eXplain 10

Deterministic Legacy Analysis as a Foundation for AI and Cost-Efficient Modernization

With eXplain 10, PKS is advancing its software analysis platform for legacy systems on IBM i, IBM Z, and Linux for the AI era. Millions of lines of COBOL, RPG, PL/I, or Natural code are not passed to a Large Language Model unfiltered. Instead, eXplain analyzes the application system deterministically and creates a compact, traceable representation: the semantic twin.

Why AI for Legacy Systems Needs a Reliable Factual Foundation

Language models can explain code and describe relationships. But LLM-only approaches fall short when applied to large, complex application systems that have evolved over many years. Individual code fragments do not provide reliable system-wide context, outputs are non-deterministic, and large volumes of unstructured source code increase token consumption and processing overhead.

eXplain therefore provides the LLM with the relevant facts. Parsers and preprocessors identify structures, references, and dependencies. The LLM handles interpretation, documentation, and natural-language queries.

What eXplain 10 Provides for AI Applications: New in eXplain 10 is the export of Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) in JSON format. This makes the identified program structures available to external AI tools as a consistent, machine-readable model. RAG or the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can act as an interface between eXplain and the LLM of your choice. The factual foundation remains independent of the model.

What You’ll Learn in the Brochure: The brochure covers the architecture, use cases, and integration scenarios of eXplain 10. It explains how parsers, preprocessors, and the repository work together and the role AST export plays.

Real-world examples show how eXplain is used in complex legacy environments and how organizations can get started with AI-assisted modernization.

Learn how to systematically unlock the knowledge contained in your legacy systems and use it for modernization and AI applications.

Mockup eXplain Codeanalyse Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain - Download code analysis whitepaper

eXplain - The tool for code analysis on the IBM i (AS400) & IBM Z (mainframe)

Picture of the Whitepaper: eXplain for decision-makers
Whitepaper

The eXplain Whitepaper: “Legacy Systems in the Age of AI”

Rethinking legacy systems in the age of AI: discover how semantic transparency and a “digital twin” provide the foundation for successful AI initiatives.

Mockup eXplain Coaching Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/1/24

eXplain – Coaching Whitepaper Download

Mastering legacy transformation: coaching as a key discipline for consistent success.

Mockup Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Sustainability Whitepaper Download

eXplain - Sustainability as a strategic approach for the transformation of IBM Power i (AS400) or IBM Z (mainframe) legacy applications.

Jetzt das eXplain Partnering Whitepaper downloaden
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Partnering Whitepaper Download

PKS as a partner for IT service providers in order to be visible in the market in a sustainable and differentiating way.

eXplain – Train The Boss Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Train the Boss Whitepaper Download

eXplain – Finally, an end to the legacy dilemma! No more „That‘s not possible, we‘ll do it later, it‘s far too time-consuming“

Image from the eXplainWeb Cartridge Flyer
Whitepaper

The eXplainWeb Cartridge

Modern code analysis - directly in the browser and in VS Code

Wütender Leopard
Leistung 5/12/23

IBM i (AS400) modernization reimagined. Holistic.

IBM i (AS400) modernization reimagined. Holistic. Open to the future.

Lösung

Technical Debt Management - eXplain is future solution

Making technical debt in mainframe and IBM i systems transparent through deterministic analysis.

Leistung 2/9/22

Application development on IBM i (AS400)

We maintain, modernise or migrate IBM i applications (AS400). To ensure that digital transformation does not remain a buzzword, we provide the developer manpower to drive and realise it.

Leistung 2/10/22

Technology transformation

We transfer old development environments and legacy source code to a future-proof basis. ► Enterprise DevOps ► Re-Platforming Mainframe & Adabas/Natural-applications ►CA-TELON Dismissal

Server farm
Leistung 2/14/22

From Unix to Linux with Adabas/Natural

Mit Adabas/Natural von Unix nach Linux

Two people discussing in front of a computer
Lösung 2/14/22

The COBOL Survival Team for IBM i (AS400)

COBOL developers on IBM i (AS400) are a rare commodity. PKS provides a powerful team especially for this application!

Laptop mit vielen Grafiken
Leistung 5/30/22

Software Assessment

Get through the is state of your core systems with the Legacy Software Assessment.

Referenz

KBC – Replacing CA-TELON

Find out, how KBC replaced CA-TELON, saved maintenance costs and enabled innovation.

Referenz

AVUS Group Case Study

How AVUS modernized its IBM i interface with PKS to create a future-ready user experience for business-critical processes.

Four professionals in front of a laptop
Leistung 6/15/22

CA-TELON Dismissal

CA-TELON users are now at great risk - the valuable core applications must be saved!

Referenz

HARK Modernizes IBM i with PKS eXplain

Learn how HARK used PKS Assessment & eXplain to gain transparency into its IBM i applications and establish a solid foundation for a structured modernization initiative.

Referenz

Weitblick statt Dickicht – so gelingt Anwendungspflege

Wie der Volkswohl Bund mit eXplain Transparenz in komplexe Legacy-Anwendungen bringt, Wissen sichert und die Modernisierung seiner IBM-Z-Landschaft erfolgreich vorantreibt.