Average cost to recover source code for a program is between $500 and $1000*, regardless of the number of lines of code.

* - cost is based on the recovery of OS/VS 2.4 noopt compiled programs.  Compiler versions and options may affect the average cost.

If you would like a detailed estimate, see the following:

How to Send Your Programs for a Free Estimate:

Essential Systems Technical Consulting recovers compilable COBOL and ASSEMBLER source code from machine-readable executable object modules.

You can email programs to be estimated to: Estimates@essential-systems.com

Also, please include your full company name, address, phone and fax numbers in your email so we will have the proper information to complete our proposal.

In order to estimate accurately, we need a particular type of file. Please send us:

1. A verbatim image of the mainframe object code-that is, the executable load module . . .
2. . . .in EBCDIC . . .
3. . . .with no carriage-return/linefeed.

Be aware that many download utilities automatically convert files from EBCDIC to ASCII so the data can be used on your PC. In addition, many download utilities automatically add the carriage-return/linefeed after each record received from the mainframe. The technology that SRC uses to estimate and recover your code works properly only when the file is EBCDIC with no carriage-return/linefeed.

Here are two common ways to download programs in the format we can use:

• Microsoft Windows
  If you use Microsoft Windows, your PC probably connects to the mainframe using a 3270 emulator program. These programs usually have menus to upload and download files from the mainframe. Select the "binary" option and make sure the check boxes or options settings for character translation and record formatting indicate EBCDIC (or no translation), and no carriage-return/linefeed.

• IBM SEND and RECEIVE utilities
  If you use the IBM SEND and RECEIVE utilities to copy files to and from the mainframe, these utilities have parameters that translate EBCDIC into ASCII and insert ASCII carriage-return/linefeeds. The following details the command which correctly copies an executable MVS load module from the mainframe to a PC for transmittal to ESTC. Type the upper case exactly as specified; replace the lower case with the specifics of your load module and site conventions:

  RECEIVE c:\yourpcdir\lostprog.lod d:'your.mainframe.partitioned.dataset (lostprog)'

  The single quotes are required. Replace "d:" with the TSO session number in your shop. The above command copies the MVS load module named "lostprog" from the MVS DASD partitioned data set named "your.mainframe.partitioned.dataset" down to the PC and stores the result in the PC directory named "yourpcdir" as the file named "lostprog.lod". By default, RECEIVE copies the file the way we want it-in EBCDIC, with no carriage-return/linefeed.

We'll do our best to help you with your specific utility.