Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-05
2001-12-25
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C717S152000, C717S152000, C717S152000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06334215
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is generally directed to a methodology for migration of existing computer software systems and, more particularly, to a methodology for migration of legacy applications to new software product architectures.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The following terms when used in relation to computer code or computer functions shall have the meanings provided.
(1) “Application” refers to a single set of functions that support a specific requirement. For example, in computer integrated manufacturing, production equipment maintenance (PEM) can be supported by a PEM application.
(2) “System” refers to a collection of applications that support an overall business. For example, in computer integrated manufacturing, the overall manufacturing business can be supported by a manufacturing execution system (MES).
(3) “Architecture” refers to the foundation and guidelines that all systems within a business follow. For example, for a host-based architecture, host configuration, network design, and data access are all part of the architecture.
(4) “Platform” refers to sections of the foundation for the overall system. For example, Windows NT® is a platform.
Migration of legacy applications is imperative in the modern manufacturing environment. For example, semiconductor manufacturers need to find ways to extend the life of their existing fabricators despite limitations on existing computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems; specifically, such systems cannot support state-of-the-art process control technology. Existing systems have been in place for many years and have evolved into their present condition. With the creation of object technology, frameworks, and other system developments, CIM products are now capable of handling the latest process technology through the use of “plug-and-play” modules. Current CIM products also have the ability to implement business practice changes rapidly and without massive programming efforts.
Unfortunately, the migration of legacy software applications (e.g., pre-existing applications performed by a predecessor software system) to new architectures is difficult and expensive. Each legacy application is typically intertwined with other applications to such an extent that migrating any one section of a system would have a negative impact on many other sections of the system. The only available alternative has been migration of the entire legacy platform. This alternative is prohibitive, however, given the substantial resources requirements, both in costs and labor, and resulting extended system down time.
The deficiencies of the conventional attempts to migrate legacy software applications to new architectures show that a need still exists for an improved migration methodology. To overcome the shortcomings of the conventional attempts, a new methodology is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide an economic method for migrating legacy applications into a new product architecture which minimizes system down time. It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for migrating legacy applications in which current data are maintained on the legacy applications for a sufficient period of time to provide a back out option until the application can be verified on the new product architecture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other objects, and in view of its purposes, the present invention provides a method for migrating legacy applications into a new software product architecture. The key to the invention is a functional conversion module located within a system controller which comprises a migration plan (e.g., database) identifying functional requests to be migrated, whether the pre-existing software or new software is in control, and whether the pre-existing software has been shut off. The functional conversion module further comprises three paths or branches through which a functional request can be routed.
Functional requests which are not identified in the migration plan are routed through the first path and the functional request is sent to the pre-existing software and executed as requested. Functional requests identified in the migration plan for which the pre-existing software is in control are routed through the second path, and the functional request is sent to the pre-existing software and executed as received. In the background, the functional request is translated for the new software and sent to the new software and executed. Functional requests identified in the migration plan for which the new software is in control are routed through the third path, and the functional request is translated for the new software and sent to the new software and executed. If the pre-existing software has been shut off, the task is complete. If the pre-existing software is not identified as being shut off, however, the functional request is sent to the pre-existing software and executed as received in the background. Duplicate requests are suppressed by the system controller.
The present invention provides considerable improvement over conventional migration systems. The present invention provides the ability to migrate legacy applications incrementally, without having to shut down the system for prolonged periods of time. The present invention further provides the ability to test new applications using real data and interfaces. Finally, the present invention provides an easy back out plan, using pre-existing software, which can be maintained for a period of time after migration.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.
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Barker Brian C.
Hartswick Perry G.
Das Chameli C.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Powell Mark R.
Ratner & Prestia
Townsend, Esq. Tiffany L.
LandOfFree
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