As desribed above NetCOBOL for Linux x64 has been created using proprietary Fujitsu technology that has been proven and sold for many years on other platforms. It therefore does not make sense to make NetCOBOL for Linux x64 an Open Source product.

 NetCOBOL for Linux x64 has been created using well-proven technology, both in the front-end with the NetCOBOL syntax processing and the back-end with many parts of the Intel architecture code generator applying to the Linux product. The main benefits this technology brings are:

• Proven reliability
• Highly optimized object code

In addition to these technical benefits, NetCOBOL for Linux x64 also offers a significant business benefit:

• No run-time license fees.

The answer to this question really depends on two factors in the application code:

1. Whether the syntax used is standard ANSI COBOL or includes only those IBM, Micro Focus or NetCOBOL (previously called Fujitsu COBOL) syntax extensions that are supported by NetCOBOL for Linux x64.
2. Whether the applications have extensive screen interactions.

Applications that use NetCOBOL supported syntax and have no or little screen interaction should port very easily to NetCOBOL for Linux x64.

Applications that have extensive screen interactions may take more effort to port. Depending on the design and purpose of the applications, they may be able to transition to becoming Web-based applications using CGI, or take on new graphical user interfaces using a more GUI focused language while preserving the main business logic in COBOL.