The IBM Rational Cobol Generation tools are designed to allow developers familiar with Java, VisualBasic or Cobol to create SOA-enabled mainframe applications by using a platform-independent language -- Enterprise Generation Language -- that is then translated into COBOL.

"There is a perception that the \[z\] platform is not that accessible, that you have to have a lot of skills and do a long apprenticeship ... to create applications for the platform," said Jim Rhyne, IBM's chief architect for the enterprise software platform. "This is a combination of an \[integrated development environment\] and simplified programming language."

IBM also unveiled a slew of new tools designed to help companies integrate mainframe data via an SOA. Many companies have used traditional "screen scraping" tools -- including IBM's own Host Access Transformation Services -- to expose business logic on a System z mainframe so it can be accessed within an SOA. However, they often find that this method requires navigating through several screens and multiple transactions, which can be a drain on computing resources, Rhyne said. As a result, companies are looking for new ways to expose System z data so it can be accessed with an SOA.

By reengineering the mainframe interface to a messaging interface, only one transaction is required, Rhyne said. However, companies then need new tools to help orchestrate the movement of messages and automate business process management.

The new WebSphere Process Server for z, slated to be available in June, is designed to connect mainframe data to complex business processes via an SOA. The new WebSphere Enterprise Service Bus for IBM System z, also shipping next month, will provide transformation and routing of messages within the SOA.