Lambda the Ultimate

Hi,

my name is Norman, im currently doing a research on cobol,

the topic is "Is COBOL dead or is it still useful?"

im totally new and dont know anything about cobol, currently, the only thing I know is that it is a programming language for bussiness.

Can someone tell me what is the problem with COBOL? why does some people thinks its dead and if its still useful in what area?

or if some of you can find me some useful links please let me know..

thanks very much,