ClientSoft Breaks into Service-Oriented Architectures

by Dan Burger

Developers staring down the barrel of legacy application integration issues--like converting OS/400, Unix, or mainframe programs and transactions into ready-to-use Java, .NET, or Web-services components--should take a look a look at the options provided by ServiceBuilder, a new legacy integration product that ClientSoft announced last week at the Gartner symposium and IT expo in San Diego.

ServiceBuilder uses a wrapper-style technique that results in host-initiated actions being completed on distributed platforms. These distributed platforms could include any Java or Windows application, such as relatively simple programs like Microsoft Word and Excel, or complex ERP systems. The software deploys natively on the iSeries and offers several methods for direct host access that, according to ClientSoft, are three to five times faster than the screen-scraping, Web-enablement alternatives that the company has successfully promoted for several years with its GUI-focused ClientBuilder product line.

"Enterprise organizations have worked in a screen-based world for some time now," says Robert Evelyn, chief operations officer and senior vice president of technology at ClientSoft. "While that model has provided tremendous benefits, the direct-access model is the next step. As enterprises continue to move toward a service-oriented architecture, bi-directional communications and advanced security features are essential ingredients for a solid architectural framework."

The development of the ServiceBuilder line comes from a rebranding of the Tanit products that ClientSoft purchased about one year ago. Tanit was primarily a vendor in the mainframe market, with two products called Tanit Objects and Tanit Services. Those products, along with gateway technology from the ClientBuilder product line, have been combined to create ServiceBuilder. The ServiceBuilder gateway is available in Java or natively in C#. It provides the 5250 connectivity that allows the generation of Enterprise JavaBeans, JavaBeans, COM, or native .NET components and, therefore, the capability to turn those into Web services with one development tool.

ServiceBuilder was designed for bi-directional communications and not only allows the publishing of legacy transactions, but also allows legacy programs to consume Web services.

But perhaps the greatest benefit offered by ServiceBuilder is that it allows both legacy and distributed application programmers to navigate the host application, while requiring minimal knowledge of the legacy system and target service-oriented development environment. It offers the choice of using its own wizard-driven environment or using the Microsoft Visual Studio.NET environment.

It also allows developers to select the deployment platform best suited to their own IT architecture. The product works within Microsoft&'s .NET Framework or any Java 2 Enterprise Edition-compliant application server, including IBM WebSphere and BEA Systems WebLogic.

In the development environment, ServiceBuilder offers Telnet-based access to 5250 mainframe applications, automated generation of Java or Microsoft enterprise components from iSeries logic, automated generation and publishing of Java or Microsoft Web services, XML-based integration, allowing development of XML interfaces and Web services, thin-client HTML and Java graphical interface development from iSeries screens.

Support on the security side--with PassTickets, x509 certificates, SSL, and other encryption algorithms--is relatively advanced. It also offers multiple authentication options at runtime.

ServiceBuilder for iSeries will be available in mid-April. A pricing structure for the product is not available at this time. However, it is likely to be flat-fee based rather than user-based.

Sponsored By SOFTLANDING SYSTEMS

FREE WEB EVENT: How to Simplify iSeries and Web Development Using WDSc Plug-Ins See the first comprehensive set of iSeries change management plug-ins for WDSc working live in this online demonstration! Experience firsthand the change management support you need for your RPG, COBOL, CL, ILE, and SQL development - all as a seamless part of WebSphere Development Studio client (WDSc). In this live Web presentation, you&'ll see how the new TurnOver plug-ins simplify native iSeries development by giving you direct access to source and object control, cross-referencing, developer worklists, checkin/checkout, and compile and promotion capabilities without leaving WDSc. Also see how TurnOver plug-ins support Java, XML, HTML, WebFacing components and other non-native files for truly unified iSeries, Web, and multi-platform development. Experience the efficiency of a true WDSc plug-in Learn how you can use iSeries and Web change management without leaving your WebSphere IDE Discover how WDSc and change management can speed your transition to the Web and reduce risk Find out how easy it can be to coordinate multi-team development See how you can schedule and deploy both iSeries and Web components together, even across platforms It takes just 30 minutes to check out WDSc and its new TurnOver for WebSphere Studio plug-ins. Register at www.softlanding.com to reserve your spot now!