New Cobol Compiler V6.1

At the same time of the announcement of the z13s, IBM also announced a new version of their Cobol compiler : 'IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS, V6.1 delivers new and enhanced COBOL statements for added function and flexibility (ZP16-0093)'.

Here's an overview from the announcement :

"IBM® Enterprise COBOL for z/OS®, V6.1 exploits the capabilities of IBM z/Architecture® and continues to add the following new features and enhancements:

• The compiler internals are enhanced so that you can compile your large programs.
• New and changed COBOL statements are included to provide you with additional functions.
• New and changed compiler options are implemented to provide you with added flexibility. 
• Support for generation of JSON texts
• The ARCH compiler option allows you to exploit and tune your code to run on your choice of z/Architecture levels of the z/OS platform.
• The OPTIMIZE compiler option allows you to select from multiple levels of increasing optimization for your code.
• Support for the latest middleware includes IBM CICS®, IBM DB2®, and IBM IMS™."

Enterprise COBOL for z/OS V6.1 requires z/OS V2.1 (5650-ZOS), or later and is available on March 18, 2016. Program number is 5655-EC6. It runs on z9 systems and higher.

Like with previous versions, there is also a trial version announced (ZP16-0094).

"IBM® Enterprise COBOL Developer Trial for z/OS®, V6.1, an evaluation edition of Enterprise COBOL for z/OS, is a no-charge offering and does not initiate a Single Version Charging (SVC) period.
Enterprise COBOL Developer Trial lets you assess the value that could be gained from migrating to Enterprise COBOL for z/OS, V6.1, before making a formal decision to upgrade. This trial enables the evaluation of the latest IBM COBOL capabilities, in a nonproduction environment, without the prerequisite time and resource commitments that are required for a full-production migration project. The trial period is 90 days."

Next to this, there's also a Value Unit Edition (ZP16-0095).

"IBM® Enterprise COBOL Value Unit Edition, V6.1 delivers a compiler with a one-time charge price metric that is based on Value Units. The Value Unit price metric supports both full-capacity and sub-capacity environments."

In other words, this is the IPLA (or OTC) version of Cobol V6.1 with a program number for the product (5697-V61) and one for the Subscription&Support (5697-ECS).

Well, that's about it for the new Cobol Compiler. Check out the COBOL for z/OS documentation library for more information. I'm sure the 6.1 documentation will be soon available. If you need even more info you can also have a look at this Enterprise Cobol for z/OS Resources Page.