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BruceG · Beginner Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Topics: 1

Hello,
I am planning on set up a consultancy business where the primary services offered will be MS-Access database development, web design & development, and VB programming. However, as a former COBOL veteran, I was considering adding "COBOL programming" to the list of services offered. I do not currently have any COBOL tools, although I could time-share at a local fulfillment house that is running some flavor of legacy IBM mainframe COBOL. In the past I have used both IBM mainframe COBOL as well as some PC-based COBOLs, including MicroFocus, RM, Realia, and MBP COBOL (a German-based firm that was later purchased by MicroFocus).

My question is that if a potential customer was to call and say "Yeah, we have some COBOL work for you", what tools do you think I should have at my disposal, and what types of scenarios do you think I should be prepared for?

BruceG · Beginner Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Topics: 1

Any opinions on this? Or is the inquiry not appropriate for this forum?

Mervyn · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:30 am Post subject:

It's far too general for me. I would have thought you'd use whatever tools the client had to offer.
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BruceG · Beginner Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Topics: 1

I guess what I am asking is what platforms/vendors (in addition to MVS/IBM) are popular today for companies running COBOL apps? For example, is MicroFocus still very popular? I guess I am questioning the likelihood that companies are running one "flavor" of COBOL over another.

I know this whole thing is quite vague, but I am just trying to get a sense for what's "out there", having been away from the COBOL scene for a number of years ...