FAQ Modernization

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Legacy modernization and application generation tools

Is the generating application produced with UML 2.0 models?: yesUML 2.1.
Is the whole generating application produced (source code and associated files included)?: yesThe entire application is produced.
Is it possible to update an existing application?: yesThe updating is done via the extraction of a complete and iso-functional UML2 model followed by a production process (BLU AGE Modernization = Blu Age Reverse Engineering + Blu Age Forward Engineering).
Does this modernization or upgrade also include the transferring of databases (on top of the source code modernization)?: yesBlu Age Database Modernization extracts the schemes of existing data and also produces the ETL required for the transformation of existing data into the new data structure. This process is achieved through the extraction of a UML2 model.
Is it possible to renormalize the database?: yesThis is important for the sound implementation of the target architecture and for the overall simplification of the application.
Are the solutions integrated in an IDE?: yesEclipse.
Do these solutions apply the inter-operability standards?: yesIt applies the standards of the OMG, the SOA Consortium, Eclipse, Java, and W3C.
What are the architectures that can be updated or modernized?: detailsPACBASE, Cobol, Powerbuilder, Java, PL/SQL,Natstar (other targets upon request).
Which data structures can be modernized and/or normalized?: detailsThe index files, the hierarchical bases and the relational bases.
What are the target architectures (generating application)?: detailsWeb, SOA, Ria, Cloud (currently being developed).
What are the targeted languages?: detailsJava JEE, .NET, Flex.
Is Blu Age a member of any standardization organizations?: yesOMG, SOA Consortium, Eclipse Foundation.
Has Blu Age been recognized by any trend-gathering institutions?: yesGartner Group Cool Vendor 2010.
Are perpetual licenses commercially available?: yesFor developers (2 types of licenses: A modernization license that integrates all the modernization tools and the generating application and a generating application license that allows a developer to produce and maintain an application based on a UML2 model).
Is there a commercial rental offer?: yes

Putting Together of an Applied Legacy based on UML2 Models

Can the modeling elements be separated so as to be shared later?: yesIt is possible to create a repository of shared models.
What are the UML2 modeling tools that are compatible with Blu Age?: detailsMagicDraw, Rational – any UML modeling tool that applies the XMI and EMF norms.
Can these separate elements be shared between projects?: yes They can, assuming one uses the model administrator of the modeling tool and that one does so within the Blu Age-integrated knowledge base.
Is it possible to manage the model configurations?: yesIt is with the modeling tool manager.
Is it possible to manage the configuration of generating workflows?: yesThat function is already native to Blu Age.
Is it possible to manage code source configurations?: yesBlu Age is a product based on Eclipse and so it integrates natively with all the configuration management tools that are on the market (CVS, SVN, commercial tools based on Eclipse).

Independence of the JEE application generated using Blu Age – Respect of norms and standards

Is the output code independent of any runtime or Blu Age dependence?: yesThe application can be maintained without Blu Age. The application requires no runtime in order to be run.
Which format is needed for the application?: detailsUML2 for the model and XHTML for the screen mock-ups.
Is the expression format in agreement with any standards?: yesOMG and W3C.
Is the application source code independent (i.e. no runtime, no code compiling, no external dependencies)?: yesThe application can be maintained without Blu Age. The application does not require additional runtime when executed.
Can the code be maintained without Blu Age?: yesThe code follows the norms and practices of JEE. These can be adapted to one's needs.
The application can be maintained without Blu Age. The application requires no additional runtime when executed.

The Architecture of Applications Generated Using Blu Age

Is it possible to produce an application on many different architectures?: yesGenerating or production cartridges in the form of workflows describe the targeted architecture.
A workflow is used for each architecture, and a generating project can use multiple workflows.
Can the same model be produced for different architectures (without modifying the models)?: yesUML models used by Blu Age are independent of the technical targeted architecture and allow for the production of the application on multiple architectures without modifying the input elements.
Is the application generated via a separated architecture layer?: yesThree layers are used: data access, services, IHM (RIA or Web).
SOA Type Architecture: yesBlu Age (Netfective TECHNOLOGY) ) is a member of the SOA consortium.
Is all the source code generated (no need for manual coding)?: yesThe whole application is generated: source code, parameter files, data bases.
Can a developer insert source code by hand?: yesIt is possible to insert source code into the modeling but this must be done in the form of opaque UML2 actions.
Can the code be automatically packaged for an immediate release?: yesBlu Age uses a continuous integration mechanism (based on Hudson).
Is it possible to vary the targeted architectures?: yesThe list of architectures is available in our catalogues. New architectures can be added on demand.
What is the list of architectures (generating targets)?: detailsTarget languages: Java JEE, Flex. Types of Architectures: Web, SOA, RIA, Cloud (being developed).
Which database servers can be used (generation target)?: detailsOracle, DB2, MS SQL Server, Informix, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Apache Derby.
What is the list of application servers?: detailsWebsphere, Weblogic, Jboss, Oracle, Glassfish, Jonas, WASCE, Tomcat.
Which Java frameworks are already available for Web IHM?: detailsFlex, JSF, Struts, Improve, Lutece.
Which Java frameworks are available for RIA IHM?: detailsFlex.
Which Java frameworks are available for data access?: detailsHibernate, JPA.
Which Java frameworks are available for data access?: detailsSpring, EJB3.
Which Java frameworks are available for the reports?: detailsJasper, Birt.
Which Java frameworks are available for batches?: detailsWebsphere compute grid, Spring batch.
Is it possible to generate applications for open source architectures?: yes
Is it possible to generate applications for commercial architectures?: yes
Is it possible to generate applications for mobile devices (PDA, Smartphone …) ?: yes

