I have been working for some months on a large project to move COBOL, APLICATIONMASTER and SCL batch programs from an ICL mainframe to windows and SQL databases.

SCL being a mainframe scripting language has been relatively simple to convert into PERL the hardest part being a way to varify parameter types and lenght before launching the COBOL. We have even managed to replicate mainframe users in Perl.

However on the COBOL side especially APLICATIONMASTER things are not so good the translation to a windows COBOL has been very frustrating.

It has crossed my mind to try to write a module which translates COBOL to Perl and cut out the middle man so to speak. COBOL liecences are expensive as well and COBOL programmers must retire one day, dont they

Can anyone see any pit falls in this idea or has someone beaten me to it? I would be really greatfull for your thoughts on this subject. It would require me to lean COBOL however which might be interesting

UPDATE Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to add there thoughts on this subject. I realised it was a tall order but even if I dont go forward with my idea reading the links people have added has opened up many new areas for me. Thanks again.