COMPUTER TRAINING COURSE- COBOL

Source:- Freshersworld

What is Cobol?

COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) was the first widely-used high-level programming language for business applications. Many payroll, accounting, and other business application programs written in COBOL over the past 35 years are still in use and it is possible that there are more existing lines of programming code in COBOL than in any other programming language. While the language has been updated over the years, it is generally perceived as out-of-date and COBOL programs are generally viewed as legacy applications.

COBOL was an effort to make a programming language that was like natural English, easy to write and easier to read the code after you'd written it. The earliest versions of the language, COBOL-60 and -61, evolved to the COBOL-85 standard sponsored by the Conference on Data Systems Languages (CODASYL).

Why cobol ?

Because big government/business is risk adverse when it comes to managing their financial systems. Screw up here and the whole enterprise is put into jeopardy. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

• It is difficult to make a solid business case to replace mission critical systems containing millions of lines of code over what boils down to a "my language is better than yours" type of argument – ok its more complex than that but coming up with a solid business case is difficult.
• Transaction volume.  COBOL applications tend to be optimized for throughput. Batch processing large amounts of data is where COBOL really shines. Java applications are somewhat harder to optimize for throughput because of the tendency to have more infrastructure layers between the program and the "metal" which adds processing drag. Big business/government have a lot of data to push through their systems and throughput is essential.
• Cost per transaction. COBOL generally has a lower cost per transaction when all factors are included. This is partly because processing time costs money, and COBOL applications are generally more efficient. However, COBOL applications seem to have lower development/maintenance costs too.

Job Responsibilities

• Problem investigation, solving and escalate to managers and Business if necessary
• Escalate problems
• Respond and attend to problem reported by the agent.
• PSS standby 24x7
• Provide and implement preventive measures for improvement
• Perform Data Recovery with the guidance from senior staff or project owner.
• Update problem status and details into Remedy and provide logs for analysis.
• Assist in Root Cause Analysis process.
• Understand the SLA and be able to meet.
• Provide first line support to business queries and problem reported.
• Provide guidance to junior staff.
• Develops his/her consumer banking knowledge in order to add additional value to his/her results
• Test and review enhancements / bug fixes
• Effectively contribute to Project / Support improvement plans

Job Requirement

• 1-2 years of experience using development tools such as Mainframe/COBOL/CICS
• Having experience in Control-M/Ctrl-M
• Having Unix knowledge i.e. AIX 5.2, Linux
• Familiar with Windows knowledge, W2000, W2003
• Good knowledge in Oracle Database, Sybase, SQL 2003 / 2005
• Willing to standby 24x7
• Working experience in at least 1 of the following areas is preferred - Mainframe platform (IBM ZOS, CICS, DB2, VTAM) or Midrange platform (Unix, preferable AIX / Solaris / Linux) and WinTel platform.