Continuous Integration

Can Blu Age be integrated into a continuous integration chain?: yesA continuous integration chain based on Hudson is available with the Blu Age server component.
Can the integration chain manage and control the generating application?: yesA continuous integration chain based on Hudson is available with the Blu Age server component.
Can the integration chain manage the production of the application?: yesA continuous integration chain based on Hudson is available with the Blu Age server component.
Can the integration chain automatize the tests?: yesA continuous integration chain based on Hudson is available with the Blu Age server component.
Can the integration chain produce the instrumentation panel?: yesA continuous integration chain based on Hudson is available with the Blu Age server component.

Code Quality

Is the generated code of a high quality?: yesWe audit the code produced by the generating application using market-referenced tools.
A client can specify which quality of code he or she desires by using the market tool. Tools used to audit code: CAST, for example.
Does a client have the right to request his or her own code standards?: yesThe standards are defined by the corresponding documentation (design pattern) and examples of corresponding code.
Does a client have the right to request his or her own code quality standards?: yesThe standards are defined by the corresponding documentation (design pattern) and examples of corresponding code.
Can a client ask for specific design patterns?: yesThe standards are defined by the corresponding documentation (design pattern) and examples of corresponding code.

Evolution of the Tool

Is it possible to extend the modernization's knowledge base?: yesIt is, both for the technical knowledge (specificity of a certain language version) and for links to the application legacy (patterns in the application).
Can the generating cartridges be changed or be made to evolve over time?: yesThis process is done using the definitions of architecture elements and the design patterns (documentation) associated with examples of corresponding code.
Does Blu Age produce cartridges that are tailored to a specific client's demand?: yesThis process is done using the definitions of architecture elements and the design patterns (documentation) associated with examples of corresponding code.
Can a system integrator build its own cartdrige upon a client's request?: yesThis process is done using the definitions of architecture elements and the design patterns (documentation) associated with examples of corresponding code.
Can a client build its own cartdrige?: yesThis process is done using the definitions of architecture elements and the design patterns (documentation) associated with examples of corresponding code.

Management Configuration

Is it possible to produce a dependency analysis based on UML models?: yesIt depends on the modeler being used. Blu Age does not integrate the UML modeler but it does integrate natively with the reference market tools (MagicDraw, Rational).
Can Blu Age debug a model-based application?: yesBlu Age includes a debugger model that allows one to execute the models step-by-step alongside the application that is being analyzed. The examination points (pause points) are inserted within the models.
Is it possible to link the specifications in the PIM (Platform independent model) UML model to business requirement in a CIM (Computation independent model) UML model?: yesIt depends on the modeler being used. Blu Age does not integrate the UML modeler but it does integrate natively with the reference market tools (MagicDraw, Rational).
Is there a workbench for sharing uml models?: yesIt depends on the modeler being used. Blu Age does not integrate the UML modeler but it does integrate natively with the reference market tools (MagicDraw, Rational).

POC (Proof of Concept) Conditions for a Modernization

Is it possible to test Blu Age during a POC modernization?: yesYes, one can produce a prototype of a modernized application based on a sample of code (which would represent one or more screens or batches).
What is the average time period for a POC?: detailsUsually 3 weeks but different time lengths can be agreed upon based on the type of prototype.
What do you get from a POC?: detailsThe generated JAVA source code, the UML models, a meeting in which an iso-functional demonstration will be made.

Training

Is there any user training (modeling of generating applications) available?: yesIt is called the Blu Age MDD training. Netfective is a training center and its catalogue of continued training is available on demand.
Is there any project leader training (project management and team configuration)?: yesThe so-called Blu Age EMDD training does just that. Netfective is a training center and its catalogue of continued training is available on demand.
Is there any training for architects (creating generating workflows, creating generating cartridges)?: yesThe Blu Age BSG training does just that. Netfective is a training center and its catalogue of continued training is available on demand.
Is there any user training for the modernization application?: yesBlu Age Reverse is available for that sort of training. Netfective is a training center and its catalogue of continued training is available on demand.

System Integrator Partners

Are there any System Integrators?: yesHP Enterprise Services, SOPRA and HCL among others in the USA, Europe and India.