RE: Green screen to GUI

> From: David Delisi
> 
> As you may be aware of, Microsoft, in conjunction with a number of
> solutions from iSeries ISVs, launched the Midrange Alliance Program
> (www.microsoft.com\midrange) to show organizations how to use .NET
> technology in conjunction with an iSeries server.

Let's be clear on this.  The MAP was not intended to be about
integrating WITH the iSeries, it was about REPLACING the iSeries.
That's why one of your charter members is California Software.  So
whenever you talk about integration, you're really only telling a small
portion of the story.

Spin aside, VB is fine for DSS, but then again so are Python and Perl
and any number of other languages.  In fact, when it comes to scripting
data presentation, there are literally hundreds of approaches, many of
which do not require being locked into proprietary Microsoft technology.
As just a couple of excellent open source examples, JSP Model II is
quite powerful, or if you want to go thick client you can use the
Eclipse RCP technology.

Again, VB is fine for displaying data, provided you're willing to lock
into Microsoft.  As has been pointed out, however, Microsoft's track
record in preserving programming investment has been quite poor, as has
been their ability to deliver their code in a timely manner. 

Joe