Modernizing Federal Mainframes: From COBOL to Cloud with Progress Data Platform

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by Shayne Brescia Posted on June 27, 2025

Federal agencies are facing increasing pressure to modernize their legacy mainframe systems, many of which still run on COBOL. These systems, while reliable, are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. The challenge lies in transitioning these critical systems to modern cloud or hybrid environments without disrupting essential operations. The Progress Data Platform offers a robust solution for this complex transition.

The Mainframe Modernization Imperative

Challenges of Legacy Mainframes

  1. Escalating Maintenance Costs : As the pool of COBOL programmers dwindles, agencies face skyrocketing costs to keep legacy systems operational.
  2. Operational Inefficiencies : Legacy mainframes lack the flexibility and scalability required in the era of digital transformation.
  3. Data Silos : These systems often create data silos, preventing organizations from obtaining sufficient insights and hindering inter-agency cooperation.
  4. Reduced Citizen Services : Slower processing and increased downtime lead to delays in services and dissatisfied users.
  5. Compliance Challenges : Outdated systems increase the risk of non-compliance with evolving regulations.

Progress Data Platform: A Bridge from Mainframe to Cloud

The Progress Data Platform offers a unique approach to mainframe modernization that addresses these challenges while providing a path to cloud adoption. The product suite is particularly well-suited for federal agencies looking to transition from COBOL-based mainframe systems to modern, cloud-based architectures.

Key Benefits for Federal Agencies

  1. Initial Data Preservation : Progress Data Platform can store mainframe data in its original format, maintaining familiar structures during the transition period. This is crucial for federal agencies dealing with vast amounts of historical data.
  2. Incremental Data Cleaning and Normalization : Agencies can gradually improve data quality without system downtime, promoting uninterrupted operations. This is particularly important for federal agencies that cannot afford service interruptions.
  3. NoSQL Database Capabilities : The flexible NoSQL database in Progress Data Platform efficiently handles diverse data types and formats common in mainframe systems. This is ideal for agencies dealing with a mix of structured and unstructured data.
  4. Semantic Metadata Management : This feature is crucial for understanding and organizing complex COBOL data structures and embedded business logic, which is often present in legacy federal systems.
  5. Cloud-Native Architecture : Progress Data Platform supports cloud deployments , allowing agencies to leverage the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud infrastructure while maintaining alignment with stringent security requirements.
  6. Data Integration : Consolidate mainframe data with other enterprise data sources in a cloud environment for better inter-agency data sharing and analytics.
  7. Support for Modern Programming Languages : While preserving access to legacy data, Progress Data Platform allows for the gradual modernization of COBOL applications, enabling agencies to transition to modern development practices.
  8. Enterprise-Grade Security : Robust security features protect sensitive data during and after migration, meeting the high security standards required by federal agencies.

The Progress Data Platform Approach to COBOL Mainframe Modernization

Progress Data Platform’s solution for COBOL mainframe modernization is designed to address the unique needs of federal agencies:

  1. Data Ingestion : Progress Data Platform can ingest data directly from COBOL copybooks, preserving the original structure and semantics of the data.
  2. Data Modeling : The platform allows for flexible data modeling, accommodating both the hierarchical structures common in mainframe systems and more modern, relational models.
  3. Business Logic Preservation : Critical business logic embedded in COBOL programs can be extracted and preserved, either through direct translation or by implementing equivalent logic in modern languages.
  4. Gradual Migration : Progress Data Platform supports a phased approach to migration, allowing agencies to move data and applications incrementally, reducing risk and enabling continuous operation.
  5. API-First Approach : API capabilities in Progress Data Platform facilitate the creation of modern interfaces to legacy data, enabling new applications to interact with mainframe data without requiring immediate, full migration.

Recommended Migration Approach for Federal Agencies

  1. Analysis : Thoroughly assess existing COBOL applications and data structures, identifying critical components and dependencies.
  2. Initial Migration : Move data to Progress Data Cloud while preserving original formats and structures.
  3. Incremental Improvement : Clean and normalize data without affecting ongoing operations, gradually enhancing data quality and accessibility.
  4. Gradual Transformation : Transition from original formats to Progress Data Platform’s NoSQL database, taking advantage of its flexibility and scalability.
  5. Application Modernization : Rewrite COBOL logic in modern languages as needed, leveraging Progress Data Platform’s support for multiple programming paradigms.
  6. Integration : Connect modernized applications with the suite’s data platform for seamless access to both legacy and new data.
  7. Optimization : Continuously refine and fully transition to cloud-native data structures and applications, maximizing the benefits of the new environment.

Case Study: Sony’s Global Sales to Finance (S2F) Operations Modernization

Sony implemented the Progress Data Platform as an Operational Data Hub (ODH) to streamline its global sales-to-finance (S2F) processes across 175 territories. The solution involved creating a financial hub with Progress Data Platform at its core, managing intricate contractual arrangements, and providing easy access for Sony’s finance team to transact with data.

Key results included:

  • Improved S2F system, increasing global sales for their $9B business
  • Enhanced ability to respond to contractual changes
  • Increased developer productivity
  • Reduced data modeling requirements
  • Faster data ingestion
  • Improved data lineage and traceability

This case study demonstrates how the Progress Data Platform can serve as a central hub for complex data integration and management, even in large organizations dealing with massive amounts of data and intricate business processes.

Conclusion

For federal agencies looking to modernize their mainframe systems, the Progress Data Platform offers a pragmatic and efficient path forward. By allowing for incremental modernization without disrupting critical operations, Progress Data Platform enables agencies to:

  • Reduce maintenance costs
  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Break down data silos
  • Enhance citizen services
  • Maintain compliance with evolving regulations

The transition from mainframe to cloud is not just a technical refresh—it’s a strategic imperative for federal IT to meet 21st-century needs. With the Progress Data Platform, agencies can embark on this journey with confidence, preserving the reliability of their legacy systems while unlocking the agility and innovation potential of modern cloud environments.

By leveraging the suite’s unique capabilities, federal agencies can make a smooth transition from COBOL-based mainframes to modern, cloud-based systems, all while maintaining the integrity and accessibility of critical data and services.

To talk to us about how Progress Federal Solutions can support your data needs, fill out the form on our website.

Connect with Shayne on LinkedIn.


Shayne Brescia
Shayne Brescia

Shayne is the Director of Professional Services for National Security Programs at Progress Federal Solutions, a subsidiary of Progress Software focused on federal initiatives. An Air Force veteran, he is committed to tackling critical security missions. Shayne is a proud father of three, embracing the joyful chaos of family life.

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