The latest tools for developing your IBM i systems
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The IBM i platform is well-suited for modern development, specifically for creating responsive and mobile applications utilizing existing DB2 applications and logic. It supports PHP development and offers various pre-packaged solutions such as CMS and e-commerce platforms, allowing for efficient reworking of existing systems without requiring new hardware. Overall, it enables developers to maximize investments while delivering effective results at a lower cost and risk.
The latest tools for developing your IBM i systems
- 1. © Proximity 2014 The latest tools for developing your systems Dave Pickburn Director
- 2. © Proximity 2014 Introduction • The IBM i is a much more open platform than it was • Its very suitable for developing fully functional browser based software • Think Functions rather than Applications • Can deliver mobile apps (very well) • Can deliver responsive applications (as good as any other platform) • And ….
- 3. © Proximity 2014 Introduction • Data in existing DB2 applications (BPCS / LX etc.) is all available • Existing logic can be re used including calls to RPG and CL programs • Existing screens can be re worked and re developed • Results can be delivered: • Cloud based (e.g. our Stream application) • As a Project on your site • Using Own developers • And…
- 4. © Proximity 2014 Introduction • And with DBi (MySQL) • Many PHP/MySQL applications are available on your IBM i FREE ! And with a simple change table command – the data is accessible as DB2 database files
- 5. © Proximity 2014 Under the Covers
- 6. © Proximity 2014 Whatever you do… If it’s delivered in a browser (and it should be)… What you are serving out from the IBM i is: That is interpreted and rendered by the browser as web pages And having a Responsive design is probably good
- 7. © Proximity 2014 What is responsive? Optimising output for multiple devices • Desktop • Mobile • Tablet
- 10. © Proximity 2014 Options and Examples • PHP Development • Web Enabling • Packaged Solutions • CMS • Ecommerce • Utilities etc. • And many more
- 11. © Proximity 2014 PHP Development • PHP is great for web development • A real programming language • Fast to develop with • Open source • Widely used • Strong PHP community • Extensive resources and tools available • Runs on IBM i • Integrates and works well with existing applications • SQL database access, RPG / COBOL / CL program calls • No 3rd party hardware • PHP Development • Zend Studio • WebSmart PHP
- 12. © Proximity 2014 Web Enabling • Screen Scraping / Refacing / Web Enabling • Several products available • With Presto, much more than a screen scrape • Works out of the box • Full development options • Complete access to custom HTML, CSS and Javascript • Database access via SQL No changes required to the application Runs native on IBM i Interactive jobs run in subsystems as normal
- 13. © Proximity 2014 Packaged Solutions • Utilising existing Applications written in PHP and MySQL • Delivered as part of Zend Server 6.3+ • Pre configured to quickly install • Often with community editions • Often with Themes available free or at a low cost • Drupal – Content Management System (CMS) • Magento – eCommerce • WordPress – Blogging and CMS • Joomla – CMS • Mantis – Bug tracker • Media-Wiki – Wiki • SugarCRM - CRM • And many more
- 14. © Proximity 2014 Summary • The IBM i is ready for modern development • Think mainly Functions rather than Applications • Can deliver mobile apps and responsive designs very well • Existing DB2 applications such as BPCS and LX are accessible • Existing screens can be re worked and re developed • No new hardware • Maximise the existing investment, evolve and deliver excellent results: • Cost effectively • With low risk