CICS ICE Chain Cache for Mainframe Data Latency

The patent implements a cache system that pre-loads and stores data from multiple database tables before they are requested. The ICE Chain processing system proactively extracts, transforms, and loads data into cache memory in advance, so that when users request information, the data is already available in the cache rather than needing to query multiple tables in real-time. This preliminary action eliminates the time penalty of accessing multiple tables while maintaining data availability.

The patent introduces a cache memory system as an intermediary layer between the legacy mainframe database tables and the users/application. This cache acts as a mediator that holds copies of frequently accessed data, allowing users to retrieve information from the fast cache memory instead of directly querying multiple slow database tables. The ICE Chain system manages this intermediary cache, automatically updating it with fresh data from the tables while presenting rapid access to users.

The ICE Chain processing system performs data extraction, transformation, and loading into cache memory in advance, before user requests arrive. By pre-processing and staging data in the cache during off-peak or background periods, the system eliminates the need for intensive CPU operations on multiple database tables during peak user access times. This preliminary action shifts CPU consumption to when it is less critical while maintaining data availability during high-demand periods.

The cache memory system serves as an intermediary that absorbs the CPU-intensive operations of data processing. Instead of users triggering multiple table queries that consume CPU cycles, the system pre-loads data into the cache with minimal CPU overhead. Subsequent user requests are served from the cache with negligible CPU consumption, effectively using the intermediary cache to decouple data availability from high CPU usage.

The patent extracts the complex transformation logic from the main COBOL application code and places it into separate, reusable transformation modules or services that are invoked by the ICE Chain system. This extraction allows the transformation logic to be developed, tested, and maintained independently from the core application. The logic remains complex and accurate for data transformation, but it is isolated into discrete units that reduce overall system complexity and improve maintainability.

The patent creates universal transformation modules that can be reused across multiple different data extraction and loading scenarios. Instead of embedding complex transformation logic in every individual COBOL program, the system develops generic transformation services that handle various data formats and transformations. These multi-functional modules reduce system complexity by eliminating duplication while maintaining transformation accuracy through centralized, well-tested logic.