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ARCAD Software has announced it is shipping V8.06.06 of its application lifecycle management suite
In this latest version, the suite offers features that add value to the basic functions provided by the open source Apache Ant scripting language and enhance support for multiplatform development. Other highlights include seamless integration of Microsoft Visual Studio developers with ARCAD software management functions, and tighter WDSc 7 compatibility.
ARCAD develops software solutions that manage change and modernization of business applications on and around the IBM System i. "We bring tremendous expertise in multiplatform development to our System i customers who are facing application modernization projects," says ARCAD CEO and Chairman Philippe Magne.
The Added Value of Ant
"Since its inception in 2000, Ant has become the most prevalent scripting language in the world and a de facto standard in the Java community," said Magne. "You could say that Ant is to Windows, UNIX, and Linux, what CL is to System i," he said.
Apache Ant is a software tool for automating software build processes. Ant automates sequences that create executable code as well as automates transfers of components between environments. With Version 8.06.06, ARCAD's software management solutions incorporate the use of Ant for all transfers to test and production in a multiplatform scenario. Coupled with the ARCAD Execution Agent—a unique ARCAD client installed on a server that can receive and execute scripts—Ant can be integrated into any change process on any system. IT organizations now have much more control over change management and other software management functions in multiplatform environments.
"This approach gives our solutions a remarkable ability to adapt to all of our customers'
technical contexts given the presence of multiple new technologies,'' said Magne. ARCAD will contribute basic functions essential in the management of software components back to the Ant community. These new features support two major elements not covered by Ant:
- Traceability, in the form of an XML file history of all actions performed on each
manipulated component, and—
- Security, thanks to ARCAD’s powerful rollback function.
"In this way, we can acquaint this large community of developers with the value of ARCAD
technology and also take a pragmatic approach to managing heterogeneous information systems,"
said Magne.
Tight Integration for Microsoft Visual Studio Developers
Also in Version 8.06.06, ARCAD’s tools seamlessly integrate with Visual Studio. A
developer using Visual Studio can access the ARCAD repository, and his or her workspace will be
loaded with the most current versions of all the files. The developer performs work as usual.
ARCAD ensures that the right process is followed and that all changed files are promoted to
production correctly.
"When modernizing System i applications or extending them to other environments, we
bring developers with many different tools together under one change management system. Better
yet, we can deploy all the changes to heterogeneous systems in a single package, with all the
traceability and safety you expect from ARCAD," said Magne.
WDSc 7.0 Compatibility
ARCAD also reiterated that its software suites are compatible with
WDSc 7. This includes the free 5250 emulation utility that allows developers working under Eclipse
to open a 5250 session in the WDSc environment. The ARCAD freeware is available for download
at www.arcadsoftware.com.
About ARCAD Software Inc.
Founded in 1992, ARCAD Software publishes and sells an integrated set of four software
suites that automates and secures the software change process. Solutions range from incident and
request management to impact analysis, version control, documentation, test automation, and
multiplatform deployment. ARCAD’s staff is based in France (Paris and Annecy) and the United
States (Peterborough, NH). All ARCAD Software solutions are integrated into the IBM System i Developer Roadmap, making them an integral part of the application modernization process, and ARCAD is among the top three suppliers of application lifecycle management solutions in the System i world. Apart from its direct approach in the French-speaking and North American markets, ARCAD Software is partnering in more than eight European countries, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia/Pacific. For more information, visit
www.arcadsoftware.com.
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