Bradmark schedules Year 2000 tool
3000 brims with Java tools
This spring will deliver a full cup of Java for HP 3000 sites. HP
is making its Java
Developer's Kit for the 3000 available from its Jazz web site, and there's
more coming
besides the ADBC offering from Advanced Network Systems. Middleware and
connectivity
supplier Minisoft is beginning field tests of its Javelin product line. You
can run a demo
of the software running a simple COBOL/VPlus/IMAGE application with a
Java-capable
browser (Netscape Navigator 3.0 on Windows 95, NT and Windows 3.x platforms
as well
as Internet Explorer 3.01 (Jit-compiler disabled) on Windows 95, NT and Mac) at
http://javelin.minisoft.com/Vplus.h
tm.
Javelin is a family of client-server software products, based on the Java computing environment, that support the use of the HP 3000 on the Internet and intranets. The Javelin VPlus Client allows client systems running Internet browsers to access VPlus applications executing on the HP 3000. Javelin allows a Java-capable browser to execute VPlus applications on the HP 3000 with the VPlus screen interface presented by the client browser. No software is installed on the client beyond the browser. The Java software components that make up Javelin are downloaded on demand from the HP 3000.
Minisoft says that Javelin MPE SDK class libraries are in development. These APIs which will allow Java clients to interact with MiniSoft's MiddleMan client/server data access package for the 3000. With these libraries, Java Applets will be able to access IMAGE databases directly, as well as KSAM and MPE files -- all without AllBase or ODBC overhead and complexity.
To use the Javelin products you'll need MPE/iX 5.0 or later on your HP 3000. A final release date and pricing of the Javelin VPlus Client have not been set yet. For more information or to join the beta test program, call Doug Greenup at Minisoft (800.682.0200) or e-mail him at sales@minisoft.com.
Vista Plus gets a Java client
Quest Software (714.720.1434) has extended the client base for its
Vista Plus
electronic report distribution software beyond Windows and character-based
terminals.
The software now sports a Java-based client, so companies that have
Macintosh, X
terminal and OS/2 clients can make use of the Vista Plus client-server
software, which
can be hosted on HP 3000s or HP 9000s.
The Vista Plus Java release can establish connections with Vista server over the Internet. The client supports both a browser mode as well as stand-alone mode, so users can launch the client from a web browser that supports Java or run it directly from a workstation that supports Java.
Web sites get overhaul
HP 3000 solution suppliers have been busy sprucing up their
information
outposts in recent months. Adager, St. Paul Software and ORBiT
International all
reported on sites with new content and features. Adager's site now enables
prospects
and customers to conduct transactions in an encrypted SSL secure mode, and
is working
on a water-tight protocol to transfer all of Adager's software modules,
specifically
configured for each individual customer. Besides the compression and
encrypting issues
associated with any TCP/IP transfers, a vital part of the whole project is
to have an
intelligent way to do everything automatically on Adager's "manufacturing"
end as well as
on the user's end, according to webmaster Alfredo Rego.
"Instead of manufacturing tapes or DDS cassettes that contain a bootstrapping ADAGERFW program that magically restores everything and assembles it on site," he reports, "we are manufacturing bit packets that will magically uncompress and reassemble themselves into Adager software on the destination HP 3000." The Adager site also includes an extensive list of links to HP 3000 allies and solution suppliers at www.adager.com/OffCampusHP3000 ..html
ORBiT Group International recently spruced up the look of its pages, and offers a Tape Drive Alternative table that compares nearly every tape technology available. Check out the information that shows cost of operation comparisons at www.orbitsw.com.
St. Paul Software unveiled a new corporate Web site. The renovation of the site follows the launch of Encompass for Windows NT and WEB EC for EDI over the Internet, as well as expansion of its EC Center service bureau.
The new site enables guests to contact St. Paul Software via email for training course registration, technical support requests, direct communication with company management and employment inquiries. It also details information about St. Paul Software's business alliances and allows viewers to link easily to these partner sites. Components under development include a demonstration of St. Paul's new Internet-to EDI product, WEB EC. Visitors will be able to log into the site as a guest and experience EDI on the Internet. A chat room is also being created to provide a forum for visitors to learn more about electronic commerce.