Performing a Managed Migration

Performing a Managed VMS / OpenVMS Migration

Across the world, IS managers are navigating the complex and often intimidating journey of migrating from their trusted VMS / OpenVMS systems to the open, yet unfamiliar, landscape of UNIX. This shift is driven by corporate mandates and the promise of modern infrastructure, but the transition can feel overwhelming due to differences in system management tools, text editors, and familiar commands. The expertise developed over years of managing VMS / OpenVMS systems can seem irrelevant, leaving managers with feelings of uncertainty. However, these challenges can be addressed through well-planned strategies and the use of specialized tools and services that make the migration cost-effective and efficient. Sector7 provides the necessary support, tools, and expertise to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize the apprehensions associated with such a critical change.

Starting Out Right

One of the main reasons migration projects go over budget or fall behind schedule is the lack of appropriate planning and risk management. Many projects are planned using methodologies suited for software development rather than migration-specific paradigms. This approach can lead to unanticipated challenges and costs. Effective migration requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique risks involved and a well-structured plan that integrates risk management directly into the methodology. Sector7’s approach emphasizes meticulous upfront planning and continuous risk assessment to keep projects on time and within budget. By leveraging our experience and proven strategies, organizations can make informed decisions and execute successful migrations.

5 Stages of UNIX Migration

1. ASSESSMENT: The assessment stage is foundational for the migration process. By thoroughly understanding and documenting the project’s scope and size, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of budget overruns. This stage involves a comprehensive analysis of the existing corporate environment, application architecture, and target UNIX environment. Key components include evaluating software dependencies, identifying potential challenges, and detailing every aspect of the migration to eliminate uncertainties that could drive up costs.
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2. PLANNING: Effective planning creates the blueprint for a successful migration. This stage focuses on developing a technical architecture for the software components identified during the assessment. It involves outlining specific activities to address potential risks, such as de-scoping certain aspects of the project or creating prototypes to verify solutions. Risk mitigation strategies—avoidance, control, assumption, or transfer—are developed to ensure that the migration stays on schedule. The planning stage also includes establishing configuration management and version control mechanisms, as well as planning for incremental builds and testing procedures.
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3. PORTING: The porting stage involves creating the UNIX environment and migrating the VMS / OpenVMS applications. This phase is heavily technical, focusing on re-engineering tasks and integrating emulation tools for DCL, FMS, and other system services. The main goal is to achieve a functional and demonstrable system. Configuration management and version control are critical during this stage, as any missteps can lead to significant delays and budget overruns. Sector7’s expertise ensures that technical risks are managed effectively, and teams are trained to use the new UNIX environment efficiently, building credibility and integrating seamlessly into the corporate culture.
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4. VALIDATION: Validation is crucial for ensuring operational success. This stage begins once the UNIX environment is fully built and the applications have been ported. Validation involves rigorous testing, including functional, regression, and automated testing, to identify and address any issues. The major deliverable is a fully operational system that meets all business and technical requirements. Validation also involves continuous performance monitoring and fine-tuning to optimize the system. Sector7’s comprehensive testing procedures ensure that all potential operational risks are mitigated, and the migrated system is ready for full deployment.
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5. PRODUCTIZATION: The final stage, productization, converts the validated UNIX system into a fully optimized open systems solution. This involves addressing performance enhancements, ensuring long-term supportability, and refining the system to meet enterprise standards. Productization may include developing a complete client/server GUI, optimizing database performance, and ensuring that the system is fully integrated with other enterprise applications. Sector7’s approach ensures that the migrated system not only meets current business needs but is also prepared for future growth and scalability.

Planning a Complex VMS / OpenVMS Migration

IS teams moving from VMS / OpenVMS to UNIX must adapt to new system and network management practices. While the goals of managing systems remain the same, the specific tools and processes differ significantly. Migration involves more than just technical changes; it requires careful coordination of resources, including hardware, software, documentation, and personnel. Training is a critical component, as IS staff must be familiar with the new environment to ensure a seamless transition. Sector7’s migration methodology addresses both the tangible and intangible aspects of migration, including cultural shifts within the organization. By developing a comprehensive migration plan that accounts for all these factors, organizations can minimize disruptions and maintain productivity.

Managing Risk in a Complex Application Migration

Effective risk management is essential for a successful migration. This involves identifying potential problems early and developing strategies to address them. Sector7’s risk management plan covers five key areas: cost, schedule, technical feasibility, operational success, and support. By addressing these risks upfront, organizations can prevent delays and cost overruns. Our methodology ensures that the migration project is well-controlled, with solutions in place for every potential challenge. For example, risk avoidance strategies may involve de-scoping certain features, while risk control measures include parallel subprojects and frequent management reviews. Sector7’s expertise in risk management ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Assessment: Reducing Cost Risk

The assessment stage is critical for reducing cost risk. By conducting a thorough analysis of the existing environment and the target UNIX system, organizations can identify potential cost drivers and develop strategies to mitigate them. This stage involves detailed documentation of software dependencies, data structures, and hardware configurations. Sector7’s assessment process provides a clear understanding of the project scope and ensures that all factors are considered before moving forward. A well-executed assessment reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs and ensures that the project remains financially viable.

