RE: Open source ERP

["Shaw, David" <dshaw@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Now THIS is one generous offer!  If this gets off the ground, I'd like to
participate.  Bravo!

Dave Shaw
Spartan Mills
Spartanburg, SC

-----Original Message-----
From: James W. Kilgore [mailto:qappdsn@attglobal.net]

Hello all,

I've been mulling around the thought of an open source ERP
application suite and like the idea.

I like it so much, I would like to start a real discussion
forum for contributors to exchange ideas.

I would hate to clutter up either the RPG or general
midrange-l with this.  David, would it be possible to
establish a new list?

I feel that the first business of order would be to
determine where such development code would exist and what
kind of change management system would be used to control
this.

The second business of order would be the application
functional design.

Even if we just get past the functional design phase, IMHO,
all members would benefit from the creation of a blueprint.

I've noticed that some PC software providers will offer
their prior release as freeware and charge for their current
version.  In that spirit I would be willing to contribute my
company's prior application suite as a starting point.

It's in RPGIII style run through the conversion program to
RPGIV.  There is pretty good isolation of function through
/COPY modules that the contents could be replaced with a
procedure call without overly taxing the base code. (for
example, all CHAIN operations are contained within a /COPY
subroutine)

This would include GL, AP, PR, OE, IC, SA, AR.  Like Ricky
said to Lucy, I've got a lot of 'splainin to do.

We've taken our product to a higher level (we have to earn a
living <g>) but due to support reasons are restricted to
V3R2 features.  IMHO, an open source effort should aim for
V4R3 and let the laggards eat dust.

How about it?

Any takers?  Heck I'll even moderate the list.

James W. Kilgore
President
Progressive Data Systems, Inc.
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