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The COBOL Survival Team for IBM i (AS/400)

COBOL developers on IBM i (AS400) – a rare phenomenon?

Even though COBOL on IBM i (AS400) is not nearly as common as the programming language RPG, applications developed in COBOL are no less valuable to your company. But it’s hard to find developers with knowledge of COBOL for IBM i (AS400), and so valuable software assets are often decommissioned simply due to a lack of staff. That’s an expensive and risky undertaking for your company, often with unknown consequences.

Don’t simply throw your valuable COBOL assets overboard!

20% of all new developments on IBM i are COBOL.

About 80% of all card-based transactions worldwide are based on code written in COBOL.

COBOL is an extremely efficient programming language and is a mainstay of the software market.

Even when switching to new applications, you need to understand COBOL code.

Some of our customers:

PKS’s goal is to put together an effective team especially for companies with COBOL applications on IBM i. We support SMEs on their journey into the future, with extensive up-to-date knowledge and without dogmatic judgements.

At our offices in Eschborn near Frankfurt and Ravensburg on Lake Constance, you’ll find experienced specialists with a wealth of knowledge about cutting-edge programming methods and IBM i features, plus particular expertise in banking and logistics.

Stephan Urban

Based at our Frankfurt office, Stephan is responsible for conducting software assessments and for project management with an emphasis on IBM i (AS/400). His main focus in the COBOL Survival Team is on modernizing applications and connecting cutting-edge interfaces.

Intrepid COBOL developer with over 20 years of experience
Payment transaction specialist (SWIFT, SEPA, Target2, etc.)
IT project manager
Modernization of applications that are past their prime

Stephan Urban

Team & Project Lead PKS Software GmbH

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Andreas Bott

Andreas complements the COBOL Survival Team as a trainer and experienced developer based at our Ravensburg office. He is always up to speed with the latest technology and is happy to share his knowledge.

Well-known COBOL trainer and RDi advocate
Expert on the ILE concept
Always up to date with the latest technology

Andreas Bott

Entwickler PKS Software GmbH

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Terence Page

As part of the COBOL Survival Team at our Frankfurt office, Terence supports our customers in several projects, helping them maintain, develop and modernize their COBOL applications. Born in the UK, he brightens projects with his British humour and has a broad spectrum of sector knowledge, including the insurance and service sectors, industry and wholesale.

COBOL developer with experience in the IBM environment since 1985
Specialist in SQL/embedded SQL in COBOL
Switch from DDS to DDL
Web services with COBOL

Terence Page

Softwareentwickler PKS Software GmbH

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Dietmar Fiesel

Niklas Barth

Niklas is the youngest member of our COBOL survival team. He discovered a liking for COBOL on IBM i back when he was training to be an IT specialist. After completing his training, he supported a large ERP application that was developed in COBOL. But Niklas also has experience of contemporary programming languages (C#) and technologies, and he uses his knowledge to bridge the gap between the two worlds.

Enthusiastic COBOL developer
Experience with Microsoft technology and programming languages
ERP specialist
Web services with COBOL

Katja Siefert

Software Developer IBM i PKS Software GmbH

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Interview with Stephan Urban in DV Dialog [German]

Get interesting insights into the topic of Cobol modernization on the IBM POWER i (AS/400).

The benefits our COBOL experts offer you and your company:

You remain able to perform at your best and avoid bad investments due to risky replacement projects.

You are supported by German-speaking experts with extensive technical knowledge.

You eliminate the risk that arises when internal experts retire.

You receive continually documented source code thanks to smart tools.

Integrating and deploying web services in the IBM i environment posed great challenges for our team of COBOL developers. We found a skilled partner in PKS, and collaborating with them has enabled us to complete the integration quickly. We’re delighted with the professionalism and the solutions provided. Peter Richartz

Peter Richartz Head of Application Development Life Insurance/Health Insurance NÜRNBERGER Versicherung

Here’s how to reach our special taskforce:

Step 1

Contact us by telephone or email.

Step 2

We’ll weigh up your requirements and identify the best support options.

Step 3

We’ll put together a tailored quote and provide resources promptly.

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