RPG Open Access is here!
looksoftware announces lookserver RPG Open Access (5733-OAR), IBM i Edition, a new IBM i product designed to support the IBM Open Access for RPG (RPG OA) extensions.
What is RPG Open Access?
RPG OA provides a way for RPG programmers to use the wimple and well understood RPG I/O model to access resources and devicesthat are not directly supported by RPG. Using native commands like EXFMT, READ, and WRITE, you can now direct I/O to browsers, mobile devices, and external databases. This is all accomplished by providing a handler to call your F spec instead of the traditional 5250 workstation or database controllers. Our partner looksoftware was one of the first companies to build and provide one of these handlers.
Key features of looksoftware’s RPG OA 5733-OAR support and handler
include:
- Delivery of multi-channel GUIs from native RPG code, including rich
client, RIA, and mobile support, which includes iPhone, iPad and
Android, amongst other devices - Support for existing 5250 apps and system functions like Spool
files, so new RPG OA code can integrate with existing 5250 applications
and deliver a seamless, consistent UX - Support for web services - your ROA code can be automatically
service enabled - The ability to Open Access-enable your existing source code, as well
as develop new functionality in Open Access
Marcus Dee, CEO of looksoftware said “We’re pleased to announce our support for RPG OA which is great news for the large proportion of the IBM i Community who want to continue using RPG for the long term. We see this IBM investment as significant, and very complementary to our multi-channel UX strategy. Our support for RPG OA enables new and existing RPG programs to deliver multiple UI channels simply and elegantly without the 5250 constraints.”
IBM i industry expert Trevor Perry, said of looksoftware’s offering: "IBM is making an investment in the future of IBM i with RPG Open Access. looksoftware adds value to their investment, enabling customers to take advantage of IBM's native GUI. With the capability to deliver multiple UIs from a single RPG program, the looksoftware tools manage the complexity of the myriad of modern user interface clients. RPG developers will focus less on the differences of browsers and mobile clients, and become more productive with the business logic of their applications.”
Most IBM i customers have significant investments in RPG and will appreciate the long term investment protection and reduced risk offered by RPG OA’s native code approach. Customer can create their own RPG OA handlers, use third party handlers and change handler suppliers while maintaining application business rules in native RPG.
Community interest is massive! The looksoftware IBM OA session at COMMON 2010 was overflowing with 150 people and walkaways.
[Contact us] for more information or visit looksoftware at the link below:
