Unlocking IMS Data for Modernization

How PropelZ™ Eliminates ETL and Custom Coding

For enterprises running IBM IMS databases, integrating data into cloud, AI, and analytics platforms has traditionally required complex ETL processes and custom coding — slowing down modernization and increasing costs. PropelZ changes that. PropelZ unlocks IMS data for your modernization efforts by providing a simple, no-code way to move IMS data from the mainframe to any cloud or analytics platform — without ETL, manual coding, or failed connectors.

The Challenge: IMS Data Access for Modernization

IMS databases power mission-critical workloads across industries, but organizations struggle with:

  • Lack of Native IMS-to-Cloud Connectivity: Moving IMS data to Databricks, BigQuery, Snowflake, and other platforms often requires extensive custom scripts.
  • Failure of Existing Connectors: Many third-party IMS connectors fail to deliver reliable data extraction, leading to abandoned projects.
  • Dependence on ETL and Manual Coding: Traditional approaches require time-consuming, costly development work to extract, format, and transfer data.

How PropelZ Solves the IMS Data Challenge

PropelZ eliminates these roadblocks by providing a simple, no-code way to move IMS data from the mainframe to any cloud or analytics platform, without ETL, manual coding, or failed connectors. Here’s how it works:

  1. Extract IMS Data Seamlessly: PropelZ leverages standard IBM IMS utilities to extract data in the required format, eliminating the need for custom coding.
  2. Apply Copybooks for Data Transformation: PropelZ reads COBOL copybooks to automatically interpret IMS records, ensuring seamless data transformation.
  3. Stream Data to Any Cloud Destination: IMS data can be pushed directly to Databricks, Google BigQuery, AWS, Snowflake, or any cloud analytics platform.

Why This Matters

  • No More Failed Connectors: Unlike third-party connectors that struggle with IMS, PropelZ works out of the box using standard IMS utilities.
  • Eliminates ETL and Middleware: PropelZ removes the need for complex ETL pipelines, reducing infrastructure costs and operational complexity.
  • Accelerates AI and Analytics: PropelZ ensures IMS data access, enabling faster AI-driven insights and cloud-based analytics.

Real-World Example: Replacing a Failed IMS Connector

A major enterprise attempted to use a third-party IMS connector to move IMS data to a data lakehouse. The solution failed to support IMS, forcing them to abandon their efforts.

With PropelZ, they can:

  • Extract IMS data using native IMS utilities.
  • Automate the transformation process with COBOL copybooks.
  • Seamlessly push IMS data to their data lakehouse — without ETL.

The Bottom Line: IMS to Cloud, Without the Hassle

For organizations looking to modernize IMS data access, PropelZ provides the fastest, most reliable path to cloud, AI, and analytics — without failed connectors, ETL headaches, or custom coding.

Learn More

Latest Blog Posts

PropelZ Case Study: From Installation to Operation in 24 Hours

PropelZ Case Study: From Installation to Operation in 24 Hours

At VirtualZ™, we take pride in creating software solutions that are not only innovative but also user-friendly and efficient.  PropelZ™, our no-code data integration software, exemplifies this commitment by streamlining the process of extracting, transforming, and...

Seamless Lozen™ Installation at AWS

Seamless Lozen™ Installation at AWS

From Download to Operation in a Few Hours In a recent interview, Gilberto Biondo, a Sr. Specialized Solutions Architect at AWS, discussed their experience installing and configuring Lozen at AWS. Joined by VirtualZ’s CTO, Vince Re, Gilberto discusses the smooth...

Lozen Case Study: From Installation to Operation in 24 Hours

Lozen Case Study: From Installation to Operation in 24 Hours

At VirtualZ™, we are committed to creating software solutions that are not only innovative but also easy to install and manage.  One such product is Lozen™, which enables real-time, read-write data access across platforms.  Recently, Jerry Edgington, a Senior...