IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS

Maximize hardware utilization, reduce CPU usage and improve performance of critical applications

Optimize and modernize your critical applications

IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS® is a premier enterprise-class COBOL compiler for IBM z/OS. It enables the modernization of business-critical applications, enhances programmer productivity with advanced programming features and maximizes the benefits of transactional and data systems such as IBM CICS®, IBM IMS and IBM Db2®.

Optimize performance

Reduce CPU utilization and operational costs with advanced compiler optimizations that fully exploit the latest IBM Z® hardware.

Modernize your applications

Extend COBOL applications seamlessly to support web, cloud and mobile environments while maintaining stability and reliability.

Maintain compatibility

Retain compatibility with earlier COBOL compilers, minimizing risk and eliminating the need for full application recompilation.

Improve developer productivity

Enhance programming efficiency with modern development tools, simplified debugging and built-in support for JSON, XML and Java® interoperability.

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Accelerate COBOL upgrades IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor for z/OS (CUAZ) accelerates and simplifies the upgrade to IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 6 with analysis and reporting in a modern Visual Studio Code (VS Code) interface. CUAZ helps enterprises modernize COBOL applications, reduce upgrade complexity and stay current with supported compilers while optimizing performance on IBM Z hardware. Explore IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor on z/OS
Explore IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor on z/OS

Frequently asked questions

IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS normally ships a fix pack (or PTF) every two months. Check out the fixes and new functions delivered with each fix pack at the following link.

Fix list and new features for Enterprise COBOL for z/OS

The "What's new" section of the documentation provides and executive overview of new and improved features in each COBOL version.

Explore what's new

Visit the IBM Software lifecycle website to check the lifecycle dates, announcement letters, and other information for each COBOL version.

Explore product lifecycle reports

Yes, the downloadable PDFs and JAR (Java Archive) formats are available in the COBOL documentation library.

Browse PDFs for the most updated version of COBOL Browse PDFs for previous versions of COBOL

Explore the new product - IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor for z/OS.

IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor for z/OS accelerates and simplifies the upgrade to IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 6 with analysis and reporting in a modern Visual Studio Code interface. CUAZ helps enterprises modernize COBOL applications, reduce upgrade complexity, and stay current with supported compilers while optimizing performance on IBM Z hardware.

Explore IBM COBOL Upgrade Advisor for z/OS

You can visit and download the performance tuning guide for each COBOL version.

Explore the performance tuning guide

 

Z Code Optimization Advice is a tool that provides detailed guidance on optimizing COBOL programs for the best performance on IBM z/OS. It can assist you in your modernization journey, help you optimize your existing code base, and ensure ongoing performance excellence for new code.

Use Z Code Optimization Advice

 

IBM Automatic Binary Optimizer (ABO) for z/OS improves COBOL program performance without recompiling the source code. It optimizes binary code, preserving program logic and compatibility.

Explore ABO

The following resources may help you expand your learning. Use your IBMid (or create a new one) to access the Introduction to COBOL with Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Open Mainframe COBOL Programming Course Introduction to COBOL with VS Code

Available through Shopz by searching 5697-V61 or contacting an IBM Z representative.

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Next Steps

Discover how to maximize hardware utilization, reduce CPU usage and improve performance of critical applications with IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS.

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