Thanks

To All:



As the original poster of the request to start a dialogue on Java and its
suitability for Systems Plus's needs I'd like to thank you all for taking
the time to provide your comments and advise.



For the record let me restate our requirement:

Deliver a robust, browser based application (no part of the application can
reside on the client) to multiple platforms, including Linux, UNIX, Windows
and iSeries platforms.





Our conclusions from all the subsequent posting:

1. Building an application around translators that convert green
screens into HTML code is NOT a viable option - our application must run in
non-green screen environments (Linux, UNIX, Windows) as well as on the
iSeries.

2. Java is very well suited for our needs: delivering a robust,
browser based application.

3. The learning curve for Java is not unlike any other language's
learning curve - it takes time to become proficient.

4. The Java environment IS unlike those with which Systems Plus is
familiar - COBOL, Visual Basic and RPG.

5. To do what we need to do in the timeframe afforded us in native
Java will require us to hire or sub-contract Java skills, not grow them
internally.

6. Java generators such as m-power and GenXus may be a viable option
given the timeframe afforded us.

7. We can attack the challenge in phases (if you are going to eat an
elephant for goodness sake cut it up in little pieces).
For the initial GUI customer (who is iSeries based) the backend processing
can remain as RPG code, as can any reporting programs. When we've proven
the GUI we can move on to the backend processing and the report programs.



Thanks again for taking the time to respond and contributing to our
education.





Roy Luce

Systems Plus - Midwest



Direct: 847-540-9635

800-913-PLUS (7587)

Cell: 847-910-0884

Email: rluce@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx