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COBOL's Crucial Role: Powering 95% of ATM Transactions

4/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Despite criticism labeling COBOL as outdated, this programming language remains vital for the Social Security Administration, processing 95% of ATM transactions. Mainframes continue to support its operations, but modernization is essential to safeguard the infrastructure that serves 70 million beneficiaries who depend on timely payments. The stakes are high in this digital age.

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Story summary

Despite criticism labeling COBOL as outdated, this programming language remains vital for the Social Security Administration, processing 95% of ATM transactions. Mainframes continue to support its operations, but modernization is essential to safeguard the infrastructure that serves 70 million beneficiaries who depend on timely payments. The stakes are high in this digital age.