What we offer at a glance
Five product families, plus modernization and expert services. Each card says what it is and who it is for.
SteelFrame
A z/OS-compatible environment for training, development and testing. Each user gets a 3270 terminal, the Studio workbench, VS Code in the browser, an AI assistant, and an API with MCP servers so AI agents can run the system too.
Who it is for: Banks, insurers, government IT teams, outsourcing firms and schools that need a safe mainframe to learn or test on.
SteelFrame X
The same idea for the midrange: RPG, CL, COBOL, DDS, DB2 for i and 5250 screens with subfiles. It comes with sample business applications and their operation manuals.
Who it is for: IBM i shops, RPG teams, and trainers who need AS/400 practice without the hardware.
COBOLStack learning
Mainframe, IBM i and modernization courses. Learners work on their own private environment from the first session. Every exercise is checked by machine, and certificate courses end in a certificate anyone can verify online. Self-paced, or as a cohort for a company.
Who it is for: Individual learners, universities, training departments, and firms that staff mainframe projects.
Coding Tutor
A coding workspace in the browser with an AI tutor beside it. It teaches Java, Angular, .NET (C#), Python and Rust in short steps: the idea, a prediction, a live demo, the learner's turn, a recap. A 3270 terminal covers COBOL, JCL and CICS.
Who it is for: People learning to code, bootcamps, and companies that onboard or cross-train developers.
Agile System Software
The client picks one of 100 blueprints or describes the system they need. The scope and price are fixed before they pay. AI agents build it while the client watches. It arrives tested, deployed and documented, with a 6-month warranty and 6 months of support.
Who it is for: Businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets, and enterprises that need a system with full documentation. English-speaking markets.
Modernization
We move an old business system to a modern platform in small stages. The client approves every stage. The old system proves the new one. Mainframe and IBM i systems go through SteelFrame / COBOLStack. Older Windows systems go through Agile System Software.
Who it is for: Companies that depend on an old system and cannot afford to get the change wrong.
Expert services and licences
Fixed-scope work by COBOLStack: assessments and independent migration checks, ISO 20022 conformance, AI-assisted outsourcing in non-production, and corporate training. Plus dedicated SteelFrame environments under a licence with support and maintenance.
Who it is for: Heads of IT, transformation owners and delivery leads at banks and other large organisations.
How they fit together
SteelFrame and SteelFrame X are the engines. The courses, the corporate training, the expert services and the modernization work all run on them. So a client can start small, for example with one course, and grow into environments and services later.
What platforms it works on
The short answer: the client needs only a browser, and the environment can run with us or with them. The technologies it supports are in the matrix below.
Where SteelFrame and SteelFrame X run
What the client needs
A web browser
- A modern browser on a computer. Nothing to install.
- The 3270 terminal (mainframe) and the 5250 terminal (IBM i) open in the browser.
- VS Code also opens in the browser, already connected to the mainframe through Zowe Explorer.
- An AI assistant sits beside the terminal. It can explain, guide and carry out steps while the user watches.
Optional
The client's own tools
- Zowe Explorer and the Zowe CLI, through a z/OSMF-compatible interface.
- Standard terminal emulators: TN3270E for the mainframe, TN5250 for IBM i.
- FTP, for file transfer and job submission.
- Database tools: DB2 clients for IBM i, and PostgreSQL clients for SQL views of mainframe files.
- AI agents, through MCP servers and an API key.
Which of these are switched on depends on the environment. Ask us for a specific client.
Hosting
With us, or with the client
- Hosted by us. We run the environment. The client signs in from a browser.
- The client's own cloud. Installed in their AWS or Azure account. Their code and data stay in their cloud.
- On the client's premises. Installed on their own servers. Sites with no internet connection are supported.
- Coding Tutor for teams. A dedicated or on-premises instance, at the company's own address.
- Agile System Software builds. Delivered deployed. Hosting and accounts are handed over to the client.
Use
What the environments are for
- Training, for cohorts and for self-paced learners
- Development and testing
- Demos and proofs of concept
- Rehearsing a modernization or a cutover before touching the real system
Not for production yet. The licence covers test and training use. Running live business work on SteelFrame is not offered today.
Target platforms for modernization
When we modernize a system, the client chooses the target platform early in the programme, from the targets we support at that time. For mainframe COBOL, our public material shows conversion to Java. Please ask us for the current list before you discuss a specific target with a prospect. The modernization partner guide explains the method.
