LANSA has announced the availability of a new version of its IBM i server-based Visual LANSA Framework. The new version is an update to V12 and contains more than 30 significant new features, including support for mobile platforms. Most importantly, however, it maintains LANSA's ongoing commitment to the IBM i server and demonstrates its belief in a framework-based approach to new and modernized application development.

The new version of Visual LANSA Framework supports the creation of both Windows rich client and Web browser-based applications that use the IBM i server to its full enterprise capability. Its framework-based approach means that it's possible to deploy a single application design as a Windows rich client, a Web browser application, or any mixture of the two. This capability allows developers, using a single skill set, to effectively design and implement both Windows rich client and Web browser applications–and support the differing application access needs of both in-office and mobile workers.

Using a framework-based approach to application development minimizes risks associated with the design, implementation, and deployment phases of a project because it provides facilities for application prototyping and ensures early user engagement in the project. This means that requirements are included at the design phase and not uncovered during testing. The Visual LANSA Framework supports repeated and rapid incremental application delivery cycles so that users begin working with the application sooner (i.e., you don’t have to implement any "big bang" style projects). This approach addresses the key project management issues, delivering what is required and doing it on time and on budget, according to LANSA.

The most significant feature delivered in this new version is support for mobile platforms. The RAMP modernization components (see www.lansa.com/products/rampoverview.htm) of the Visual LANSA Framework now support deployment to mobile platforms, which means that existing 5250 RPG or COBOL applications can be both modernized and deployed for use on Apple Mac, iPads and Android tablets. This class of mobile devices presents a new space into which IBM i server-based applications can project themselves – extending the reach of the application and thereby adding significant business value.

Other notable features in the new version:

• Cross-browser support for Visual LANSA Framework for the Web, which runs in Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari
• Enhanced and simplified management of instance lists
• User interface: toolbar, window positioning and “open in a new window” enhancements
• Framework design XML can be encrypted and saved – and now uses MSXML6 (Microsoft XML 6.0)
• Include content from Web sites on sign-on screen
• Print screen for the active Visual LANSA Framework page (screen/window)

Read more about the benefits of framework-based application development at www.lansa.com/resources/techarticle_developmentframeworks.htm

LANSA is a low-code, high-productivity software development platform for mobile, web, and desktop applications. Visual LANSA's unique low-code development platform, system integration, and digital transformation technologies reduce hand-coding, support multiple languages, and empower development teams to build applications up to 10 times faster. More than 8,000 organizations in 65 countries use LANSA's platform to develop, maintain, and integrate their business applications, ensuring a consistent look and feel with minimal coding. Customers include JPMorgan Chase, Kawasaki, TruGreen, Vistar, and Walt Disney, among others. LANSA is a division of Idera, Inc.