V5.2 includes a feature for bulk modernization, additional RPG/DDS fidelity, and new features in the ASNA Emulator.
ASNA has announced ASNA Wings 5.2, a new version of the modernization solution that revolutionizes the process of modernizing IBM i RPG character-based user interfaces with a browser-based alternative. Because Wings uses IBM's Open Access RPG Edition to enable the modernization of the user interface portions of native RPG programs, all program logic and database access remain hosted in IBM i.
Wings 5.2 introduces improvements such as the following:
- Features for bulk modernization: Wings has always been great at application modernization at the program and departmental level, according to ASNA. Now, with Wings 5.2, enterprise-level application modernization can be easily achieved. A new facility, called "Flight Plans," facilitates bulk display file modernizations. Flight Plan features include analysis of programs and display file usage, the ability to organize and manage the modernization process, and the automation of RPG source modifications necessary for use with IBM's Open Access. Flight Plans are especially handy for those needing to modernize hundreds, or even thousands, of display files.
- Additional RPG/DDS fidelity: Wings 5.2 provides improved fidelity with the RPG/DDS runtime model of IBM i. These improvements include improved device-specific feedback area handling and support for such display file DDS keywords as SFLIN, CNTFLD, BLANKS, and ER support for the CHECK keyword.
- Enhanced ASNA Emulator: Wings 5.2 provides the browser-based ASNA emulator with new features including mandatory programs and menu support and the ability to designate a prefix for the device name used by the host i5 job. Subfiles also get improved mouse and scroll bar support.
"Customer response to Wings has been terrific worldwide," says ASNA U.S. President Anne Ferguson. "Our customers are demanding a product to rationally, effectively, and affordably improve an RPG application's UI, and they get that with Wings. Wings is a superb alternative to traditional screen scraper-type solutions. Its 5.2 features, which include an application modernization workflow for enterprise shops as well as its improvements to both its RPG/DDS runtime fidelity and the ASNA browser-based emulator, will resonate with many Wings customers."
Ferguson continues, "To further underscore the importance of Wings and IBM Rational Open Access for RPG, we at ASNA are also pleased to see that IBM has recently announced that Open Access will no longer be a chargeable product. Removing the fee for Open Access removes a potential customer barrier that is very good for the IBM i platform. Great job, IBM!" says Ferguson.
ASNA Wings 5.2 is available now.
Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.
IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn:
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