing mainframe teams in the modernization process can leverage their deep knowledge and ensure a smoother transition.
The modernization process allows for iterative workload migration, enabling businesses to migrate in phases according to their needs.
AWS's partnership with companies like Precisely for data replication facilitates the migration of large volumes of data with minimal downtime.
The session highlighted the importance of hands-on experience with the tools and processes to build confidence and understanding among potential AWS customers and partners.