Archive for May, 2008

CoolProfs – “Just SOA – Hype and Implementation”

I recently attended T-Systems’ Gen Day in Vienna. The first of the presentations was CoolProfs‘  WebServices Presentation. Rogier van Applien introdced web services, what they were and why people need an SOA. Putting it simply, interconnections between systems can get very messy and introducing an ESB fixes that BUT how does Gen interconnect with other service-based applications both in the consumption and exposition of web services ?

This presentation concentrated on the consumption of Web Services by the Web Services Connector by CoolProfs. Effectively the product constructs the EABs for you via a “wizard” approach, helping you do the view mapping and assisting with the generation. The demonstration used a live web service available freely on the internet and integrated it into a small Gen test harness (also generated by the product). The product takes the WSDL file of the web service, allows the developer to select the impirt and export views to match up and then auto creates the EAB (Java only at the moment, but we are told that other languages may appear in time) and a test harness.

The demonstration showed that with a little ingenuity its possible to consume web services easily and quickly.  The discussion that ensued afterward also showed that people need to consume web services from other languages such as COBOL and other platforms such as Unix and mainframe – lets hope that the facilities for that appear soon.

Power in Understanding – ModelCVS’s REAL power

I recently returned from a visit to Vienna to meet the people behind ModelCVS – the video speaks for itself (see below:) – I met Mustafa Arikan, Xiaoxia Lin, Michael Woldrich and Mu Han.

A number of things became clear to me during the visit (which I will expound on in this and the next few posts), but one thing stands out from all the others  – the people in the ARIKAN Productivity Group are some of the nicest, friendliest, most generous people I have met since I began this blog, and I must offer publicly my thanks and gratitude for a fantastic tour around Vienna and their offices and finally their software which I was lucky enough to see. They are also passionate about what they do.

OK – so what DO they DO ?

(Without giving too much away about the “trade-secrets” that they have)

ModelCVS is a multi-component toolset – but here I will focus on the PL/1 to Gen transformation elements.

They have understood that the power of transformation lies not with computing power per se, but KNOWLEDGE about what you are transforming FROM.

They have constructed a modular framework – currently focussing on PL/1 – they have a parser which is able to syntax-check the source language and deduce its’ semantics. Then they can take the output of that and place it into a format which can be forward-engineered towards a target – initially – Gen (since the outcome is a Gen model, from which code can be generated and deployed),

So the difference here is that their tools understand the semantics, or “meaning” of the source system – THAT is the power of their toolset.

It’s odd that sometimes you know “what” something does by reading about it or someone tells you – BUT when you ACTUALLY SEE IT – you think “….yes – YES!!!! – THAT’s incredible !!!”. I had that sort of moment with the APG guys – actually seeing the tools work and realising the power in front of me…..

I have rambled on about some facets of this tool here by way of an introduction, but will focus on more detailed parts in future posts – keep reading and following the “APG Series”…..

Download the Flash Video (downloaded times).

Visit to APG

Today, I am priviledged to be a guest of the ARIKAN Productivity Group in Vienna, Austria.

They have graciously invited me to their offices to meet their staff and see the incredible work that they do around the Legacy Modernisation space.

I’ll report on the day later, but suffice to say, it will be a brilliant experience to be surrounded by people who have a passion for Gen and its usage.

I will also be accompanying them to the T-Systems Gen Day in Vienna – again – more on that later …..

Gathering 6 Resources available

Following May 21st’s explanation of the first two components of the ModelCVS framework, the resources – gallery pictures, podcast, video and slides are now available for download.

• Audio (downloaded times), or play it here:

  Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

• Flash Video (downloaded times).
• Powerpoint Presentation Slides (downloaded times).
• eBook (downloaded times).

Gathering 6 tonight….

Just a reminder about the Gathering tonight – it’s not too late to sign up!

A great opportunity to hear about ModelCVS‘ first 2 components. Estefan Euler is presenting a short session on the product set and its functionality.

9pm BST UK Time 21st May 2008….

Use this link to join us tonight:gentalk-button.PNG&msg=Teleport%20to%20the%20Gen%20HQ%20in%20Second%20Life”>