I would say the success of Java in your environment (or any for that matter)
is getting the right people on the project. The "right people" simply means
someone who can evaluate all the different solutions out there and
objectively pick one based on long term visions. Someone who has a solid
understanding of the Java language (relative to the platform - J2ME, J2SE,
J2EE), and has a solid understanding of the iSeries.
The failure of Java I come across in RPG environments is because they were
too cheap to hire professional help. Get someone who knows Java working
with your team, and make sure they can remain objective enough to not come
in and want to scrap the iSeries simply because they aren't used to it (seen
that too many times).
I know that few would attempt building a business application with Java
from scratch on the iSeries, but there are many tools and applications using
and generating Java these days.
Actually, IMO, this is the easiest place to use Java. When you can have a
100% Java, and related tooling, software stack you will find that building
applications is much more simplified (read "out of the box"). That doesn't
mean it is necessarily a good thing though (e.g. doing a mass exodus from
RPG to Java is dangerous for a variety of reasons). If you are talking
about a primarily RPG environment, then my approach is to use Java around
the edges where it makes sense instead of giving it mainstay in the
bowels/heart of an ERP application.
Should Java tools, applications, or generators, be discarded as options to
revamp our COBOL/Synon systems?
I think it can definitely play a role. What type of application are we
talking here?
Aaron Bartell
http://mowyourlawn.com
-----Original Message-----
From: java400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:java400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Luis Colorado
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 12:56 PM
To: java400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: The case for Java on (or out) of the iSeries
Hello, all!
We have an ongoing discussion about using Java in the future to revamp some
or all of our applications running on or with the iSeries. Some people keeps
bringing up the notion that all the companies that tried moving to Java on
the iSeries failed, and that nobody uses Java in the enterprise.
Is that the case? Is that an obsolete notion? I think that there are many
companies using Java for their companies on Unix and Windows machines, but
I'm not so sure about the iSeries.
I know that few would attempt building a business application with Java from
scratch on the iSeries, but there are many tools and applications using and
generating Java these days.
What is your experience (if any) with them? Should Java tools, applications,
or generators, be discarded as options to revamp our COBOL/Synon systems?
Thank you all for your opinions.
Luis Colorado
Applications Development
FMS Solutions
(410) 761-9400 x1233
midrange.com
