Modernization is not about ripping out the mainframe — it is about integrating it. Here is a pragmatic path.
Enterprises modernizing legacy systems rarely benefit from a big-bang rewrite. A phased approach — wrapping COBOL services with APIs, then selectively re-platforming — reduces risk.
Step 1: Understand the estate
Inventory programs, data and dependencies before touching code.
Step 2: Expose services
Use APIs to let modern applications consume mainframe logic without rewriting it.