Microsoft Events presents a session highlighting how Thanumoorthy Sundaresan and John Weston leveraged AI, Sapient Slingshot, and Azure to transform legacy mainframe systems for a US health company.

Advancing Mainframe Modernization with Slingshot and Microsoft Azure

Presented by: Thanumoorthy Sundaresan & John Weston Source: Microsoft Ignite 2025 | ODSP1409

Overview

This session demonstrates a modern approach to resolving legacy technology debt in a major US healthcare company by harnessing the capabilities of Sapient Slingshot, AI technologies, and Microsoft Azure. The company transformed thousands of COBOL screens to a cloud-based architecture, achieving a migration speed three times faster than comparable efforts.

Key Topics

  • Efficiency Gains Through AI-Powered Modernization:
    • AI tools accelerate screen translation and migration
    • Reduction of manual processes, enabling faster turnaround
  • Two-Step Modernization Process:
    • Step 1: System analysis and technical specification generation
    • Step 2: Automated code, test creation, and client reviews with AI assistance
  • System Architecture:
    • Use of FastAPIs for scalable and modern integrations
    • Azure cloud infrastructure hosts new solutions and supports seamless operations
  • Finalization Procedures:
    • Output file creation and technical documentation
    • Pseudocode generation supports validation and quality controls
  • AI-Driven Input Conversion:
    • Specifications produced via AI serve as direct input for further development stages

Impact and Results

  • Migration achieved 3x faster than legacy approaches
  • Significant improvement in operational efficiency and modernization effectiveness
  • Cloud-based architecture enables ongoing scalability and integration of additional services

References and Resources

Session Information

  • Foundational (100), English (US), Pre-recorded
  • #MSIgnite, #Migrateandmodernizeyourestate

Speakers: Thanumoorthy Sundaresan, John Weston

For further learning, explore additional resources and video sessions via the Microsoft Ignite playlist.