Planning: Mitigating Schedule Risk

Planning is essential for keeping the migration project on schedule. This stage involves developing a detailed project plan with achievable milestones and deadlines. Sector7 emphasizes the importance of configuration management and version control to ensure that the project progresses smoothly. The planning stage also includes developing risk mitigation strategies, such as creating prototypes to test solutions and setting up regular management reviews. By addressing potential risks early, organizations can ensure that the migration stays on track and that any issues are resolved promptly.

Porting: Managing and Mitigating Technical Risk

During the porting stage, Sector7’s team works to create a functional UNIX environment and migrate VMS / OpenVMS applications. This involves re-engineering code, integrating emulation tools, and addressing technical challenges. Configuration management and version control are critical to prevent delays and ensure that the project stays within budget. Sector7 provides hands-on training for staff, helping them become proficient with the new system and ensuring that the transition is smooth. Our approach minimizes technical risks and ensures that the porting process is efficient and effective.

Validation: Controlling Operational Risk

Validation ensures that the migrated system functions correctly and meets all operational requirements. Sector7 employs automated testing, with a focus on functional and regression testing, to identify and fix any issues. The validation stage provides long-term value, as a well-tested system is less likely to encounter problems in production. Our testing procedures are designed to uncover and resolve any errors, from embedded application bugs to hardware mismatches. By controlling operational risk, Sector7 ensures that the final system is reliable and ready for deployment.

Productization: Minimizing Support Risk

The productization stage transforms the UNIX system into a fully optimized open systems solution. This involves refining performance, addressing support requirements, and ensuring that the system is maintainable. Sector7’s productization process includes performance tuning, system integration, and the development of support plans to ensure long-term success. By minimizing support risk, we help organizations maximize the value of their migration and ensure that the system remains stable and efficient over time.

Migration in the Real World

Sector7 has extensive experience with real-world migrations, including complex projects involving millions of lines of code. In one case, a client’s initial migration attempt failed due to technical challenges and inadequate planning. Sector7 was brought in to reset the project, and by following our proven methodology, the migration was completed successfully within six months. This example highlights the importance of experience, planning, and the right tools in executing a successful migration.

The Experts

Since 1985, Sector7 has provided expert solutions for organizations migrating from VMS / OpenVMS to UNIX. Our comprehensive toolsets and services address technical challenges, from code porting to system integration, while also managing the cultural and organizational impacts of migration. Sector7’s Professional Services team brings decades of experience, ensuring that migrations are executed efficiently and effectively. Whether your organization needs full project management support or assistance with specific technical challenges, Sector7 has the expertise to ensure a successful migration.

Sector7’s Comprehensive Services

Sector7’s Professional Services group is dedicated to complementing your migration efforts, offering tailored support to meet your organization's specific needs. Our services range from initial consultations to full-scale project management, covering all stages of migration from assessment and planning to validation and productization. We work collaboratively with your internal teams, sharing our deep knowledge and proven methodologies to ensure a smooth transition. With over a thousand successful migrations under our belt, Sector7 is equipped to handle the most complex projects, providing you with reliable solutions and peace of mind.

VMS / OpenVMS Migration Consultation

Our Migration Consultation program provides a comprehensive overview of the migration process, helping organizations determine if migration is the right solution for them. This two- or three-day program includes informative seminars on migration best practices, as well as focused discussions to understand your application’s unique requirements. Sector7’s experts analyze key aspects of your environment, offering insights and recommendations to guide your decision-making process.

VMS / OpenVMS Application Assessment

Sector7’s standardized Migration Assessment Procedure reviews over 200 technical factors, covering aspects such as software architecture, data management, and risk assessment. This detailed evaluation identifies potential challenges and outlines strategies to address them. The assessment concludes with a comprehensive report, providing technical recommendations, a breakdown of required work, and a risk management plan. This ensures your organization has a clear roadmap for a successful migration.

VMS / OpenVMS Migration Planning

Migration planning is crucial for a smooth transition. Sector7’s planning services address all technical and logistical details, from allocating resources to training your IT staff. Our deliverables include a project schedule, resource requirements, and a comprehensive plan that fosters ownership and involvement from your existing teams. By leveraging our extensive experience, Sector7 helps you create a realistic and actionable migration plan with achievable milestones.

VMS / OpenVMS Porting and Application Validation

During the porting stage, Sector7 moves your code to the target platform, addressing technical challenges and optimizing performance. We ensure minimal re-engineering while integrating new technologies as needed. Once ported, the application undergoes rigorous validation. Our testing focuses on functionality, regression, and performance, ensuring that your migrated system is stable, efficient, and ready for deployment. Automated testing strategies help control costs and maintain high standards of quality.

VMS / OpenVMS Productivity Software

To support your teams during and after the migration, Sector7 provides productivity tools that replicate the VMS / OpenVMS environment on UNIX. This allows your staff to continue using familiar tools, minimizing disruptions and preserving productivity. For organizations operating in heterogeneous environments, our solutions offer a consistent interface, reducing frustration and enhancing user experience.

Conclusion

Migration can be a complex yet rewarding journey. With Sector7’s proven methodologies, expert guidance, and comprehensive toolsets, your organization can successfully transition to UNIX, leveraging new opportunities while maintaining the value of your existing systems. Our focus on risk management, detailed planning, and operational excellence ensures that your migration project is delivered on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to your business operations.