Mainframe EBCDIC Data File to ASCII Conversion Using Azure Logic App
Introduction
The ability to move data between different systems is a critical component of any business. For many organizations, this includes the need to move data from a mainframe system to modern data stores. For many years, this process has been done using custom scripts, manual processes, and third-party ETL tools. However, with the introduction of Microsoft Azure Logic Apps, organizations can now easily and quickly move data from a mainframe system to a modern data store with minimal effort.
In this blog post, we will discuss the process of converting a mainframe EBCDIC data file to ASCII using Azure Logic App. We will discuss how to create the Logic App, the different components that are involved, and the best practices to follow when doing this process.
What Is EBCDIC?
EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) is an 8-bit character encoding used mainly by IBM mainframe computers to represent text data. It is a binary encoding, meaning that each character is represented by a unique 8-bit code. This is in contrast to the more common ASCII encoding, which uses 7-bits for each character.
What Is ASCII?
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a 7-bit character encoding used for representing text data. It is the most widely used character encoding and is used by most computers and devices. It is supported by all major operating systems and applications.
How to Convert EBCDIC to ASCII Using Azure Logic App
The process of converting a mainframe EBCDIC data file to ASCII using Azure Logic App is relatively straightforward. The first step is to create the Logic App in the Azure Portal. To do this, click on the “Create a Resource” button in the left-hand navigation panel. Then search for “Logic App” and click on the “Create” button.
Next, you will need to configure the Logic App. You will need to provide a name, select an Azure Subscription, choose a resource group, and select a location. Once you have completed these steps, you can click on the “Create” button to create the Logic App.
Once the Logic App has been created, you will need to add the components that will be used for the EBCDIC to ASCII conversion. These components are the Connectors, which are pieces of code that allow the Logic App to access different services and applications. The Connectors that are needed for this process are the Mainframe Connector, the Azure Function Connector, and the Azure Blob Connector.
The Mainframe Connector allows the Logic App to access the mainframe system and read the EBCDIC data file. The Azure Function Connector is used to call the Azure Function that will be used to convert the EBCDIC data file to ASCII. The Azure Blob Connector is used to write the converted ASCII data file to an Azure Blob Storage container.
Once the Connectors have been added to the Logic App, the Logic App needs to be configured. This involves setting up the triggers, actions, and conditions. The triggers are used to initiate the Logic App. The actions are the steps that will be taken to convert the EBCDIC data file to ASCII. The conditions are used to determine when the Logic App should start, stop, and take certain actions.
Once the Logic App has been configured, it is ready to be deployed. This can be done by clicking on the “Deploy” button in the Azure Portal. Once it has been deployed, the Logic App will be able to read the EBCDIC data file from the mainframe system, convert it to ASCII, and write it to an Azure Blob Storage container.
Best Practices for Converting EBCDIC to ASCII Using Azure Logic App
When converting a mainframe EBCDIC data file to ASCII using Azure Logic App, there are a few best practices to follow. Firstly, always make sure that the Connectors that you are using are up to date. This will ensure that the Logic App is able to access the services and applications needed. Secondly, always test the Logic App before deploying it to production. This will help to ensure that the Logic App is working correctly. Finally, always monitor the Logic App and review the logs to ensure that it is running correctly.
Conclusion
Converting a mainframe EBCDIC data file to ASCII using Azure Logic App is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily create a Logic App that will read the EBCDIC data file from the mainframe system, convert it to ASCII, and write it to an Azure Blob Storage container. Additionally, by following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that the Logic App is running correctly.
References:
Mainframe EBCDIC Data File to ASCII conversion using Azure Logic App
1. Mainframe EBCDIC to ASCII Conversion
2. Microsoft Azure Logic Apps
