Mainframes still power the core workflows of many enterprises. The real asset on those systems is the data: DB2 tables, VSAM files, IMS records and EBCDIC encodings that feed billing, transactions, and business logic. When modernization plans treat data as an afterthought, projects stall and risk spikes. Maxis Technology and the Alchemize platform recommend a different recipe: start with the data, move it cleanly, and then modernize everything that depends on it.
Why data-first matters
Modernization projects that begin with application code or infrastructure often discover the hard truth later: mainframe data is complex, tightly coupled, and fragile. Tackling data first reduces uncertainty, shortens timelines, and gives teams a validated foundation for application and infrastructure work. Alchemize positions itself as an automated, secure data bridge from IBM Z to modern targets, letting teams validate data fidelity before costly downstream tasks begin.
What Alchemize solves
Mainframe data uses formats and encodings unfamiliar to modern stacks: EBCDIC character sets, VSAM and sequential flat files, packed decimals, and COBOL copybook layouts. Alchemize automates conversion tasks such as EBCDIC to ASCII, VSAM and flat-file conversion, and packed decimal handling so mainframe data becomes structured and usable on cloud databases. The platform also supports live replication of DB2 for z/OS to modern targets to enable reporting and analytics without consuming mainframe CPU.
A clear, repeatable pathway
Alchemize and Maxis Technology recommend a simple, repeatable three-step flow:
- Connect and replicate
Securely attach to z/OS and begin replication without impacting production performance. Start with a live, validated copy of the data on the target. - Transform and validate
Convert legacy formats to modern equivalents while continuously validating against the source to ensure integrity and auditability. - Cut over with confidence
With a live, validated target already running, application cutover becomes a low-risk, predictable event.
This sequence is the heart of the data-first approach and is designed to remove surprises during the most critical phases of modernization.
Speed and automation at scale
Alchemize emphasizes automation and shortened schedules. The platform is built to convert databases and systems in hours rather than days, and Maxis Technology states that a replatform can be performed in as little as four weeks regardless of platform or database size. Features such as a Replatforming Wizard, a code-free environment, and a compatibility matrix minimize manual effort and reduce conversion errors. The result is a repeatable, auditable migration path with fewer hands-on steps.
Practical benefits
From the published materials, a data-first replatforming approach with Alchemize delivers several concrete advantages:
- Reduced project risk through early data validation and continuous verification.
- Live replication to support analytics and reporting without burdening mainframe CPU.
- Automated conversions of legacy formats so data is ready for modern databases.
- A repeatable, auditable execution model backed by job controls, reverse engineering, and built-in methodology.
When to choose a data-first replatform
Consider this approach when your modernization requires preserving production availability, ensuring high data fidelity, or converting complex mainframe data types such as EBCDIC, VSAM, IMS, packed decimals, or COBOL copybooks. Alchemize is positioned as the tool to build a reliable data bridge first, then use the validated data to drive application and infrastructure decisions.
Find out how Maxis Technology and Alchemize can help you handle the most complex data management challenges by contacting Julian McKay at 844.696.2947 or at our contact page.