Mainframe and IBM i support matrix
SteelFrame covers most of what a mainframe shop uses every day. SteelFrame X does the same for IBM i. Every row below was checked against our public sites and the engines themselves.
No level means "identical to IBM". These are independent, compatible environments for training, development and testing. If a client's technology is not listed, please ask us before you promise it.
z/OS mainframeon SteelFrame
Languages and compilers
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| COBOL | Broad | Compile, link and run. Copybooks, subprograms, and programs that use CICS and DB2. |
| Assembler (HLASM) | Core | The common instruction set, macros and packed decimal. 64-bit instructions are not covered. |
| PL/I | Core | Compile, link and run for mainstream batch programs, including file and stream I/O. |
| REXX | Broad | TSO/E REXX with the usual built-in functions and TSO commands. |
| CLIST | Broad | Procedures with parameters, file I/O and error handlers. |
| Easytrieve | Core | File and field definitions, job logic and basic reports. |
| SAS | Core | DATA steps and the core procedures, such as PRINT, SORT and MEANS. |
| Natural | Core | Programs, maps and data views, working with Adabas. |
| ADS (for IDMS) | Core | Dialogs with maps and processes, run with the IDMS database. |
Job control and utilities
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| JCL | Broad | Jobs, steps and DD statements, procedures with overrides, conditions, IF/THEN/ELSE and generation data groups. |
| JES2 | Broad | Job queue and spool with classes and held output, and an SDSF-style view of job output. |
| IDCAMS | Broad | Define, load, print and delete VSAM clusters and catalog entries. |
| SORT and ICETOOL | Core | The common control statements: sort, merge, include, omit, sum and reformat. |
| IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, IEFBR14 | Broad | The everyday copy and allocate utilities. |
| IEBUPDTE, IEHPROGM | Core | Common source maintenance, rename and scratch functions. |
| Batch scheduling | Core | Imports CA-7-style and Control-M-style definitions and runs the cycle. |
Online
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| CICS | Core | Command-level programs with BMS screens, pseudo-conversational transactions, files, queues, and channels and containers. |
| IMS TM | Broad | Message processing programs and MFS screens. |
| TSO and ISPF | Broad | The ISPF menus, editor with macros, data set lists, panels and dialog services. |
| 3270 | Broad | A 3270 terminal in the browser. Standard TN3270E emulators can also connect. |
| MQ | Core | A queue manager with local queues, the main program calls, and triggering into CICS. |
Data
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential and PDS files | Broad | Real EBCDIC data sets with true record formats, including packed decimal fields. |
| VSAM | Broad | KSDS, ESDS, RRDS and linear data sets, with alternate indexes. |
| DB2 | Core | Embedded SQL in programs, cursors, SPUFI and batch SQL. The common load and unload utilities. |
| IMS DB | Broad | DL/I database calls from batch and online programs. |
| Adabas | Core | Files, descriptors and direct calls, used from Natural and from programs. |
| IDMS | Core | The network database with schemas, sets and navigational calls. |
Security
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| RACF | Core | Users, groups and resource profiles, with an audit trail. Imports a RACF database unload. |
Tools and APIs
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| Zowe and z/OSMF REST | Core | Zowe Explorer in VS Code and the Zowe CLI work with data sets and jobs. |
| FTP | Core | z/OS-style FTP: transfer data sets, submit jobs and fetch job output. |
| REST API | Broad | A documented API for data sets, jobs, programs and administration. |
| MCP for AI agents | Broad | AI agents can upload, compile, run, read results and drive screens, under scoped keys. |
| File transfer | Broad | Send and receive files in the browser, as text or binary. |
| SQL views over data sets | Broad | Read mainframe files as SQL tables from standard PostgreSQL clients. Read-only. |
| Source control | Core | Endevor-style element management, and GitHub or GitLab connections. |
IBM i (AS/400)on SteelFrame X
| Technology | Support | What is covered |
|---|---|---|
| RPG IV, free-form | Broad | Including subprocedures and embedded SQL. |
| RPG IV, fixed-form | Broad | The classic specifications and operation codes. |
| RPG III (RPG/400) | Core | Older-style RPG programs. |
| CL | Broad | CL programs with parameters, message monitoring and file overrides, plus the everyday system commands. |
| COBOL (ILE COBOL) | Core | Batch programs over database and printer files. |
| DDS | Broad | Physical, logical, display and printer files. |
| DB2 for i | Broad | Physical and logical files with keys, interactive SQL, SQL scripts, embedded SQL, and SQL stored procedures. |
| 5250 | Broad | A 5250 terminal in the browser. Display files with subfiles. TN5250 emulators can also connect. |
| Spool and printing | Broad | Printer files, output queues and spool download. |
| Journaling | Core | Journals over physical files. |
| Jobs and operations | Broad | Jobs and subsystems, submitted jobs, the job scheduler, user profiles and object authority, save and restore. |
| Data queues and program calls | Core | Data queues, command execution from programs, and message handling. |
| The IFS | Core | Folders and stream files, with the common shell utilities. |
| REXX | Core | REXX procedures that run CL commands. |
| Connectivity | Core | FTP, and DB2 client access over the standard database protocols. |
| MCP for AI agents | Broad | AI agents can upload, compile, call programs, run commands and SQL, and read spool. |
Which product for which client
Find the situation that sounds like your prospect. The middle column is where to start the conversation.
