COBOL/XT Modernization Guide

COBOL/XT is an early COBOL compiler designed for online business applications. It extends the COBOL language with specific instructions for screen display and interaction, making it suitable for developing applications with terminal-based user interfaces. It was primarily used to create applications within the Environ/1 environment.

COBOL/XT is primarily a programming language compiler and a set of extensions tailored for online application development. It provides the tools and language constructs necessary to build interactive, screen-oriented applications. It is not a complete system or middleware but rather a component used within a larger application development framework.

COBOL/XT was used by organizations that needed to develop online, terminal-based business applications, particularly those using the Environ/1 environment. These organizations typically included those in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where mainframe systems and interactive terminal applications were common.

COBOL/XT was considered when organizations needed to create or maintain online applications with screen-oriented interfaces, especially within the Environ/1 environment. Given its age and the availability of more modern alternatives, it is generally not recommended for new development. It might be considered for maintaining legacy systems only.

Alternatives to COBOL/XT include modern COBOL compilers and development environments such as Micro Focus Visual COBOL, IBM Enterprise COBOL, and other languages and frameworks suitable for online application development, such as Java, .NET, or web-based technologies.

COBOL/XT runs on the z/OS platform. It likely operates within an LPAR and depends on specific z/OS subsystems for its operation. It is not a standalone product and requires the presence of a COBOL runtime environment and potentially the Environ/1 environment.

As a mainframe-based compiler, COBOL/XT runs on z/OS within an LPAR. It is tightly coupled with the z/OS operating system and its associated subsystems. It requires a compatible COBOL runtime environment and may depend on specific versions of z/OS libraries and services.

The primary business value of COBOL/XT was its ability to facilitate the development of online business applications with screen-oriented interfaces. It allowed organizations to create interactive applications for data entry, retrieval, and processing, improving efficiency and responsiveness in business operations. However, this value is diminished by the availability of more modern and efficient development tools.

If an organization did not use COBOL/XT, they would need to use alternative COBOL compilers or other programming languages and frameworks to develop their online applications. This might involve using standard COBOL with screen management libraries or adopting more modern languages and technologies such as Java or .NET.

Security in COBOL/XT applications would typically be handled through the underlying z/OS security mechanisms, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret. These systems control access to resources and data based on user IDs and permissions. COBOL/XT itself does not provide specific security features beyond those provided by the operating system and security subsystems.

Ongoing operations for COBOL/XT applications would involve monitoring the performance and availability of the applications and the underlying z/OS system. This includes monitoring CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk I/O. Maintenance would involve applying patches and updates to the COBOL runtime environment and the z/OS operating system.