CGI Programming Example

1. Simple Application Modernization Demonstration
On IBM System i™ and eServer™ models, the method used to determine the processing
capability that is available for 5250 OLTPi tasks depends on the edition type of the server.
Using a Standard edition server effectively means finding alternate ways to do work that uses
green-screen functions now. The basic strategy is to avoid interactive CPW workloads (5250
OLTP or 'green-screen' work) by using alternate methods of access for users, administrators and
developers on the system.
For end users this means:
• Reviewing 5250 work that can be avoided through better configuration, management and
automation
• Using alternative software such as web aware applications with system screen support
• Using alternate report tools to traditional 5250 tools, such as Query/400 -- there are a number
that cost about the same price or less
For system administration this means:
• Reviewing system administration tasks that can be avoided through better configuration,
management and automation
• Using alternative tools such as i5 Navigator and System Director for most administration
tasks
For developers this means:
• Reviewing development work that can be avoided or reduced through better tools and
automation
• Using alternative tools such as WDSC
Fortunately, there are many development tools available (for free and/or for fee) to modernize
your applications depending on your business requirements and shop standards including:
• Java and JT Open
• Microsoft ADO.Net
• PHP and mySQL
• CGI Programming
• Net.Data for i5/OS
This simple online demonstration is built with open sourced code that was developed at IBM
Rochester by Mel Rothman and others. It is an early prototype that runs on my development
model 170 system and does NOT access any client data.
The production version allows remote users who don’t necessarily access 5250 applications
frequently to run their inventory reports on the corporate headquarters server from a web browser
and receive them as a link to a pdf or excel file via email.
Click on the link below to run the online demonstration program.
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2. Simple Application Modernization Demonstration
5250 OLTP Interface
Features
Data validation
Online Help
Field Prompting
Opportunities
Interactive CPW Penalty
Training/Support Costs
User Id: iseries http://www.mysystemi.com/genesisp/lfgen826.pgm
Password: welcome
Web Browser Interface
Features
Data Validation
Online Help (enhanced)
Field Prompting
Enhancements
No Interactive CPW (5250
OLTP) Penalty
Browser capability
Both interfaces access
business logic stored in
service program (MVC)
Notes: The demo program accepts parameters on the first form for some application validation
and returns status on next form (where the batch report program would be submitted). F4=List
processing is replaced with drop down boxes – Both built dynamically from database file.
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3. Simple Application Modernization Demonstration
Further Information and References:
Eliminate iSeries 5250 OLTP – Utilize Batch CPW and Save
• http://www.looksoftware.com/products/deployment/lookdirect.aspx
Toolbox for Java and JTOpen
• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/software/toolbox/downloads.html
Integrating DB2 Universal Database for iSeries with Microsoft ADO.NET
• http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246440.html?Open
Zend and IBM – Delivering PHP for IBM i
• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/software/php/index.html
MySQL for i5/OS
• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/software/mysql/index.html
Net.Data for i5/OS
• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/software/netdata/
RPG and the Web: Technologies to Get There
• http://systeminetwork.com/article/rpg-and-web-technologies-get-there
End Notes:
i
A 5250 OLTP task is a task that uses the 5250 data stream. Examples of 5250 OLTP tasks include the following:
• Any form of 5250 emulation, including Hardware Management Console (HMC) 5250, RUMBA/400, PC/400 workstation feature,
Binary Synchronous Communication (BSC) 3270 emulation, MochaSoft TN 5250 etc.
• 5250 Telnet or 5250 Display Station Pass-Through (DSPT) workstations, 5250/HTML Workstation Gateway, etc.
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