Mainframe Modernization FAQs

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for mainframe modernization. Duration depends on the size and complexity of your application portfolio, the modernization pattern you choose, and your business objectives. With AWS Transform for mainframe, customers are cutting modernization timelines from years to months by using agentic AI to automate analysis, business logic extraction, and code transformation. Many customers begin with a pilot application to validate their approach, then scale across their portfolio using a repeatable modernization factory model.

AWS has the broadest set of services, tools, and partner expertise for mainframe application modernization. AWS Transform for mainframe is the first agentic AI service purpose-built to modernize mainframe applications at scale — automating analysis, extracting business logic, and generating modern application architectures. Combined with the AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP), a global network of Mainframe Modernization Competency Partners, and AWS Professional Services, AWS provides end-to-end support from initial assessment through production deployment.

Yes. AWS Transform for mainframe is the primary service for modernizing mainframe applications. Powered by agentic AI, AWS Transform automates the most complex phases of modernization — analyzing legacy codebases, extracting business logic, decomposing applications into business domains, and generating modern application architectures. It supports three modernization patterns: reimagine (build cloud-native applications from extracted business rules) or refactor (convert COBOL to Java with functional equivalence) AWS also offers the AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) for Mainframe, which provides methodology guidance, investment incentives, and partner access to help plan and execute modernization at scale.

Start by exploring AWS Transform for mainframe to understand how agentic AI can accelerate your modernization. You can run an initial assessment of your mainframe application portfolio at no cost. For hands-on guidance, visit the AWS Transform documentation or connect with your AWS account team to discuss your modernization goals and identify the right approach for your applications.