Size of COBOL

Brief 

Micro Focus aimed to estimate the global count of COBOL code lines across all platforms. This stemmed from the current estimate of the size of COBOL, based on mid-1990s data, being outdated. Moreover, Micro Focus saw this as an opportunity to ‘own’ the COBOL space by updating this number.

Using a combination of market knowledge and primary research, the aim was to calculate a single, realistic number of COBOL lines to determine the size of COBOL in existence.

Solution

Based on this brief, Vanson Bourne needed to create a transparent methodology that:

• Takes incomplete knowledge into account
• Recognizes that COBOL users’ knowledge varies by platform, sector, and personal role
• Uses available Micro Focus data sources where possible, and augment with market data if needed
• Takes appropriate advantage of a large number of COBOL users that Micro Focus has direct access to, but also factors in where under-representation of certain platforms exists

We initially ran an extended pilot to test the methodology and calculations. We shared the pilot results with Micro Focus and made the required adjustments.

Discover our vast research capabilities – contact us

Outcome 

As a result, we provided Micro Focus with a reasonable likely estimate of the amount of lines of COBOL currently in use. In addition, it became both a preview and post-results webinar, in which we supported and participated.

Excitingly, if you type ‘Amount of COBOL‘ into Google, this is the featured finding that is brought up.

Let’s craft your B2B research