ASNA Visual RPG (AVR) for Visual Studio .NET is a .NET-based RPG compiler that is integrated into Microsoft's Visual Studio.NET. AVR enables RPG programmers to build traditional fat client Windows applications or browser-based Web applications/Web services with a familiar RPG-like syntax. AVR uses Visual Studio .NET’s UI designers, debugger, and deployment tools. Because AVR is based on RPG, its learning curve for existing RPG coders is very low.
Using ASNA's DataGate® for IBM i, AVR applications connect effectively to the IBM i (from OS/400 V5R3and up). These applications can perform read/write record level access to DB2Universal Database for IBM i physical and logical files. They can also take advantage of IBM i OS/400 host program objects (through a CALL/PARM interface with which RPG programmers are very familiar). AVR-created applications can also connect directly, and with minimal code change, to Microsoft’s SQL Server database.
Business benefits of using ASNA Visual RPG for .NET:
Rapid program development
AVR for .NET enables your programming teams to build sophisticated, feature-rich applications quickly. AVR for .NET employs a superset of the RPG programming language your IBM i development team already knows. RPG programmers learn AVR for .NET quickly and easily. Less time learning means more time doing!
Asset preservation and extension
AVR for .NET extends the life and value of your existing RPG-based assets. Because of its RPG roots, AVR for .NET substantially enhances the capabilities of your RPG programmers. For example, your RPG development team can quickly build industry standard Web Services with AVR for .NET. For both tangible assets (source code, program objects and data flows) and intangible assets (your RPG programming teams), AVR for .NET lets you extend and preserve their combined value for your organization.
Programming team integration
AVR for .NET builds a bridge between your Visual Basic®/Visual C#® and RPG programming teams. Where most products drive a wedge between the two camps, AVR for .NET brings the two teams together to work cohesively on your IT solutions. Imagine a world where your VB/C# coders are having lunch regularly with RPG programmers. AVR can get you there!
Industry standards
AVR for .NET supports industry standards such as XML, XSL, SOAP, WSDL, and REST. Selecting tools that strongly embrace these standards is important because you know you are not building proprietary, one-off solutions.
Cross-platform application development
If you foresee maintaining the System i platform into the future, ASNA pledges to be there with the tools you will need to exploit this platform. If you intend to migrate from the IBM i to Microsoft Windows Servers® and desktops, AVR for .NET provides the perfect exit plan for you.
Make your IBM i a first-class citizen in your network
The IBM i platform is often viewed as the black sheep of your network. Its files with members, its green and black interface, and its reputation all conspire against it. However, ASNA’s Visual RPG elevates your IBM i to a first-class citizen - letting you integrate line-of-business data and apps directly and harmoniously with your other applications and platforms. Don’t let your IBM i be your IT black sheep! Bring it into the fold with ASNA’s Visual RPG.