Mainframe Modernization: Core Query Offload to Oracle Exadata

Case study: How our team successfully offloaded Mainframe query applications to Oracle Exadata using GoldenGate, dramatically reducing costs and boosting performance for a key client.

Mainframe Modernization: Core Query Offload to Oracle Exadata

Client Challenge: Spiraling Costs and Performance Bottlenecks

Our client, a prominent institution, faced a critical challenge: their core transaction volume was experiencing rapid growth, placing immense pressure on their existing Mainframe system. This led to several pressing issues:

  • Escalating Operational Costs: The MIPS consumption on the Mainframe was steadily increasing, driving up operational expenses.
  • Diminishing System Responsiveness: Users experienced slower response times for critical query applications, impacting business efficiency.
  • Scalability Concerns: The existing Mainframe infrastructure struggled to keep pace with the projected growth in transaction loads.

The imperative was clear: a strategic solution was needed to alleviate Mainframe pressure, enhance performance, and gain effective control over escalating costs without disrupting core business operations. This initiative spanned from March 2018 to September 2018.

Our Strategic Solution: Intelligent Offloading with Oracle GoldenGate & Exadata

We were engaged to architect and implement a robust solution. Our approach was multi-faceted, focusing on deep analysis, collaborative design, and flawless execution.

Phase 1: Collaborative Blueprint & Winning Strategy

Understanding the intricacies of the client’s environment was paramount. We:

  • Conducted In-depth Analysis: Collaborated closely with the client and engaged with leading technology vendors to perform a thorough assessment of the Mainframe workload and query patterns.
  • Developed a Compelling Proposal: Leveraged our expertise to design a comprehensive offloading strategy, demonstrating clear ROI and risk mitigation.
  • Secured Project Mandate: Successfully articulated the value proposition, leading to our team winning the competitive bid to spearhead this critical transformation.

Conceptual diagram of Mainframe offload architecture

Caption: Conceptual architecture illustrating the offloading of Mainframe queries to Oracle Exadata via GoldenGate.

Phase 2: Seamless Execution with Oracle GoldenGate & Exadata

The core of our solution involved intelligently offloading high-volume, read-intensive query applications from the Mainframe to a high-performance Oracle Exadata platform.

  • Oracle GoldenGate for Real-time Replication: We implemented Oracle GoldenGate to ensure near real-time, reliable data synchronization between the Mainframe (source) and Oracle Exadata (target). This guaranteed data consistency and enabled a phased, low-risk migration.
  • Oracle Exadata for Peak Performance: By migrating query workloads to Oracle Exadata, renowned for its extreme performance and scalability, the client experienced a dramatic improvement in query execution times.
  • Cost-Effective Scalability: This strategic offload significantly reduced the processing load (MIPS/MSU) on the Mainframe, leading to substantial cost savings and providing a scalable platform for future growth.

These strategic implementations in Phase 2 were pivotal in delivering substantial performance gains and cost efficiencies to the client.

Phase 3: Empowering Development with Custom EBCDIC Parsing Tools

Recognizing the complexities of Mainframe data formats, we went the extra mile to empower the client’s application development teams.

  • EBCDIC Data Transformation: Mainframe systems often utilize EBCDIC encoding, which differs from ASCII/Unicode used in open systems. To bridge this gap, we developed and delivered custom parsing solutions.
  • Java & PL/SQL Parsers: We provided robust EBCDIC message field content parsers in both Java and PL/SQL. This enabled developers to easily access and utilize Mainframe data on the Oracle Exadata platform, accelerating development cycles for new applications and reports.

The provision of these custom parsing tools was crucial, enabling the client’s development teams to overcome data format complexities and effectively leverage the new data platform.

Tangible Business Outcomes & Lasting Impact

The Mainframe query offload project delivered significant and measurable benefits to our client:

  • Drastic Reduction in Mainframe Operational Costs: Significantly lowered MIPS consumption and associated licensing/operational expenses.
  • Exponential Improvement in Query Performance: Core query application response times were dramatically reduced, boosting user productivity and satisfaction.
  • Enhanced System Scalability & Resilience: The Oracle Exadata platform provided a robust and scalable environment to handle peak transaction loads and future growth.
  • Mitigated Migration Risk: The use of Oracle GoldenGate ensured a zero-downtime migration for the offloaded query services.
  • Accelerated Application Development: Custom EBCDIC parsing tools streamlined data access and integration for development teams.

Graph showing performance improvement and cost reduction

Caption: Illustrative impact on query performance and Mainframe operational costs.

This case study exemplifies GoodwaysIT’s profound expertise in Mainframe modernization, Oracle technologies (GoldenGate, Exadata), and complex data integration. We are committed to delivering solutions that not only solve immediate technical challenges but also drive tangible business value and empower our clients for sustained success.

To learn more about how GoodwaysIT can help you optimize your Mainframe environment and leverage modern data platforms, contact us today.