PeopleSoft and the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler

Frequently Asked Questions About PeopleSoft and the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about PeopleSoft applications and the Micro Focus COBOL software.
The Micro Focus COBOL Compiler is a software program that converts COmmon Business Orientated Language (COBOL) source code, a programming language developed in the 1960s, into code that can be executed on a computer.

Some PeopleSoft applications use routines written in Micro Focus COBOL. Since COBOL is primarily suited to batch processing, you'll likely use COBOL with applications like PeopleSoft Payroll. There are two components: a runtime engine and a compiler. You will typically only have a few named persons that will actually use the compiler, but you could have up to thousands of runtime users, based on the usage of certain applications.
What is the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler and when do I need it?



Micro Focus has two main COBOL Compiler suites:
Net Express—Microsoft Windows platform.
Server Express—UNIX platforms.


Some products within PeopleSoft Human Resources Management (HRMS), Financial Management Solutions, and Supply Chain Management use Micro Focus COBOL routines. PeopleSoft Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Performance Management, and Portal solutions do not use Micro Focus COBOL routines. Find a complete list of PeopleSoft products that contain routines written in COBOL in our

If you have licensed any of these products you must have Micro Focus COBOL in order to initially compile the code when installing the software, and to re-compile the code if any fixes are necessary, you will need the Micro Focus Compiler.
Can I use a different COBOL Compiler from vendors like AcuCOBOL or IBM?


No. The PeopleSoft routines written in COBOL are specifically written for the Micro Focus
Compiler syntax. They will not work correctly with other COBOL Compilers from manufacturers
such as Ryan McFarland, AcuCOBOL, and IBM.

Can I customize the delivered COBOL code?



Yes, however, we discourage customization because we don't support customized code.

I never used to compile COBOL unless I added a fix, why do I need this now?



With PeopleSoft 8.4 we delivered the Micro Focus COBOL code as source and not compiled. In previous versions we delivered the source code and compiled code. To avoid the potential for mismatches in compiled versions we ship, and newer versions of the COBOL Runtime Engine/Compiler at installation time, it is safer that the sources are re-compiled during the installation process. This also has the added benefit of reducing the amount of binaries that we ship on the CD.

Who are Micro Focus and Merant?



Micro Focus is the vendor. Merant acquired Micro Focus in 1999. However the company returned to private ownership in August 2001.

What do I have to buy?



Consult the Supported Platforms section to determine the version of Micro Focus COBOL that has been certified with your PeopleSoft application, database, and operating system.
Why is Micro Focus COBOL not included with my PeopleSoft software?



Most PeopleSoft contracts include Micro Focus COBOL as a separate line item, however, some contracts do not include this additional license for many reasons. Some of our products do not require COBOL (for example, PeopleSoft CRM).


Please contact your account manager for more information regarding license costs.

Where do I buy Micro Focus COBOL Compiler??



While a number of vendors sell the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler, Oracle/PeopleSoft has negotiated a very competitive price for a compiler package that includes a license covering an unlimited number of run-time users. This is crucial for a PeopleSoft Enterprise system because the same run-time license from another vendor would invariably be priced on a per-CPU basis and result in a much higher price. In addition , Oracle/PeopleSoft is best equipped to support the installation and use of the product within a PeopleSoft infrastructure. For these reasons it is highly recommended by both Micro Focus and Oracle that you purchase the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler software directly from Oracle.

Do I need a support contract with Micro Focus?



No, if you purchase the Micro Focus COBOL Compiler from PeopleSoft, it will include a support contract.

Do I need Net Express or Server Express and which version?



To determine which version of which product you need, please check the Supported Platforms section for your database and operating system combination.

Which PeopleSoft products require Micro Focus COBOL?

In the COBOL Validator spreadsheet attached below, you will find a listing of PeopleSoft Enterprise products and an indication of whether COBOL is required for that product. The criteria for determining whether COBOL is required for your product is based on the following:

1. COBOL code is in the product that is delivered on the CD; or,
2. There is a required dependency with another product that has COBOL delivered under their product on the CD. A "required dependency" means that a customer has to have this other product along with their product.

Examples include:

General Ledger has COBOL that is delivered on the CD, so the COBOL requirement is "yes".
Resource Management has No COBOL they deliver (and no required dependency on a product that has COBOL) so the requirement is "no".
Supply Planning has no COBOL they deliver, but they have a required dependency on Inventory (who does deliver COBOL), so the requirement is "yes".
Please contact your customer service executive or the PeopleSoft Global Support Center if you have any questions regarding COBOL designated products.



What are NetExpress and Server Express?



Which PeopleSoft product lines use Micro Focus COBOL?

The COBOL Validator attached shows the individual product lines and products that require COBOL. As mentioned previously, this chart is a list of PeopleSoft product line products that contain routines written in COBOL. Please contact your customer service executive or the PeopleSoft Global Support Center if you have any additional questions regarding COBOL designated products.

How much does it cost to license Micro Focus COBOL?

Please contact your customer service executive or the PeopleSoft Global Support Center for current pricing.