THINK SAFE. THINK ICS.
COBOL Development & Migration
Security gaps and a lack of know-how? We modernize your COBOL applications securely and future-proof.
Our services
Our experienced software developers for COBOL analyze your environment, secure knowledge and accompany the targeted migration to a modern, future-proof IT landscape.
Maintenance and further development of existing COBOL applications
Analysis and documentation of unknown or incomplete systems
Integration of old systems with modern applications and interfaces
Migration and refactoring to Java, .NET or cloud architectures
Knowledge transfer and training for your internal teams
Why ICS?
Because we understand systems before we change them.
Since 1966, we have been developing and securing software in critical environments, from industry and energy to rail and administration. We combine decades of COBOL know-how with modern software engineering.
Developer with practical experience in COBOL & Mainframe
Stable operation without interruption
Comprehensible procedure, documented and verifiable
Gradual migration - no big bang
Combined expertise in safety, security and software modernization
Migration without risk - paths to the future of your COBOL systems
COBOL is alive and well. And that's a good thing. But sooner or later the question arises: What's next? Not every system has to be completely rebuilt. The key is to find the right balance between stability, costs and future-proofing. Our COBOL developers are familiar with all common modernization strategies and know when they really make sense:
Refactoring
Old code rethought
This involves the structured further development of existing code.
COBOL programs are cleaned up, modularized or - where appropriate - transferred to languages such as Java or C#.
This gradually creates an architecture that is easier to maintain, expand and integrate into modern development environments. The result:comprehensible code, less technical ballast and greater maintainability.
Your advantage: future-proofing without loss of functionality.
Wrapping & integration
Modernization via interfaces
If systems are to continue to run but new applications need to be connected, wrapping is the right way to go. Instead of simply encapsulating existing applications, we map data and process logic in a modern architecture.
This creates clean interfaces (REST, SOAP) and a structure that enables future extensions and cloud connections.
Your benefit: fast results, no risk, full control.
Managed Services
Cobol in good hands
Lack of specialists? No problem.
With managed services through to migration, we take over the operation, maintenance and monitoring of your COBOL systems - including security, availability and documentation.
We ensure that your system remains stable, security gaps are closed and know-how is permanently secured.
This keeps your IT stable, while your teams gain space for new things.
Your benefit: Continuous operation without resource stress
Hybrid approaches
Modernizestep bystep
Many companies choose a step-by-step approach: first, peripheral areas such as front ends, interfaces or reporting are modernized - critical COBOL components follow later as soon as stability and transparency are guaranteed. This creates a controlled transition that protects ongoing operations and at the same time lays the foundation for further migration steps.
The aim is to completely migrate all components to a modern, maintainable architecture.
Your advantage: progress at your own pace.
Our approach
Every modernization is as individual as the system itself. That's why we start with an in-depth analysis and show you transparently which approach will deliver the greatest benefit with the minimum risk.
This is how we proceed:
1. analysis: understand architecture, code and processes
2. stabilization: ensure ongoing operation
3. documentation: prepare and secure knowledge
4. modernization: migration or integration - step-by-step, transparent, secure
Stabilizing, modernizing or migrating a COBOL system?
We help quickly, pragmatically and comprehensibly - regardless of whether you need acute support or are planning for the long term.
COBOL modernization:
Save your knowledge before it is lost.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about COBOL modernization
How long can COBOL systems still be operated?
As long as the hardware and expertise are available - theoretically unlimited. In practice, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult because there is a lack of experienced developers and new requirements (interfaces, security, cloud integration) can no longer be mapped. We help to keep systems stable and plan a secure transition in good time.
Do we have to completely redevelop our COBOL system?
Whether replatforming, wrapping or refactoring - in the first step, we work together to select the variant that suits your budget and risk appetite.
How does a typical COBOL migration work?
We always start with an analysis of your system - architecture, dependencies, code quality, operation. This is followed by stabilization and documentation. Only when everything is comprehensible do we plan the migration.
How quickly can you provide support?
Usually at short notice. Our COBOL and mainframe developers can take over existing systems without long training periods. Whether acute troubleshooting or long-term migration: we start where you are right now.
Can we transfer old COBOL logic into modern languages?
Yes, we refactor COBOL code or transfer it to Java, .NET or other programming languages without losing important business logic.
The goal is always: functionally equivalent, but future-proof.
What does a COBOL migration cost?
This depends heavily on the system: size, dependencies, target platform.
That's why we don't offer all-inclusive prices, but a free initial assessment: We check the code, architecture and modernization options - and then provide a realistic assessment.
What happens when our last COBOL developer leaves the company?
Then we take over. We secure knowledge, document the code and ensure stable operation. On request, we can take over the complete support or gradually build up your team in new technologies.
Which sectors do you serve?
Our COBOL projects come from industry and the automotive sector, where long-lasting systems and high availability are crucial.
All projects have one thing in common: safety-critical processes, stable workflows and the need to transfer proven logic into the future.
This is precisely our specialty - software that has been running for decades and must continue to do so.