There are many reasons why migrating now from your Unisys legacy system is a good idea.

There is an industry wide urgency that cannot be understated. Mainframe languages and the skilled programmers who know that code are reaching retirement and are consequently dwindling in numbers. This human resource issue will become profound within the next five years. The web generation is coming through and open source based languages such as Java are the Linc of tomorrow. Systems based on 20th century mainframe technology are simply not equipped to adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Wall Street, so long a proponent of the mainframe is moving off. Change is inevitable.

Migration of your trusted applications to open platforms using relational databases keeps the business going, it allows the company to standardize on less costly alternatives in hardware and software and gives access to a huge pool of talent. It also provides the opportunity to purchase off the shelf software whilst saving lots of money. MSS recently moved one Unisys client from a €10,000,000 mainframe to a standard Unix platform using hardware and software you can buy over the Internet. They are now able to use all their cost savings in new projects that would never have been possible within the old budget.

The Crossroads

When faced with the prospect of IT modernization, companies have a few options to consider first before they move. Of course the option of doing nothing and sticking with the current mainframe that “works perfectly well right now” is a choice. Cost saving however is a main driver for modernization and saving up to 70% of ongoing IT operational costs is a factor that many find hard to ignore. The human resource factor coupled with restrictive mainframe renewal fees often underlines the fact that doing nothing is not an option.

Generally speaking, modernization dramatically improves how IT is delivered and managed. It also reduces IT operational costs, as well as enables new business capabilities. Deciding to migrate, the next question is - what is the best solution?

Moving to open environments reveals a world of possibilities and MSS has industry specific experience and can advise you on the best target environment for your business. Whether it is a package-based solution, Unix, Windows or other, we can advise you as to the most appropriate for your specific requirements. (Please view our Clients Tab and Migration Element Overview for examples of clients who have moved from and to specific systems and languages).