IBM Bob’s Premium Packages for IBM Z, IBM i, and Java modernization deliver AI-native, structured, repeatable workflows that leverage IBM’s domain knowledge to modernize COBOL/PL/I, analyze JCL for Z, integrate IBM i features, and migrate Java code toward Java 25 with refactoring and dependency analysis.

Bob is downloadable at bob.ibm.com/download with additional details available in the release blog, marking a major new release focused on agentic software development across the enterprise SDLC.

The release introduces end-to-end governance and cost controls, enabling AI-assisted development to plan, execute, validate, secure, and operate software across the full lifecycle.

Industry commentary notes a shift from AI-assisted coding to reviewing and validating, stressing strong governance and cost controls for enterprise adoption.

The announcement references multiple external partners and market analyses, underscoring enterprise modernization and AI-enabled delivery outcomes.

Five modes (Agent, Plan, Ask) are streamlined into three, simplifying workflows to enable scalable, agentic development across experiences.

New regional deployment options in Japan and Europe address data residency and sovereignty while preserving global deployment flexibility.

Bob coordinates AI execution across multiple agents and tools, mapping models to tasks and providing enterprise-wide visibility into productivity, quality, performance, and cost.

Governance emphasizes business intent preservation, risk management, and scalable AI-enabled software delivery for both modernizing legacy systems and new development.

Governance features include validation checkpoints, human approvals, traceable code changes, automated documentation, unit-test generation, and CVE awareness throughout the process.

Blue Pearl reports dramatic efficiency gains in legacy modernization with IBM Bob, cutting a nine-month project with 14 engineers down to about three days, with third-party validation highlighting the speedup.

Customer testimonials frame the speed and impact, showing rapid modernization outcomes and substantial operational efficiency gains.