Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - AWS Mainframe Modernization Automated Refactor Transformation Center (ENT234)

Summary

• Xavier Plos from BlueEdge leads the qualification team and provides expertise to partners.
• AWS BlueEdge offers automated refactoring for mainframe modernization, aiming to maintain functionality and performance while simplifying the transformation process.
• The transformation process includes a rapid assessment of the code base using AWS tools to identify main components and dependencies.
• The technology covered includes IBM ZOS, AS400, RPG, COBOL, and plans to include Fujitsu GS21.
• The AWS Blue Insight tool is used for code base analysis, complexity analysis, and dependency graphing to facilitate project planning and monitoring.
• The modernization process is broken down into three steps: creating a model of the current implementation, refactoring to modern patterns, and generating target source code in Java.
• Customization and ad hoc refactoring are possible to meet specific project needs and improve future maintainability.
• The transformation process is not line-by-line but rather architecture-to-architecture or pattern-to-pattern.
• The AWS Blue Insight tool also allows for impact analysis and test strategy reapplication during the transformation process.
• The final goal is to produce a maintainable application that can adopt modern cloud services.

Insights

• The modernization process is designed to be predictable and under control in terms of project duration and budget.
• The AWS Blue Insight tool provides a comprehensive analysis of the code base, which is crucial for planning and executing a successful transformation project.
• The ability to customize the transformation process allows for alignment with specific client requirements and future maintainability needs.
• The modernization process is not just a technical upgrade but also an opportunity to improve the overall quality and maintainability of the application.
• The approach taken by AWS BlueEdge emphasizes the importance of understanding the application's dependencies and functional domains to ensure a smooth transition to modern architectures.
• The session highlights the importance of automated tools in managing complex modernization projects, which would be overwhelming for human capabilities alone.
• The transformation center dashboard and predefined dashboards are critical for real-time progress monitoring and avoiding reliance on manual tracking methods like spreadsheets or PowerPoint.
• The talk underscores the significance of a well-planned modernization strategy that considers both technical and business aspects, ensuring that mission-critical applications are not disrupted during early transformation waves.