MOST's OnTarget technology for VSAM to DB2 / Oracle Migration is designed to accommodate the distinctive characteristics of VSAM. It is the solution for the complete and automated migration of VSAM files and the associated programming languages to a DB2 / Oracle platform.

The understanding and automatic handling of the special VSAM to DB2 / Oracle migration issues - both at the database level and at the application level, ensures the delivery of a rapid low-risk, and high-quality migration process.

Database Migration

OnTarget handles the unique characteristics and data structures of VSAM that need to be handled during the transition to the target DB2 / Oracle environment, to include:

• Repetitive fields (arrays) and groups which are implemented by the application in VSAM and need to be normalized.
• Handling of VSAM variable records with redefinitions of fields.
• Special fields, such as DATE and TIME that need to be changed when migrating to DB2 / Oracle.

Application Conversion

OnTarget provides automated mechanisms to convert programs to now access the DB2 / Oracle, while preserving business logic throughout.  For example, such mechanisms include:

• Automated generation of SQL commands at data-access points, or generation of an external Data Access Layer that separates business logic from data access.
• Multiple SQL commands might replace a single I/O access command because data is now normalized.
• Bridging code is automatically inserted before and after each I/O command to transform between the old and new structure such that program logic is preserved.

Collectively, MOST's OnTarget technology, methodology, and expert services - reduce the cost, timeframe and risk for migrating the enterprise's VSAM applications to RDBMS, providing the mechanisms to preserve and evolve legacy assets to operate under new technologies and platforms.