Multilingual conversion - Ideas ?

Hello,
I am looking for, general solution ideas, regarding multilingual
conversion of existing applications. Once I get some idea then, may be,
I can go in for more detail.

I have got existing application written in ACUCOBOL running in SCO Unix
OS. The database is Flat Cobol files which have the facility of
indexing. Currently only English language is supported. All the screens
and reports are in English.

I am a COBOL guy with not much experience in OOPs/.NET.
Now, if I have to convert it to modern GUI based mulitilingual RDMS
system, where do I begin. I understand that this looks to be quite a
major exercise (I may be wrong!)
Any help with website links or approaches will also be appreciated.

Currently few thoughts that I have got are (Please feel free to point
any problems that these apporaches may have):

Approach 1

1. Convert Flat files to RDMS which has Unicode support. Is there some
tools available through which this can be done?
2. Convert the screen to modern .NET or Java
3. Keep the COBOL code at the middle tier to handle business logic

This will require major effort as I have to catch hold of .NET/Java
guys and think of how to convert existing Flat files. The other problem
is regarding Unix. How to make it talk to Unix.

Approach 2

1. Make an emulator which converts the english screen to different
language.

There will not be any code change, as only the screen will change to
show it in different language. This may slow down the system and I am
not sure if it is workable.

Approach 3

Scrap the current package and buy readymade products. This should be
easy but will lead to understanding the new package and make it
compatible with current requirements.

Thanks for your attention and for any ideas (if any). I hope this is
appropriate forum to ask this.

PNR

.

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