IBM Works for OS/2 | 1996-11-19 | 39KB | 211 lines
IBM Works OS/2
Copyright (C) Footprint Software Inc. 1993-1994
LASERJET
HP LaserJet 4L
HPLaserJ
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What is REDWOOD?
REDWOOD is a CASE tool honed to solving Y2K problems on IBM-style EBCDIC computers. REDWOOD is an innovative product and improves the productivity of Y2K personnel.
In the past, the approach to Y2K problem resolution has been to examine the source code, database schemas (more source), and copybooks (also source); identify the date fields, trace the program logic, and re-engineer the source. Even with text search tools, this approach is extremely labor intensive and fails in situations where the source code is lost or multiple versions of the source exist. It fails when the source labels are not obviously date names. The problem of verifying the changes, estimated to be 50% of the problem is not addressed at all.
In cases in which multiple versions of the source exist, Rex Widmar has developed a technology that examines the executables and traces back to the original source. This technique uses clues contained in the load modules. The Widmar methodology, sold as the EDGE tool, is a valuable addition to the Y2K re-engineer's tool box.
The Secret is in the Data.
HHResearch has developed a third approach, examine the data files using REDWOOD. REDWOOD reads S/390 (includes S/360, S370, 308x, 303x, 43xx, 3090, ES9000, Hitachi, Amdahl, Comparex, Itel, etc.) data files, finds the fields, names them, identifies the data types and date fields, and produces program source code, documentation, and JCL. The program source code includes file maps, DSECTs, structs, structures, and FDs for assembler, PL/I, and COBOL. REDWOOD produces source code for utility programs that will expand or contract date fields. The source code is amply annotated and can be modified.
Let REDWOOD help reengineer your systems.
REDWOOD focuses on the data and generates utilities that help re-engineer the systems and verify and validate that the work was accomplished.
REDWOOD decompiles data into source code and documentation. REDWOOD can read datafiles created by assembler programs, analyze them, and produce source code in C, C++ or COBOL. Programmers can use these programs as the base for re-implementating systems.
The combination of source scanners, the Widmar load module solution, and HHResearch's REDWOOD provides a complete three pronged attack on the Y2K problem.
We believe that REDWOOD by itself will yield a 5-10 percent productivity improvement. At a time when corporations are paying legacy programmer's large premiums, REDWOOD allows anyone to generate tailored JCL, file mappings in different languages, source program prototypes, and verification reports. If an enterprise is looking at a 10 million dollar Y2K re-engineering bill, REDWOOD may trim half million or more off that bill.
REDWOOD improves productivity in two ways. It gives expert programmers a fast, powerful CASE tool and allows them to discard the hex dump, print ruler, and felt-tip marker as a design aid. The original name for REDWOOD was PrintRuler.
It allows the enterprise to ramp up new programmers and to use para-professionals to examine and verify mainframe files.
What REDWOOD does not do.
REDWOOD is not a Silver Bullet. Its ability to generate source code and utility programs from data files is a miracle; this is accomplished through lots of difficult software engineering.
Even a program like REDWOOD depends on the expertise of the Y2K professional to guide it and monitor its execution. In the Y2K business, there is no magical, fully automated solution.
HHResearch encourages you to employ REDWOOD certified programmers for your conversion effort. This is a pitch to consultants to start working with REDWOOD and to promote REDWOOD to your clients.
The status and schedule?
At this writing, November 20, 1996. REDWOOD is in early Beta. Its main features work. REDWOOD will read small EBCDIC data files, locate the fields, identify the dates within the data, and will generate JCL and source mappings for PL/I, Assembly Language, and C/C++.
The V0.50 package is an early look at the program and user feedback is solicited. You may respond by email to: hamasaki@capaccess.org, subject line: REDWOOD. We hope that you will take some time to experiment with REDWOOD.
We anticipate 3 months of Beta activity with General Availability at the end of February, 1997. The GA REDWOOD will be an inexpensive product (well under $100.00) and will be available from:
http://www.os2bbs.com
The last Beta will remain available for free download as an evaluation/freeware product. There are no time limits on using the last Beta. We will enhance the evaluation/freeware product as time permits.
The GA will be followed by other, more capable versions.
We encourage you to participate in the REDWOOD Beta program. The feedback from the Beta will shape the final product.
Our goals for REDWOOD.
We will continue to develop REDWOOD and add new features. REDWOOD is a Y2K re-engineering, IV&V, and QA tool. HHResearch will provide Y2K consulting to select clients. We have our own S/370 mainframe running MVS and offer it for conversion and testing.
If you are an OS/2'er, we encourage you to learn to use REDWOOD and to demonstrate it. This is an enterprise product with much utility in the corporate setting. REDWOOD may lead to consulting work.
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