CICS Retirement Planning CICS to Modern Architecture Transition ChecklistAs a programmer, I’ve seen my fair share of legacy systems, and one of the most common questions I get is What’s the best way to plan for the retirement of my CICS system and transition to a modern architecture Well, let me tell you, it’s a question that’s near and dear to my heart, and one that I’m excited to dive into today.As I’m sure you’re aware, CICS (Customer Information Control System) has been around for decades, and while it’s been a reliable workhorse for many organizations, it’s not exactly the most modern or efficient system out there. In fact, many companies are starting to phase out their CICS systems in favor of more contemporary architectures. But, before you can make the switch, you need to have a solid plan in place for retiring your CICS system and transitioning to a new one.So, what does that plan look like Well, it’s not as simple as just flipping a switch and moving on to the next thing. No, it requires a thoughtful and strategic approach that takes into account the complexities of your current system, the needs of your business, and the goals of your organization. And that’s where this checklist comes in.Here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you plan for the retirement of your CICS system and transition to a modern architectureAssess your current system Take a close look at your CICS system and identify its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. What are its biggest pain points What are its most critical functions What are the potential risks and challenges associated with retiring itDefine your goals What do you want to achieve with your new system What are your business goals and objectives What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) you’ll be using to measure successIdentify your stakeholders Who will be impacted by the transition Who will be responsible for implementing the new system Who will be responsible for testing and quality assuranceDevelop a transition plan Create a detailed plan for transitioning from your CICS system to your new system. This should include timelines, milestones, and key tasks.Test and quality assure Once you’ve developed your plan, it’s time to test and quality assure your new system. This will help ensure that it’s working as expected and that it meets your business needs.Communicate with stakeholders Keep your stakeholders informed throughout the transition process. This will help manage expectations and reduce the risk of disruption to your business.As I always say, Here’s looking at you, kid! In other words, planning for the retirement of your CICS system and transitioning to a modern architecture is a big job, but with the right approach, you can make it a success. And, as a small token of appreciation for your time, I’d love it if you could do me a solid and buy me a coffee via my GoFundMe page. Every little bit helps, and your gift can be the catalyst for change, empowering me to continue sharing value with you. Your dollar can be the cherry on top of someone’s sundae or a cozy air of ajamas to feel comfortable at home, especially during chilly nights. Writing these blogs takes time, and it helps keep things running while sharing value with you! Donate via the link, $1 helps.So, there you have it a comprehensive checklist for planning the retirement of your CICS system and transitioning to a modern architecture. I hope you found this helpful, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey to modernization.
