RPG Open Access (ROA), IBM i edition

IBM's Open Access for RPG (ROA) is a strategic investment in RPG, which provides a long term path forward for new and existing RPG applications. ROA enables native RPG code (minus the 5250) to connect with modern devices, platforms and applications including the cloud. For example, ROA can deliver modern user experiences (UX) across multiple platforms, UIs and devices like web, RIA, iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones.

ROA eliminates the requirement to work with the 5250 datastream, enabling multi-channel UXs to be created direct from the RPG code, via a handler.

lookserver RPG Open Access, IBM i Edition is designed to support the IBM Open Access for RPG (ROA) extensions. It enables the RPG developer to create multiple UXs through the use of a single handler. Moreover, it enables ROA code to be blended with existing 5250 applications to ensure a strategic path forward through evolutionary application modernization and extension.

ROA's new open architecture handler separates the user interface layer from the business logic layer and can easily support existing RPG programs. IBM has architected ROA to enable a single piece of RPG business logic to connect to multiple types of devices, platforms and applications concurrently.

Highlights of looksoftware’s RPG Open Access Support include:

Delivery of multi-channel GUIs from a single RPG program
Blending of ROA code with existing traditional 5250 code will produce a seamless, consistent UX
A single generic ROA handler which supports looksoftware's complete range of multi-channel modernization & development products, including:
- smartclient
- thinclient
- riaclient
- mobileclient
- Web Services support
Drag and drop Designer, creating UX for new ROA functionality
Updates to looksoftware’s IDE to support ROA functionality
Automated enablement of existing RPG code for Open Access and developer tools

Multi-channel support which delivers the optimum user experience for multiple audiences, GUIs and devices :

     • Phased rollout for smartclient, riaclient, thinclient and mobileclient
     • Platforms supported include Windows, MAC and Linux
     • Browsers supported include Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox and Chrome
     • Mobile device support for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android

Early-adopter programme

looksoftware are currently accepting applications for our early-adopter programme. For more information, or to register your interest, email marketing@looksoftware.com.

Apply for the lookserver RPG OA Early Access Programme

View the full on-demand webinar and FAQs

Read IBM i Community views on RPG OA

“This is just what the RPG community has been asking for. With all of the enhancements to the RPG language the only downside that remained was the 5250 user interface. This will go a long way in preserving and extending RPG.”
Derek McLaurin, Link Computers, IBM i ISV and reseller

"IBM is making an investment in the future of IBM i with RPG Open Access. looksoftware adds value to their investment, enabling customers to take advantage of IBM's native GUI. With the capability to deliver multiple UIs from a single RPG program, the looksoftware tools manage the complexity of the myriad of modern user interface clients. RPG developers will focus less on the differences of browsers and mobile clients, and become more productive with the business logic of their applications."
Trevor Perry, Angus Thinks

“Traditionally, all output from RPG programs were forced into the limited 5250 data stream. In 7.1, the output could be sent to, for example, a web page or hand-held mobile device. I think this is what developers have always wanted.”
Nick Cummins, Parker Hannifin, IBM I customer

"RPG Open Access is very much the kind of RPG enhancement we had been lobbying to get for years - even before we left IBM more than 12 years ago."
Jon Paris, Partner400

“This Open Access function is a dramatic new option for RPG applications—if you want to bypass the 5250 requirement, this lets you write applications for the first time without outputting them to a 5250 data stream, and this will really open up a wide range of new application possibilities".
Ian Jarman, Manager of Power Systems Software, IBM

"ROA satisfies the #1 request from customers and ISVs in an open architecture and is developed and supported by IBM, the platform provider. ROA provides the long term, native code, path forward for any company with RPG investments"
Marcus Dee, CEO, looksoftware