PropelZ Expands to Support Any JDBC-Compatible Database as Input
At VirtualZ, we are continually evolving our no-code data access solutions to meet the needs of modern enterprises. Traditionally, PropelZ has specialized in moving data from mainframe sources — such as VSAM files, sequential files, GDGs, and tapes — to the cloud or other platforms. But now, with our latest expanded input capabilities, PropelZ can ingest data from virtually any database that supports JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) — making it a truly universal data integration solution.
Breaking the Boundaries of Mainframe-Centric Data Movement
With this new capability, PropelZ is no longer limited to just mainframe-hosted data sources. Organizations can now:
- Extract data from any JDBC-compatible database: including Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and cloud-based databases.
- Seamlessly move this data across platforms: whether it’s from an on-premises system to the cloud or between geographically distributed data centers.
- Leverage the same no-code transformation engine: ensuring format consistency, automated conversion, and schema alignment across both mainframe and non-mainframe data sources.
This means that an Oracle, DB2, IMS, Datacom, IDMS, or other JDBC-compliant database instance running in one country can now be accessed for read and/or write operations by PropelZ in another country — without requiring local installations or data transfers. This seamless cross-border access is made possible by JDBC’s networked architecture, while enabling global data integration.
Metadata Management: Eliminating the Need for COBOL Copybooks
One of the long-standing challenges of mainframe data transformation has been the need for COBOL copybooks to define record structures. But with JDBC-based sources, PropelZ can now:
- Automatically retrieve metadata from source databases: no manual mapping required.
- Eliminate human error in defining field types, lengths, and formats.
- Seamlessly generate metadata structures that mimic traditional COBOL copybooks but are derived directly from the database schema.
For instance, if your source data is in Oracle and your target is mainframe DB2, PropelZ can:
- Recognize text fields in Unicode or UTF-8 and automatically convert them to EBCDIC for mainframe compatibility.
- Identify numeric fields, floating points, and date formats, ensuring a smooth transformation.
This streamlines integration across disparate platforms and makes it effortless to connect legacy and modern systems.
Beyond Simple Data Extraction: SQL-Powered Inputs
Since PropelZ now accepts JDBC-based inputs, it also leverages the power of SQL. Instead of just pulling raw tables, users can:
- Run complex SQL queries on the source database before extraction.
- Join multiple tables and consolidate data before moving it to the target.
- Apply filtering, transformations, and aggregations (SUM, AVG, MIN/MAX, etc.) directly at the source.
This means enterprises can pre-process their data at the database level before sending it through PropelZ — saving time, reducing unnecessary data movement, and improving performance.
Endless Integration Possibilities
With this update, PropelZ becomes an even more powerful tool for data modernization and cloud integration. Here’s what you can do now:
- Migrate historical business records from legacy Oracle databases to cloud storage.
- Feed structured data into AI/ML platforms like watsonx for advanced analytics.
- Enable real-time reporting in Power BI, Tableau, and Snowflake with live queries.
- Stream transactional data into enterprise integration platforms like MuleSoft and TIBCO.
Whether your data lives on the mainframe, in the cloud, or on distributed systems, PropelZ ensures you can access and move it — no code required.
What This Means for Customers
Simple setup. No friction. Universal access. PropelZ now supports an unlimited range of input sources, making it the most flexible no-code data movement solution for hybrid cloud environments.
If you’ve been looking for a fast, scalable, and no-code way to unify your data strategy, PropelZ is ready to deliver.
Learn More
- Watch a demo of PropelZ.
- Try PropelZ.
- Review all VirtualZ Use Cases, Thought Leadership papers, and Solution Briefs.
- Explore our YouTube channel, podcasts, and blog.
- Still have questions? Contact us.