Anthropic: AI helps break the cost barrier to COBOL modernization (claude.com)

Anthropic has announced a significant breakthrough in COBOL modernization by leveraging AI to reduce the cost and complexity associated with updating legacy code. Traditionally, understanding and rewriting COBOL—which powers critical infrastructure like ATM transactions and airline systems—was prohibitively expensive due to the need for extensive manual analysis and documentation. However, tools like Claude Code can now automate the mapping and exploration of COBOL codebases, allowing teams to modernize these systems within months rather than years. This innovation is crucial for the AI/ML community as it addresses the urgent need for modernizing aging systems that are increasingly difficult to maintain due to dwindling expertise in COBOL. AI's capability to identify hidden dependencies and document complex workflows ensures a smoother transition while preserving the operational integrity of legacy systems. By automating time-intensive tasks, developers can focus on strategy and risk management, ultimately changing the economic landscape of legacy modernization projects. The approach enables organizations to undertake modernization confidently, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and reduced reliance on outdated technologies.