Question 1

What does Translate R/W do?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W converts COBOL Report Writer code into standard COBOL code. This allows organizations to migrate away from Report Writer, which can be difficult to maintain and modernize, to more maintainable and extensible COBOL.

Question 2

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W is a tool specifically designed to automate the conversion of COBOL Report Writer code. It is not a general-purpose system or application, but rather a utility to facilitate code migration.

Question 3

What types of organizations use this?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that rely heavily on COBOL Report Writer for generating reports and are looking to modernize their COBOL applications are ideal users. This includes companies in finance, insurance, and government sectors.

Question 4

When should we consider Translate R/W?

Accepted Answer

Consider Translate R/W when your organization wants to move away from COBOL Report Writer due to maintainability issues, lack of skilled resources, or the need to integrate with modern systems. It is also useful when Report Writer is hindering application modernization efforts.

Question 5

What are the alternatives to Translate R/W?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives include manual conversion of Report Writer code, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Other options might involve using different reporting tools and rewriting the reporting logic in COBOL or other languages. Some vendors offer similar automated conversion tools.

Question 6

What infrastructure is required?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W requires a z/OS environment where the COBOL Report Writer code resides. It needs access to the COBOL source libraries and the ability to generate new COBOL code.

Question 7

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W operates within a z/OS LPAR. It is dependent on the z/OS operating system and requires access to COBOL compilers and related utilities.

Question 8

What are the inputs and outputs of Translate R/W?

Accepted Answer

The primary input is the COBOL Report Writer source code. The output is the equivalent COBOL code that performs the same reporting functions. Configuration files may be used to control the conversion process.

Question 9

What other software does it interact with?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W likely uses standard z/OS utilities for file access and manipulation. It may also use COBOL compilers to validate the generated code.

Question 10

How does the conversion process work?

Accepted Answer

The conversion process involves parsing the Report Writer code, analyzing its structure, and generating equivalent COBOL code. This may involve complex transformations and optimizations to ensure the generated code is efficient and maintainable.

Question 11

What is the business value of Translate R/W?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W reduces the cost and effort associated with maintaining COBOL Report Writer code. It allows organizations to leverage modern COBOL development practices and integrate reporting functions with other applications. This can lead to improved efficiency and reduced risk.

Question 12

How does it reduce risk?

Accepted Answer

By converting Report Writer code to standard COBOL, organizations can reduce their reliance on specialized Report Writer skills, which are becoming increasingly scarce. This mitigates the risk of not being able to maintain and enhance critical reporting applications.

Question 13

How does it support modernization efforts?

Accepted Answer

The primary benefit is the ability to modernize COBOL applications that rely on Report Writer. This enables organizations to take advantage of new technologies and development practices, improving agility and competitiveness.

Question 14

What is the return on investment (ROI)?

Accepted Answer

The return on investment (ROI) comes from reduced maintenance costs, improved developer productivity, and the ability to integrate reporting functions with other systems. A successful conversion project can significantly lower the total cost of ownership for COBOL applications.

Question 15

How does Translate R/W address security concerns?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W operates within the security framework of z/OS. It leverages existing z/OS security mechanisms for authentication and authorization. The generated COBOL code inherits the security characteristics of the original Report Writer code.

Question 16

What security measures should be in place?

Accepted Answer

Access to the COBOL source libraries and the ability to generate new COBOL code must be controlled to prevent unauthorized modifications. Standard z/OS security practices should be followed to protect the converted code.

Question 17

How should the converted code be tested for security vulnerabilities?

Accepted Answer

The converted COBOL code should be subject to the same security reviews and testing as any other COBOL application. This includes vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify and address potential security flaws.

Question 18

Are there any auditing capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Audit trails should be maintained to track changes to the COBOL source code and the conversion process. This provides a record of who made changes and when, which is essential for security and compliance purposes.

Question 19

How is Translate R/W deployed?

Accepted Answer

Translate R/W is typically deployed on-premise within a z/OS environment. The implementation requires technical expertise in COBOL, Report Writer, and z/OS systems.

Question 20

What are the ongoing operational requirements?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the conversion process, managing the generated COBOL code, and ensuring the converted applications function correctly. This requires skilled COBOL developers and system administrators.

Question 21

What are common implementation challenges?

Accepted Answer

Common implementation challenges include dealing with complex Report Writer code, ensuring the converted code performs as expected, and managing the transition from Report Writer to standard COBOL. Thorough testing and validation are essential.

Question 22

What level of technical expertise is required?

Accepted Answer

The level of technical expertise required to implement Translate R/W is high. It requires a deep understanding of COBOL, Report Writer, and z/OS systems. Skilled COBOL developers and system administrators are needed to ensure a successful conversion.

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