Caravel

Twincentric provides a complete range of tools and services for reengineering and translating systems developed under proprietary languages (RPG, COBOL and Visual Basic), into Java. Caravel is one of these services, specialized in the automatic migration of RPG and COBOL systems to Java.

Caravel translates 100% of the RPG and/or COBOL system(s) to Java. The advantages of this standard include: graphic interfaces, object-oriented programming, multi-platform, Web enabled applications, e-business components. All this using the most advanced technology.

Systems are translated while keeping the same functionality as the original applications, without the need for expensive user training or for the organization using them having to modify its procedures.

The migrated applications can be easily integrated into any other open architecture system (ERP or similar), thus clearing a path for later evolution.

Benefits

Migration of RPG/COBOL-based systems by Caravel means a broad array of benefits for users of those systems:

1. Easy access to e-business

   Migration to 100% pure Java is the first step in the systems' Internet deployment and their transformation to e-business.

   Caravel is known to follow the standards set by the J2EE. Migrated systems may be run on a 3-layer architecture oriented to Internet and e-business. These may be based on application servers, obtaining an unbeatable response and unlimited scalability.

   

2. Standards utilization / Independence

   When the RPG/COBOL-based systems are migrated to Java, they conform to all existing standards and are totally independent of Hardware, Operating System or Data Base management system.

3. A modern and personalized user interface

   Caravel gives the systems a new interface with outstanding ergonomics and visual richness. In addition, it allows an effective personalization, adapting itself to specific user needs or preferences.

4. Complete migration with identical functionality vs. the original

   The migration covers the entire system, with no other tools being needed. Since 100% of the original functionality is maintained, modifications to the organisation's processes are not required, nor is new user training needed.

5. Solid technological prospects

   Java offers multiple possibilities for development, since programmers and technical personnel are always widely available. The most exciting activity of the entire industry takes place around Java, with constant inputs of technologies and products that offer unlimited opportunities.

Efficiency

The Caravel service is targeted at the translation of systems written in RPG II, RPG III, RPG/400®, RPG ILE and COBOL (COBOL/400®, CICS®, IMS, COBOL, COBOL II) using S/36, AS/400® and mainframe operating systems, making it a unique tool of its type.

Caravel performs a complete systems audit and translates the applications code to 100% pure Java with total reliability, whatever its orientation, and without any type of limitation. There is an equivalency established at all times between Java classes and methods and the original functionalities, generating a structured code that is easily read by RPG/COBOL professionals.

For RPG and COBOL-based systems, Caravel means an immediate and safe solution, with an open technological outlook.

Data access is obtained through the JDBC standard; in this way the migrated applications may continue to use DB2/400® as a database manager or use other market options such as Oracle®, Informix®, MultiBase, SQL Server®, among others.

The translated systems are immediately usable and since they keep exactly the same functionality (and optionally the same user interface), they require neither new user training nor modification of organisational procedures.

The effectiveness of an organisation's information system, the result of years of use and accumulated experience, is thus replicated on the most recent technological platform, a result that is easy to maintain and develop using modern tools.

Once translated, the applications may be run under a client-server architecture or on the Internet with n-layer architecture. Any modern operating system having a JVM (Java Virtual Machine) may be used: Windows 9x, NT, 2000, XP, Solaris®, HP-UX®, AIX® Linux®, OS/400®, MVS®, OS/390®, etc.

The user interface of the translated applications may optionally be personalized according to preference or requirements of use.

In addition, translated systems may easily be integrated with any other system based on open architecture.