Re: JCL engine for PC

"Peter E.C Dashwood" <dashwood@enternet.co.nz> wrote in message news:<1099782337.NZfv+d1Gsb
z46vfZusrh5A@teranews>...
> "Cblkid" <cblkid@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:b11a430c.0411051138.2ad4ec07@posting.google.com... 
>
> Why would they want to maintain the JCL?
>
> Talk to them. What they REALLY want is to have their current batch
> processing performed in a client/server environment.
>
> The best approach to this is to analyse the FUNCTIONALITY of their batch
> processing. (This requires the input of at least one knowledgeable
> human...).
>
> Once the batch functionality has been determined, it is possible to write
> windows scripts that make it happen. Windows Script Hosting is excellent f
or
> this and for many years I never used it, considering it was some esoteric 
MS
> technology. It isn't. It is a very useful equivalent to JCL on a PC. (Unix
> scripts could do the same in that environment).
>
> Sometimes people think they know what they want,because that is the extent
> of their experience. Find out what is really needed and wanted, then
> implement that, using the tools of a PC environment.
>
> A JCL "converter" might be a possible approach, but it is not one I would
> personally favour.
>
> Get them to realise that this is a huge opportunity to review what happens
> in their batch processing and possibly improve it. The action of analysing
> the functionality of their current batch processing is a valuable one and
> will drive out opportunities for streamlining it in the new evironment.
>
> Pete.
> 
Pete,

The initial move is to get them off the mainframe in as litle time as
possible. They have a good group of people who know the mainframe
environment and are very knowledgeable of the business. (Sound
familiar). Once we do the migration we can then begin rewriting the
JCL into something else (PERL, Windows Scripts, REXX as someone else
mentioned). I like Rexx and think that would be a good route to go but
then again, how many people know Rexx?

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone!

cblkid@yahoo.com