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.

Founded in 1992, ARCAD Software develops and markets a complete, integrated software suite dedicated to automating and ensuring the reliability and traceability of application changes in multi-platform environments. The ARCAD solutions are modular, covering software configuration and release management, data configuration management, test automation, application modernization and user relationship management. Each solution can either be adopted as part of a package or implemented separately. All solutions are integrated via a shared multi-platform metadata repository, allowing progressive adoption of best practices and regulatory constraints (e.g. ITIL, SOX, CMMi). ARCAD’s product offering has been developed over the last 20 years by the same R&D team and provides functional coverage that is unequalled in the international market. ARCAD has over 1000 licenses deployed in 34 different countries, including internationally-known clients such as IBM, HSBC, NASDAQ OMX, ABN AMRO, GE Capital, etc. Visit our site for more information: www.arcadsoftware.com.