RE: Saving the System i: Fight Rather Than Switch -- MIDRANGE-L

Mark: is there any reason why you can't create a GUI using existing
keywords in DDS for example a text box in a Windows application is
nothing more than a window with an i/o field which can be created in DDS
with the key word Window. I know it takes a bit of typing as opposed to
just dragging an object onto the screen from a toolbar, but the result
is the same and you can use the mouse, and have Pushbuttons and so on...

JMHO


******************************************
Don Wereschuk
ISD  - Programmer/Analyst
Simcoe Parts Service Inc.
Phone:   705-435-7814          Ex: 302
Fax:         705-435-6746
mailto:dwereschuk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
******************************************
 "Save the Cheerleader - Save the world"  - Hiro Nakamura
-----Original Message-----
From: M Lazarus [mailto:mlazarus@xxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 2:30 PM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Subject: Re: Saving the System i: Fight Rather Than Switch

Trevor,

 Having an HTTP server does NOT match my definition of GUI.  I want to
be
able to (at least start to) GUI'ize my applications by using the EXFMT
keyword (maybe w/ some extensions) and not have to have multiple
"threads" within the program whether the client is a browser or green
screen.  This would make a basic browser session within reach of the
average RPG programmer.

 I believe that it would be used FAR more than anything that is
available
now, in short time - giving the applications programs a large facelift. 
More sophisticated techniques could be added later, depending on the
user's programming proficiency and the capabilities IBM is will to build
in.  I'm sure that they could tap into many existing routines to get the
job done, so it would be a "from the ground up" effort.

 -mark

Mark,

Most people here know my thoughts on this. GUI can improve

productivity by

30 to 80 percent. And, it costs MORE for green training in today's

modern

world. Data entry is human-error-prone outdated and can be replaced by
myriads of choices. Green screen is simply kept for familiarity and
resistance to change.

I think that the System i can ALREADY be defined as matching the GUI
definition you have - it has an HTTP server. I think it is YOUR
applications
that are not up to speed. That is what is giving the System i the bad

rep

-
not the OS..

Trevor


----- Original Message -----
From: "M. Lazarus" <mlazarus@xxxxxxxx>
To: "Midrange Systems Technical Discussion" <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 12:16 AM
Subject: Re: Saving the System i: Fight Rather Than Switch

Trevor,

 For the record, from a practical, business data entry standpoint, I
don't think that a GUI has a major advantage over green screen (the
exception being navigation.)  In fact, it may be a hindrance.  But,
when it comes to identifying a screen / panel as being modern of old,
a half decent GUI will look and fell more comfortable to the average
user and manager and person in a software purchasing position.

 Enhancing an application is a lot different than making it a
crucial part of your application.  If I require a third party GUI
application to market together with my software, then it's usually a
non-starter.  It might be OK as an optional component.

 BUT, and here's the key, you can throw as many 3rd party GUI
vendors as you out there into the mix, but the system won't be known
in the marketplace as having a native GUI.

 As far as the name is concerned, if IBM was truly pushing the brand
name - AND added the modern, very visible components, then I think
that it would make a difference.  Anything else and it doesn't make
much difference.


 -mark


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