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-Harry Fratzke
Idea Integration offered us a low risk modernization strategy that was tailored to meet the needs of our organization. They have a solid team, with extensive experience. Their technology toolkit is first class and helped us transition our IT operations to a modernized platform without putting any of our business activities at risk.
-Don Hirsch
Home > Case Studies > Unisys Mainframe Migration
The Michigan Bureau of State Lottery faced many challenging issues that called for an investigation into a Unisys mainframe migration. The existing Unisys proprietary mainframe architecture provided the Lottery few choices for hardware and software and operations. The Lottery sought an open systems solution for running its mission-critical applications that would be more cost effective. The Lottery also desired an architecture that was compatible with a new system implemented in running the GTECH On-Line Gaming System. Existing communications between systems limited performance and functionality. Database synchronization and loading performance was critical to the quick identification of identify lottery winners. Finally, the existing Unisys mainframe was significantly outdated and maintenance costs had dramatically risen. The existing software licenses and maintenance contract were expiring and a new mainframe was prohibitively expensive.
After researching the problem and reviewing similar case studies, the Lottery determined that the best solution was to migrate and re-host its existing mainframe applications to an open-system platform. The key criteria for the decision were; cost, performance, reliability, uptime, software compatibility, and online gaming compatibility. The Michigan Lottery chose Idea Legacy for the migration due to its extensive experience in re-hosting organizations from proprietary environments to open systems.
To understand the scope and complexity of the application systems, Idea Legacy analyzed the programs and databases that the Lottery wanted to migrate. A statement of work was developed to outline all the responsibilities, deliverables, and costs. Idea Legacy then worked in partnership with the Lottery to create a comprehensive project plan. This plan provided a detailed list of deliverables and timeline for completion. During the project, Idea Legacy provided training and mentoring in the use of the conversion and development tools for the new platform; database and data conversion; program conversion, testing assistance, and project management expertise.
Idea Legacy successfully completed a smooth Unisys mainframe migration in partnership with the Lottery. Due to the foresight of the Lottery staff, they can now select the best products for the new platform and experience a more seamless and cost-effective operation. The purchase of a new mainframe was not necessary therefore saving the citizens of Michigan over $1.5 million.
The Michigan Bureau of State Lottery has generated revenue and provided quality entertainment for the State of Michigan, consistent with the public good for over thirty years. In fiscal year 2003, the Lottery reported annual sales of over $1.6 billion and generated over $586 million for the State School Aid Fund supporting public education throughout the state. Retailers received annual commissions of over $121 million while Michigan Lottery players collected prizes over $919 million.
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