| The client | Start with | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A bank that needs to train junior mainframe developers | COBOLStack corporate training on SteelFrame | A cohort bootcamp with a private environment for every trainee. Labs are checked by machine, so the training team sees real progress. |
| A team that needs a mainframe to develop or test on | SteelFrame environment | A development or project test environment, or a dedicated instance for the team. No queue for a real machine. |
| An IBM i shop whose RPG developers are retiring | SteelFrame X, with the IBM i courses | New staff practise RPG, CL and 5250 screens in the browser, and follow the IBM i and RPG courses. |
| One person who wants a mainframe career | COBOLStack learning | They register free and start with Mainframe Foundations, then the COBOL on-ramp. |
| A beginner who wants to learn Java or Python | Coding Tutor | A new account starts free with Java from zero. The AI tutor leads every step. |
| A company that onboards or cross-trains developers | Coding Tutor for teams | A dedicated or on-premises instance at the company's own address, covering mainframe and modern languages. |
| A university or training school | COBOLStack courses and training seats | Students get hands-on practice and certificates. Courses can be adjusted for a cohort. |
| A business that needs a new system, such as booking, inventory or attendance | Agile System Software | A blueprint from the catalogue, or their own description, at a fixed price. |
| A company with VB6 or Access applications to replace | Modernization, through Agile System Software | Older Windows systems are moved stage by stage. See the modernization partner guide. |
| A bank that wants to move COBOL off the mainframe | Modernization, through SteelFrame / COBOLStack | It starts with an assessment. The old system proves the new one at every stage. |
| A bank whose vendor is already migrating its system | Migration verification (COBOLStack service) | An independent check that the migrated system produces the same results as the old one. |
| A team that uses AI coding agents on old code | SteelFrame MCP servers | The agent gets a place where the old programs really compile and run, so its work can be checked. |
| A payments team working on ISO 20022 | ISO 20022 conformance (COBOLStack service) | An assessment with evidence, and a test bench for the team's message mapping. |
One question opens every conversation
"What does your system run on, and what do you need to do with it: learn it, test on it, or replace it?" The answer tells you which row applies.
How partners sell each one
For each product: a pitch line you can say out loud, the typical buyer, and how a client starts.
SteelFrame
"Give every developer and trainee their own mainframe, in the browser. No waiting for a real machine, and nothing to install."
- Typical buyer
- Head of mainframe development, training manager, delivery lead at an outsourcing firm.
- How a client starts
- One person: open steelframe.cobolstack.com and register. Registration is free, and working by hand in the terminal, Studio and VS Code is free. The AI assistant and agent calls use prepaid credit. A team: ask us for an environment and a quote.
SteelFrame X
"AS/400 practice and testing in the browser: RPG, CL, DDS and 5250 screens, without the hardware."
- Typical buyer
- IT manager at an IBM i shop, RPG team lead, IBM i trainer.
- How a client starts
- Try it at steelframex.cobolstack.com. For a team environment, ask us for a quote.
COBOLStack learning
"Courses where learners do the work on a real environment, and a machine checks every exercise."
- Typical buyer
- An individual learner; a training manager; a firm that needs job-ready mainframe or IBM i developers.
- How a client starts
- One person: register and enrol at learn.cobolstack.com. A free individual plan is open on self-paced courses, and a paid plan adds review and grading. Free course videos are on YouTube. A company: ask for a pilot cohort.
