Business Computer Design Int'l. (BCD) has enhanced WebSmart PHP, its rapid PHP Web application development tool for IBM i and System i computers, by adding new features designed to bolster developer productivity, leverage existing RPG programs, and facilitate working in environments with multiple database or server platforms, the company announced today.
WebSmart PHP, first introduced in September 2007, has become a successful addition to BCD's integrated System i ClearPath Modernization suite, the company notes. Besides WebSmart PHP, the suite includes WebSmart ILE, Nexus Portal, Clover Query, Catapult, and SmartCharts.
New Wizard and Template Feature
WebSmart PHP V2.0 includes a new wizard that eliminates the need to code the many required lines of PHP to call existing RPG programs. The wizard guides developers by prompting them for the program name, library, and parameters, and then generates the PHP code.
V2.0 also includes expanded template capabilities. WebSmart templates include powerful built-in programming logic and functionality and help developers create professional-looking programs.
Responding to Users
More than 75 complete pre-configured application templates are already included in WebSmart PHP. But through its support desk, BCD discovered that developers frequently create custom templates to match the appearance and functions of other programs in their enterprises. BCD wanted to simplify that process, so now WebSmart PHP V2.0 helps users create custom program template families with a new feature that facilitates copying elements from existing program templates.
Copy Templates Feature
The Copy Templates feature creates a new template family and incorporates the template files on the PC. All related CSS files on the IFS will properly reference the new CSS file and directory in the new templates automatically.
Separate System i repositories have been incorporated into V2.0, so each time WebSmart PHP is installed on a new server, the tool will create a separate repository for all the business rules used on that server. Developers can easily toggle between these repositories with a drop-down box in the WebSmart IDE Repository window.
Multiple Systems and Databases
WebSmart PHP offers a wide variety of platform options for hosting applications on different servers, accessing different databases, and working on multiple System i machines. A new "define-developer-environment" feature will be useful for programmers who work on multiple systems or databases. This feature enables programmers to set up entire Web application development environments in a single WebSmart IDE. An environment consists of configuration settings for the servers that you can manipulate in WebSmart including the system FTP, database servers, and System i. In the previous version, you would have to change your default settings to display this information.
Reduces Development Time
Trevor Perry, CTO of KMR Systems Corp., and recognized System i industry programming authority, has used WebSmart PHP for several projects and says, "KMR Systems has adopted WebSmart PHP to extend our applications beyond the green screen. We are able to provide improved access to information in our existing application suite, through the browser, to multiple deployment vehicles, in much reduced development times."
Perry adds, "KMR is also developing new application modules with WebSmart PHP and Nexus Portal for application frameworks, allowing us to extend our existing DB2, SQL, and ILE RPG IV applications beyond their limits, without losing the investment we have already made. And with BCD's attention to training and support, rapid development is a reality."
Requirements
A minimum IBM i/i5/OS release level of V5R3M0 is necessary to run WebSmart PHP V2.0. TCP/IP and Zend Core must also be running on your System i. Zend Core is an enhanced version of open source PHP with resources and capabilities specific to IBM i/i5/OS. Zend Core is free and can be downloaded at www.zend.com/en/products/core/downloads. A server side run time license is not required for WebSmart PHP. The development environment should include a PC minimally running Windows 98 and Internet Explorer 4. WebSmart PHP shares a development environment with WebSmart ILE and both versions are transferred in a single download. Live Webinars on BCD solutions are held several times weekly. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please visit www.bcdsoftware.com/iseries400solutions/webcasts/ for a current schedule. Pre-recorded Webinars and podcasts are also available.
Availability
A fully functional evaluation copy of WebSmart PHP can be downloaded at http://www.bcdsoftware.com/. For questions on WebSmart PHP, WebSmart ILE, or WebSmart Presto, call BCD at (630) 986-0800, or e-mail
ClearPath Modernization Suite
Modernization means different things to different people and now everyone can simplify their entire modernization process by selecting integrated components from one integrated suite, the company says. BCD's ClearPath Modernization Suite is a complete solution that fully modernizes software applications that run on IBM i. BCD has integrated six, nearly all award-winning solutions, to form the suite. Users can select one component, a couple of integrated components, or BCD's complete ClearPath Modernization Suite. With ClearPath, the savings increase as users select additional solutions. The suite includes WebSmart PHP or WebSmart ILE, WebSmart Presto, Nexus Portal, Clover Query, SmartCharts and Catapult. Anyone interested in validating one or several ClearPath components on their own system on a free trial basis is invited to contact BCD.
About Business Computer Design, Int'l. Inc. (BCD)
BCD is a leading vendor of modernization software for IBM i and System i servers. It has received more than 35 industry awards, including 13 for WebSmart, for software excellence. It has 30 years of experience in the IBM midrange marketplace. Over 30,000 copies of its software products have been licensed worldwide by more than 10,000 organizations. BCD is a longtime member of IBM's System i ISV Advisory Council and is an IBM Advanced Business Partner. All BCD's key solutions are included on IBM's System i Developer Roadmap and are IBM Server Proven. BCD solutions are sold globally directly from BCD and through a network of more than 100 Business Partners.
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