AW: Browser enabling RPG programs

Hi,

(sorry I was to fast last time)

I think the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get a Web-GUI for an old
green screen application is to use IBM's Webfacing. You only have to check
if you use DDS-Keywords that are supported by Webfacing. 
This can be done with the SURVEY tool that can be downloaded from the IBM
Websites.  

If you didn't use unsupported DDS-Keywords (otherwise you have to remove or
change them), you can start your Webfacing project and convert your
DDS-Sources into JSPs.
After converting you create an *.ear file an put it on the HTTP-Server and
you already can run your application from a browser. (Alternatively you can
run your application from green screen).
If you change your DDS, just reconvert it into JSPs, generate a new *.ear
file and deploy it again.
It is also possible to add Websettings. These Websettings are added as
comments into the DDS and will be considered when converting.

My very first Webfacing project (only converting existing green screen
without any additional features) to me 3 days (for around 800 display files.
I had to do some minor changes in the DDS and in our programs. After 3 days
you already could work with the application from a browser.

For more information there are a lot of redbooks and articles on the IBM
sites:
The IBM Webfacing Tool
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/awdtools/wdt400/about/webfacing.html

... But to be honnest Webfacing is only a solution to get fast a Web-GUI! If
you want to have a real Webapplication (that works like a webapplication and
not like a green screen, you have to change your program logic)

Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards

Birgitta Hauser

"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." (Les
Brown)
"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." (Derek Bok) 



-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] Im
Auftrag von Roy Luce
Gesendet: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 21:31
An: rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Betreff: Browser enabling RPG programs


To all:

 

Systems Plus is a small ISV with a 10 year old RPG package for
manufacturers.

 

Some of the package's programs are truly batch - they have no user
interface.  

Others are heavily user interface oriented - gather inquiry parameters,
process the inquiry, present the results and offer a printing option.

 

It is now time to redo the user interface so it is compatible with web
browsers rather than terminal emulators such as Client Access.  

 

Our objective is to support the client(PC)/Server(AS400) environment, moving
the entire presentation segment of the application out to the PCs.

 

We'd be interested in hearing about the tools you've used to accomplish this
objective in the past and what you'd do differently if you had to do it over
again.

 

 

Roy Luce

 

Systems Plus - Midwest

 

Direct:   847-540-9635

      800-913-7587

Cell:      847-910-0884

Fax:      847-620-2799

Email:   rluce@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:LWL@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>