Profound Logic Software, a leading provider of modernization tools and services, has released Genie V3.0. Genie has been providing users with an instant method of moving System i green-screens to the Web for some time, and now users will have even more capabilities to help them in their journey. This newest release includes the introduction of a browser-based screen designer, the addition of new skins, and several other notable enhancements.
Browser-based Codeless Customizations
One of the most important additions in Genie 3.0 is a unique visual designer that runs directly in the browser without requiring developers to install any PC-based tools. The innovative concept of a browser-based screen designer is a first in iSeries modernization, and offers many significant advantages over traditional green-screen modernization techniques. Some of these advantages are listed below:
· Accurate WYSIWYG View-The designer tool produces a completely accurate WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) view of application screens. The browser renders both design view and the final output.
· Integrated Development-All tasks are integrated into one browser session, making it easier to prototype, develop, test, and deploy.
· Effortless Deployment-Application deployment is strictly server-based. Any updates to the end-user interface or the development environment itself are made in one central place on the System i. This makes the software easier to manage in environments with multiple developers and/or users.
· Automatic Screen Discovery-Identifying and modifying application screens is easier with Genie. Screens are automatically discovered simply by navigating through the original green-screen application in the browser.
· No Programming Required-Coding is hidden from the user through a visual point-and-click interface.
The designer tool is tightly integrated with the iSeries/System i server. For example, not only can you change application fields to dropdowns, but you can also tie them to database files to retrieve the dropdown options without programming. Similarly, when you add images or flash charts to your applications, you can link them directly to iSeries data, even if this data does not appear on the screen.
"We wanted to make it so that any iSeries user could easily work with Genie-without the need for extensive product training or Web programming expertise," says David Russo, project manager at Profound Logic Software. "With our browser-based designer, even users without experience in Web programming can perform a great variety of enhancements to an application."
The designer provides a simple drag-and-drop, point-and-click interface for enhancing individual screens and applications. A comprehensive properties window allows users to change all aspects of the screen and its element properties, including any HTML, CSS, and Web 2.0 attributes. The properties are conveniently categorized, and fully explained with on-screen help.
To use the designer, users start by launching Genie in their browser, which automatically interprets their green-screen applications and outputs them to the browser in HTML format. Then, the user simply navigates to any screen within the application and enables Design Mode to start enhancing that screen. They can easily change fonts, colors, backgrounds, borders, and positioning. Just as easily, users can add dropdowns, checkboxes, buttons, charts, calendars, links, images, SOA components, and many other Web elements, all without writing a single line of code.
Additional Enhancements
The new version of Genie also includes some new templates, including a sleek-looking skin called "Gradient" and a minimalist skin called "Plain." Genie skins provide an overall GUI look for modernized green-screen applications, defining such things as default colors and fonts. The skins provided with the product are easily customized for a more personalized look. For example, customers will typically add their company name or logo to the header of the skin.
Other enhancements in Genie 3.0 include the support for custom workstation ID's, increased performance, and improved scripting capabilities. New enhancements to Genie's automation script, Gscript, make it easier for users to integrate Genie with other Web applications or to add an advanced navigation system for their screens, such as a tab-based or an accordion-style menu.
The Fast and Easy Solution
This new version of Genie comes as part of Profound Logic Software's goal of providing comprehensive modernization solutions that are fast and easy for System i users. According to Alex Roytman, CEO of Profound Logic Software, "Genie provides users with an intuitive interface for modernizing their iSeries applications. In fact, I was just talking to an executive, who had virtually no background in iSeries or Web programming, and was still able to make impressive enhancements to their company's legacy application using Genie and its latest additions."
The latest version of Genie can be downloaded from Profound Logic Software's web site (www.profoundlogic.com), and a video demonstrating the Genie Designer's capabilities can be viewed at www.profoundlogic.com/genievideo.rpgsp.
For additional information about Genie, contact Profound Logic Software, Inc., 370 Sentinel Oak Drive, Suite 200, Dayton, OH 45458 or call 937-439-7925 or 877-224-7768 toll free, or email
About Profound Logic Software, Inc.
Profound Logic Software is a leading provider of application development tools for the iSeries (AS/400) platform. Established in 1999, Profound Logic started creating innovative programming tools that streamline the application development process. Profound Logic has also focused on providing excellent customer service to its clients. Today, Profound Logic Software enjoys thousands of software users in more than 50 different countries. Profound Logic offers its software along with related training, consulting, and support services.
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