Semantic Designs launches Modernize Software for legacy code migration

Semantic Designs has launched Modernize Software, a dedicated unit for moving enterprise systems from COBOL, PL/I and other legacy languages to Java, C# and Azure. The company says the offering combines its DMS toolkit with automated transformation and incremental delivery to reduce the risk of large-scale modernization projects.

Why it matters: - Enterprises are under pressure to modernize core systems that are costly to maintain and increasingly hard to staff. - The launch gives Semantic Designs a dedicated brand for modernization programs that need to preserve business logic while moving to newer platforms. - The service targets banking, insurance, government, logistics and manufacturing systems that are too critical to fail.

What happened: - Semantic Designs launched Modernize Software, a new business unit focused on migrating business-critical legacy systems. - The unit is built around the company’s DMS Software Reengineering Toolkit. - Modernize Software is available immediately. - The announcement came from Austin, Texas, on Aug. 12, 2026.

The details: - Modernize Software converts applications written in COBOL, PL/I, ADABAS/Natural, JOVIAL, ColdFusion and other aging languages. - Target platforms include Java, C# and Azure-based systems. - The unit consolidates more than two decades of automated software transformation work under one brand. - DMS combines symbolic AI with enhanced compiler technology. - DMS parses entire codebases, including systems with millions of lines of code. - DMS builds a semantic model of the system and regenerates maintainable code for the target platform. - The approach is designed to preserve the original business logic while adopting the architecture and idioms of the new platform. - Semantic Designs says engagements have included terminal operations software for DP World Southampton, platform modernization for ANZ, financial planning software migration and the conversion of the B-2 Stealth Bomber mission software from JOVIAL to C for Northrop Grumman. - Transformations through DMS follow formally defined rules and produce verifiable results. - Generative AI is used as an augmentation layer for documentation, test generation and code review. - Services include code analysis and assessment, legacy language migration, custom language migration and full mainframe-to-cloud modernization programs. - Engagements are delivered incrementally so core operations continue during migration.

Between the lines: - The launch formalizes a shift from one-off transformation projects to a packaged enterprise modernization offering. - Semantic Designs is positioning DMS as a deterministic alternative to manual rewrites, which can be slower and harder to verify. - The company is also framing generative AI as a support tool rather than the main engine of migration.

What's next: - Modernize Software will likely be pitched to enterprises facing rising mainframe costs and shrinking legacy talent pools. - The new unit may expand Semantic Designs’ role in long-running migration programs that need phased execution rather than a full system cutover.

The bottom line: - Semantic Designs is turning its legacy-code transformation technology into a dedicated modernization business aimed at large enterprises that need safer paths off aging platforms.