Mainframe modernization can be more than just a concern for businesses: it can affect the infrastructure of an entire government system if not taken seriously. Such seems to be the case for Australia, as that country's treasurer, Jon Hockey, said in a recently posted interview with a local radio news source.
Among other things, Hockey discussed the current state of Australia's welfare payment system Centrelink, which is "in bad shape," as he puts it, and currently creating inefficiencies and extra costs for the government.
Unfortunately, in order to make it more functional and reduce the wait times with Centrelink transactions, Hockey claims that "billions" will be needed. He also noted that the specificity of the mainframe that Centrelink uses makes it a difficult fix.
"Infrastructure is not only roads, rail, and electricity, and water, it is about the provision of essential services," Hockey said. He also stressed its importance by adding that "the two most important computers arguably in the Government are the mainframe for the Australian Taxation Office and the mainframe for Centrelink."
Fran Foo of the Australian notes that the mainframe used is an ISIS Model 204, and that it has been in place for more than 30 years. While the government looks for a possible outside party to help them perform the overhaul work needed, the cost seems like it will necessitate more payments from citizens in the form of tax increases.
Old mainframes can certainly present costly challenges, but companies might have more options than there might first appear to be. A mainframe web-based terminal emulator that also supports modernizing key screens to new web pages could allow for a smooth, cost-effective and seamless transition for a business who know it's time for a change but find the process difficult.