Java Interoperability with COBOL and Assembler in IBM CICS: Bridging Legacy and Modernization
Chandra Mouli Yalamanchili · International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research · 2024
As enterprise systems evolve, the need for integration between modern Java applications and traditional CICS programs written in COBOL and Assembler becomes more critical. IBM CICS Transaction Server offers mature interoperability support that allows developers to call Java from COBOL, invoke legacy logic from Java, and exchange data using flexible mechanisms like COMMAREA and Channels. This paper explores the technical foundations and practical patterns that enable the gradual modernization of mainframe applications using Java. This paper includes examples for both OSGi and Liberty JVM environments, and key techniques like Link 2 Liberty, JCICS APIs, and secure REST integration are discussed. The paper also compares interoperability approaches and concludes with best practices.