Mercedes Benz (MB) – SPICS

Status Mainframe System

• Relatively new system - good system design
• Addresses MB specific business functionality
• Supports MB parts strategies
• Large user base - currently installed in 10 countries
• Needed in at least 4 additional countries
• Users are highly satisfied with functionality
• 5 Support Systems

Critical Success factors for Project

• Complete the migration within one year
• Preserve 100% of the current functionality, minimize user re-training
• Performance must be comparable to the existing system
• Dual Client Support - PC and ASCII terminals
• Must be multi-tiered, client-server, industry standards based
• Facilitate quick implementation of enhancements
• Easier on-line integration with other systems
• Must be scaleable and portable, with acceptable performance to accommodate countries of all sizes
• Availability on UNIX and Windows NT
• Reduce HW/SW supplier dependence

ENVIRONMENTS

• Current Environment
  • IBM MVS / VSE
  • JCL
  • Interfaces: VSAM File Transfer, RFTS, APPC - LU 6.2
• Application - Source
  • IDMS/DC
  • COBOL 74, ADS/Online, Assembler
  • 3270 Screens
  • Online & Batch
• Application Statistics
  • 3.8 Million Lines of Code
  • 278 screens
  • 200 IDMS members
  • 20 GB Data
  • 2-34 hr batch cycle; 176 Batch Prg

Results

• Solution
  • Re-Architect to multi-tier Client/Server
  • Maintain Application in COBOL on MF, rearchitect changes automatically on C/S
  • Enhance with new technologies
• Application - Target
  • Client - Operate on any front end. Visual works; VB; 3270 Functionality
  • Functionality - ANSI C
  • Data - Oracle
  • Environment - UNIX; NT; MF
• Benefits
  • Easily able to scale application
  • Easily able to add modifications
  • Supports MB & non-MB dealers