As the tech landscape evolves, organizations using IBM mainframes are increasingly seeking modern solutions to enhance their development processes. Migrating to Git has become a necessity for many, offering benefits like better collaboration, improved version control, and integration with modern development practices. However, the migration from legacy systems, such as Rocket Software's ChangeMan ZMF and Broadcom's Panvalet, can be daunting. Enter Ikan's Kobee—a tool designed to simplify this transition.
The Need for Migration
Legacy systems like ChangeMan ZMF and Panvalet have served mainframe users well, but as software development practices shift towards Agile and DevOps, the limitations of these tools can hinder efficiency. The ability to leverage Git's distributed version control system allows teams to collaborate more effectively, manage changes with ease, and streamline their workflows.
How Ikan's Kobee Facilitates Migration
1. Streamlined Copying of ChangeMan ZMF Baselines
With Ikan's Kobee, users can effortlessly copy all members from ChangeMan Baselines and Stack Reversed Delta decks (SRD) PDSs to a Version Control Repository (VCR) project or branch. This means you can easily transition all your existing code into Git, maintaining a clear history and versioning.
2. Efficient Handling of Panvalet Files
Kobee also allows you to copy Panvalet members from PDSs directly to your VCR project or branch. This automated process eliminates manual handling and reduces the risk of errors, enabling a smoother migration from Panvalet to Git.
3. Flexible PDS(E) Management
For users of PDS(E), Kobee simplifies the process of selecting specific members—whether they are packages or other files—and transferring them to your VCR project or branch. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor the migration process to meet your team's specific needs.
4. Migrating Sequential Files
Ikan's Kobee extends its capabilities to sequential files, allowing users to copy data from z/OS sequential files into a VCR project or branch. This broadens the scope of what can be integrated into your Git environment, ensuring that no vital data is left behind.
5. Reverse Integration
The migration process doesn't stop with importing data into Git. Kobee also facilitates the reverse process, enabling users to copy or export selected files from their VCR repository project or branch back to PDSs. This two-way functionality ensures that your legacy systems and modern development practices can coexist seamlessly.
Benefits of Migrating to Git
Migrating to Git using Ikan's Kobee offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Git supports multiple developers working on the same project simultaneously, reducing bottlenecks.
- Improved Version Control: Git's branching and merging capabilities allow for better management of different project versions and features.
- Automation and Integration: Kobee integrates easily with Git, streamlining the development and deploymentprocess.
- Better Visibility: With a centralized repository, teams can gain insights into changes, history, and collaboration.
Conclusion
Ikan's Kobee serves as a vital tool for IBM mainframe users looking to transition to Git. By simplifying the migration process from legacy systems like ChangeMan ZMF and Panvalet, Kobee empowers organizations to adopt modern development practices while preserving their valuable legacy assets. Embrace the future of software development by leveraging Ikan's Kobee for a seamless migration to Git—unlocking new levels of collaboration, efficiency, and innovation for your mainframe teams.
In the coming blogs we will discuss how Kobee handles the next steps.
PS: we would like to thank all the people that voted for Kobee at the IBM TechXchange Awards 2024 for Mainframe Innovation. We'll know on Thursday Oct 24 if we won (or not).
René De Vleeschauwer
Founder and CEO
Ikan Development NV
Kardinaal Mercierplein 2
2800 Mechelen
BELGIUM