Cloud Compiling Modernization Guide

Cloud Compiling reduces the number of compiler licenses needed by routing compile jobs to a central z/OS image. It transmits source code, compiles it, and returns the output.

Cloud Compiling is a tool that centralizes the compiling process. It is not a system or application in itself, but rather a tool to enhance existing application development workflows.

Organizations that develop and maintain applications on z/OS, particularly those using COBOL, PL/1, Fortran, or C++, can benefit from Cloud Compiling. It is suitable for companies of all sizes that want to optimize their compiler license usage.

Consider Cloud Compiling when you want to reduce compiler license costs, centralize compile processes, and improve efficiency. It is especially useful if you have multiple developers compiling code on z/OS.

Alternatives include purchasing more compiler licenses, manually managing compile processes across multiple z/OS images, or using other compile management tools. Cloud Compiling differs by offering a centralized, automated solution.

Cloud Compiling requires a z/OS environment to run the central compile process. The source code is transmitted to this central image, compiled, and the output is returned. The central z/OS image can be on a client machine or the vendor's.

Cloud Compiling runs on z/OS. It operates within an LPAR and is dependent on the z/OS operating system. It does not require specific subsystems beyond the standard z/OS environment.

The software transmits source code to a central z/OS image, performs the compile using standard z/OS compilers (COBOL, PL/1, Fortran, C++), and returns the output. The exact commands depend on the specific compilers used.

Cloud Compiling supports COBOL, PL/1, Fortran, and C++. These are common languages used in z/OS application development.

Cloud Compiling reduces the number of compiler licenses required, leading to cost savings. It also centralizes the compile process, improving efficiency and potentially reducing development time.

By centralizing the compile process, Cloud Compiling can improve code quality and consistency. It ensures that all compiles are performed using the same environment and compiler versions.

Cloud Compiling can integrate with existing development workflows and tools. It can be used with various source code management systems and build automation tools.

Security is maintained by leveraging existing z/OS security mechanisms. Access to the central z/OS image and the compilers is controlled through standard z/OS security features.

Source code is transmitted to the central z/OS image for compiling. The security of this transmission depends on the protocols used for data transfer. Secure protocols should be used to protect the source code during transmission.

Cloud Compiling leverages z/OS security features for authentication and authorization. User access to the central z/OS image is controlled through standard z/OS security mechanisms.

Ongoing operations include monitoring the central z/OS image, ensuring the compilers are up-to-date, and managing user access. Standard z/OS monitoring tools can be used to monitor the central image.

Implementation challenges may include configuring the central z/OS image, setting up secure data transmission protocols, and integrating Cloud Compiling with existing development workflows.

The level of technical expertise required to implement Cloud Compiling depends on the complexity of the environment. A good understanding of z/OS and the compilers being used is necessary.