RE: Why NOT the web?

["John Earl" <john.earl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Art,

> I have a customer that wants to re-develop their entire
> "ERP" solution using .NET.  

<snip>

> Actually, when I say web, I mean browser based.  They will
> use IE.
> 
> I've told them that the web is not for this kind of stuff,
> it's for customer service, inquiries, simple ordering,etc.

I think there are two separate issues here - 
1) should they move internal applications to a browser based interface,
and 
2) is .Net the right way to do it.

I don't agree that a browser based interface is not right for internal
applications like the ones that you describe.  Browser interfaces are
usually instantly recognized and comfortable for new users of your
application.  They allow you to provide additional dimensions to your
application trough hyperlinks graphics, video and sound. And they offer
fantastic Help and FAQ opportunities.  And not to overstress the value
of hyperlinks, this is an awesome way to quickly link parts of an
application together in a flow that matches the users work habits 9much
better than Menu options).  IMHO, you ought to consider putting a
browser interface on all of your apps - and continue to run them on the
iSeries.

As for .Net - well I don't know much about it, but I have seen a variety
of instances where the iSeries (or even better, the i5) renders HTML and
Java applications beautifully.  And since the bulk of your corporate
data is already there, doesn't it just make sense to render it from the
iSeries rather than moving it, replicating it, or adding another
architecture tier?

I don't think that the argument is browser vs. 5250 telnet, it's really
i5 vs. .Net.  

eServer i offers many, many, benefits over Wintel architectures.  But if
you cast the battle as browser vs. 5250, I think you'll lose the
argument before you ever get the opportunity to discuss any of the
iSeries benefits.

JMHO.

jte

--
John Earl | Chief Technology Officer
The PowerTech Group
19426 68th Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98032
(253) 872-7788 ext. 302
john.earl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.powertech.com 
 

 
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