Re: Rialto Browser UI framework

[Pete Helgren <Pete@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Nathan,

I think the "pluggable" architecture is a key to the success of any 
framework.  With a documented framework/API that is extensible, you 
don't have to wait for the vendor to deliver.  Someone else might write 
one, or you could write your own plugin.

The open source financial software Kuali, uses a similar concept.  Kuali 
provides very basic financial accounting.  Basically is has limited 
functionality (G/L, A/P, Purchasing,etc) But not *all* the functionality 
is there.  You can't write checks with it for example.  It will generate 
a check "transaction" that can be used to print a check, or direct 
deposit it, or whatever, but the actual model that would produce a paper 
check would be provided by the college using the software. You can find 
the Kuali project here: http://www.kuali.org/

The basic concept is that it is a financial framework, not a complete 
solution, so they invite other colleges to write modules and contribute 
them to the project. 

You might even consider a similar concept with the financial package you 
are developing.  Your framework could provide the *core* functions 
including auditing, journaling and the like.  And, even if you continue 
go the proprietary route, you could at least publish the api's that can 
be used to "hook up" other applications.  Those apps could be written by 
schools or by third parties.

It isn't a bad concept when you are limited by resources.  In your 
situation, all of the plugins could be proprietary and closed source but 
you get the advantage of the collaboration of many partners to deliver a 
complete solution.

Just a thought.

Pete


Nathan Andelin wrote:
> That leads to the question - what about using Widgets from multiple libraries?  Rialto doesn't appear to have an editable grid, for example.  Perhaps one of the secrets to jquery's success is that it begins with a lightweight library, and invites 3rd parties to write individual plug-ins.
>
> Nathan.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Pete Helgren <Pete@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: Web Enabling the AS400 / iSeries <web400@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sat, January 23, 2010 1:33:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [WEB400] Rialto Browser UI framework
>
> I have been using jqGrid which leverages jQuery and it has been pretty 
> productive, especially the inline editing which makes the grid work like 
> Excel (good for those finance types at School Districts who seem to 
> *love* Excel).
>
> Pete
>
>
>       
>