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Migrate and run DataFlex applications with Oracle, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL &  MariaDB.

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Seamlessly convert from Btrieve transactional database to PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MS SQL Server.

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Why Mertech?

Run COBOL Applications with SQL Databases Effortlessly

Using Btrieve with COBOL? Our COBOL database modernization solution will help you effortlessly switch to Oracle, MS SQL Server, or PostgreSQL RDBMS without any code modifications.

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Overview

BTR2SQL is the bridge between your legacy non-mainframe COBOL applications utilizing ISAM database engines, like Btrieve, and the latest relational databases. BTR2SQL is a reliable, quick-to-implement, and cost-effective solution for seamlessly migrating your COBOL database to a modern platform. 

Challenges in Migrating COBOL to a Relational Database

Handling-Complex-Data-Structures

Handling Complex Data Structures like Redefines

Complex data structures created by using the REDEFINE clause are not easy to convert to an RDBMS.

Maintaining-Data-Integrity-and-Consistency

Maintaining Data Integrity and Consistency

Ensuring data consistency during and after migration is crucial for seamless integration. 

Change-code

Making Changes to the COBOL Code

Going from Btrieve to an RDBMS requires adding SQL code to your COBOL programs.

Continuous-operation

Avoiding Downtime for Business Continuity

Data consistency issues can lead to severe disruption of business continuity and loss of revenue.

Key Features of Our COBOL Solution 

Accurate Data Migration: Transitioning from ISAM databases to SQL RDBMS can be complex and time-consuming, particularly with large and intricate data structures. BTR2SQL simplifies this process by automatically creating tables and indices on the SQL backend and mapping data types for you.  Mapping field types correctly ensures system-wide data integrity and data consistency.

REDEFINE Handling:  The REDEFINE clause in COBOL allows multiple definitions of the same data storage area, which can represent different data formats or structures within a single record. Properly handling REDEFINES is crucial when transitioning to a SQL database because it ensures that all variations of the data are accurately mapped and maintained, preserving data integrity. BTR2SQL handles these complexities, making the data accessible and usable in SQL environments without losing the nuanced structure of your original COBOL program.  

Read/write to the migrated SQL tables from COBOL and non-COBOL applications:   BTR2SQL enables you to integrate programs developed in C#, Python, Java, or other modern development languages with your existing COBOL applications. This hybrid approach allows you to enhance the functionality and scalability of your systems while maintaining the stability of your legacy code.

High-Performance Database Operations: Switching from ISAM databases to relational databases can lead to performance challenges, especially when updates are concerned. Mertech has developed special querying techniques that ensure programs written for ISAM-style databases perform as well as or better than Btrieve and other ISAM databases.   

Benefits To Your Business

  • Protect your business from price increases by switching to MS SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL databases.

  • Benefit from Mertech's 25+ years of experience in helping companies modernize their databases. 

  • Improve your reporting and data analytics capabilities.

  • Future-proof your legacy application by retaining core application functionality.
Benefits-COBOL

How Can Mertech Help You? 

Mertech provides a range of services and products to help you smoothly transition from  Btrieve to relational databases.  Our COBOL database migration services include:

  • Analyzing data structures in your COBOL copybooks and identifying complex data structures, such as redefines, that require special handling.
  • Creating definitions that can be utilized by our database migration tools to generate SQL tables and indices.
  • Collaborating with your team to identify and address any problematic data to ensure that the migrated data is clean and accessible to other programs.
  • Assisting in deploying our BTR2SQL middleware product to support your COBOL applications with the migrated data.
  • Providing ongoing support during production cut-over and post-migration to guarantee uninterrupted operation.
  • Collaborating with your team to resolve any issues that may require further investigation.

Take the First Step Towards Modernizing Your COBOL Database 

Modernizing your COBOL application starts with database modernization, which can be a complicated endeavor.  It is much easier when you work with a partner who understands your challenges. Mertech has over 25 years of experience helping companies modernize their databases. We are happy to offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs.
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