AI Tackles Aging COBOL Systems as Legacy Code Expertise Dwindles

AI Tackles Aging COBOL Systems as Legacy Code Expertise Dwindles

The US government and major corporations are using AI to breathe new life into their aging COBOL systems, which haven’t exactly aged like fine wine. With a hefty price tag of $1 billion, the Social Security Administration is kicking off a massive AI-assisted overhaul of its COBOL code over the next three years. As coders from the COBOL era hang up their hats, companies are seeing a growing need for modernisation that AI tools like ChatGPT and IBM’s watsonX are now stepping up to tackle.

Source: Slashdot

Key Points

  • AI is being deployed by US agencies and Fortune 500 firms to update legacy COBOL systems from the 1950s.
  • The Social Security Administration’s $1 billion plan aims for a significant upgrade over three years using AI technology.
  • As COBOL programmers retire, organisations face difficulties maintaining critical systems used in banking and pension distribution.
  • Engineers are leveraging AI tools to interpret COBOL code and translate it into modern programming languages.
  • COBOL’s legacy systems are crucial, hence the shift towards AI solutions reflects a growing trend in tech adaptation.

Why should I read this?

If you’re intrigued by how AI is stepping into the ring to tackle outdated tech, this article’s a must-read! It gives you insight into a huge shift in the industry as companies scramble to modernise their systems. Understanding this trend could give you a leg up, whether you’re in tech or simply keeping up with how businesses tackle legacy challenges.