XDM Bringing Mainframe Hierarchies into Modern Test Data Flows

XDM for IBM IMS turns complex mainframe hierarchies into easy‑to‑use, secure test data. It accesses IMS via IMS Connect, maps hierarchical data to relational‑style views, and applies the same masking and transformation rules used for modern databases. This lets teams reuse IMS data in end‑to‑end test and modernization workflows—without needing deep IMS or COBOL expertise.

Bridging limited in‑house knowledge and modern requirements

While IMS continues to host stable, business‑critical processes, most new development happens elsewhere. XDM adds an abstraction layer that hides IMS hierarchies, COBOL copybooks and segment layouts. Testers and developers can request IMS‑based test data through standard XDM workflows and the Data Shop without deep IMS expertise.

Bridging limited in‑house knowledge and modern requirements

Accessing IMS data via IMS Connect and relational views

XDM uses IMS Connect as the supported interface into the IMS environment. Hierarchical IMS databases are mapped to relational‑style views so segments and relationships can be processed like tables and foreign keys. These views are reusable across tasks and workflows, aligning IMS access with IBM best practices while integrating into XDM’s platform.

Accessing IMS data via IMS Connect and relational views

Unified data stream and cross‑platform consistency

IMS hierarchies, including hidden keys that connect parent and child segments, are exposed as columns in a unified data model. Data types and references are normalized so IMS data can be compared, joined, and combined with relational and cloud sources. The same masking and transformation rules used for Db2, SQL Server or PostgreSQL apply to IMS, ensuring consistent anonymization across systems.

Getting started

Unified data stream and cross‑platform consistency

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Test Data Management

XDM is a complete test data management platform that enhances agile teamwork, automates test data workflows, and supports multiple databases with secure masking.

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Mask sensitive data

Secure sensitive data with XDM’s Masking Tool. Protect privacy and ensure compliance with advanced data masking for all environments.

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White paper

Data Masking with XDM

Solution: XDM

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