Coding Tutor
"An AI tutor that teaches each step, then lets the learner do it themselves. From Java and Python to COBOL."
- Typical buyer
- A learner, a parent or teacher, a bootcamp, a company onboarding developers.
- How a client starts
- Open codingtutor.agilesystemsoftware.com. New accounts start free with Java from zero. A team: ask about a dedicated or on-premises instance.
Agile System Software
"Your own business software at a fixed price. You approve the exact scope before you pay, and you own everything."
- Typical buyer
- Business owner, operations manager, IT lead who needs a system and has no development team.
- How a client starts
- Browse the catalogue or describe the system at agilesystemsoftware.com. The site shows the price. The client approves a Build Agreement before paying. A warranty and a money-back guarantee are included.
Modernization
"We modernize your old system in small stages. You approve each stage and its budget. Your old system proves the new one."
- Typical buyer
- Sponsor or head of IT at a company that depends on a mainframe, IBM i or older Windows system.
- How a client starts
- With the Assess stage: an inventory, the risks, a stage list and a price range. The modernization partner guide has the full playbook.
Expert services and licences
"Before you change a critical system, prove what will happen. We test it on a copy that behaves like yours."
- Typical buyer
- Head of IT, transformation owner, head of payments, delivery lead.
- How a client starts
- Write to COBOLStack through cobolstack.com/contact and say what the client needs. Work is fixed-scope and quoted. Licences are quoted for the client's size.
Brands
Two brands, kept apart
- COBOLStack and SteelFrame: everything mainframe and IBM i. Environments, courses, services and modernization.
- Agile System Software: custom business software, the Coding Tutor, and modernization of older Windows systems. English-speaking markets. Never mainframe or IBM i modernization.
Please do not promise
Keep it honest
- Production use of SteelFrame or SteelFrame X
- Support for a technology that is not in the matrix
- "Identical to IBM", or any certification
- A price or a date for environments, services or modernization before we quote
Common questions
Short answers you can give. If a question goes beyond these, bring us in.
Is SteelFrame a real IBM mainframe?
No. SteelFrame and SteelFrame X are our own software, built independently from published specifications. They are not IBM products and we are not affiliated with IBM. They behave like the real systems for training, development and testing. The client's own licensed system stays the final authority.
Can a client run production work on it?
Not yet. The licence covers training, development, testing, demos and proofs of concept, and modernization rehearsal. Please say "test and training environment", never "production".
What does the client need to install?
Nothing. Everything opens in a web browser: the terminal, the Studio workbench and VS Code. Clients who prefer their own tools can ask us about terminal emulators, Zowe and FTP for their environment.
Their system uses a language or database that is not in the matrix. What do I say?
Say that you will check. Send us the list of what the system uses. We answer in writing what is supported and what is not. Please do not promise anything that is not in the matrix.
Can it run in the client's own data centre or cloud?
Yes. SteelFrame and SteelFrame X can be hosted by us, installed in the client's own AWS or Azure account, or installed on the client's own servers, including sites with no internet connection. Coding Tutor is also offered as a dedicated or on-premises instance for teams.
What does it cost?
It depends on the product. Individuals can register and start free. Paid course plans and Agile System Software prices are shown on the sites. Environments, licences, corporate training and services are quoted for each client. Please do not quote a price yourself. Point to the site or bring us in.
Do learners get a certificate?
Yes, on certificate courses. A certificate is issued when the learner passes every required checkpoint. Each certificate has a public page where an employer can check it.
Which languages are the courses in?
COBOLStack courses are offered in ten languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Agile System Software and its Coding Tutor are in English.
Can the client's AI coding agents use it?
Yes. Both engines have MCP servers. An agent can upload source, compile, run jobs, read the results and drive screens. Access is through keys with limited rights, and every call is logged. Access for a whole organisation is arranged with us.
Which brand do I send a prospect to?
Anything mainframe or IBM i goes to COBOLStack and SteelFrame. Custom business software, the Coding Tutor, and older Windows systems go to Agile System Software. Agile System Software never handles mainframe or IBM i modernization.
How is this different from the modernization partner guide?
This page lists everything we offer. The modernization guide explains one service in depth: how a modernization runs, who approves what, and how to open that conversation.
Watch: our products in two minutes
A drawn explainer, 2 min 28 s long, with captions. It tours the product families, what the engines support, and how a client starts. Share it with prospects.
The screens in the video are drawn illustrations. No real company or client data is shown.