RE: RPG UI Frameworks was->RE: Fw: Enhancements to RPG

-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob Cozzi

Amen!
It was actually IBM Toronto who pressed me into writing an
add-on library of RPG IV routines. Sure xTools sells, but you
hit the nail on the head. Most shops want to wait for IBM to
come out with it, then they'll look at it. But its always
been that way in this market space.

If the functionality is baked into the compiler/OS:

- it'll be on every box @ the appropriate release
- it'll fall under existing support agreements & subscription
- it's budgeted for within the cost of the machine
- there will be a tech available 24/7 in case of problems

If it's purchased from a third-party software house:

- it'll usually be an extra cost runtime for every box it's installed on
- it'll usually add 15% per year support/subscription costs onto the expense
sheet
- it's a new budget item line which must be justified (ie: begged for)
- tech support is often email only, and when phone is available, it's
limited hours

To be fair, these same issues arise in the PC world when purchasing 3rd
party libs. But I've purchased a lot of it for my Windows development
anyway. The primary reason that I do so for Windows, but don't for iSeries
is because of the relationship between cost & value. There are many tools
available for Windows development that cost $1000 or (often much) less.
They're feature rich & low cost, due to the size of the market and the
resulting competitive pressure. On the iSeries, whenever I look at a 3rd
party solution, it's always very expensive, and usually comes with
semi-rediculous licensing constraints. That tilts the decision in favour of
building something in house, or moving the solution off the iSeries
altogether.



Regards,

John Taylor