Seminar: Computer Profession

Project Outline:

"You are required in this course to read professional literature in our discipline and write reports of the articles that you read."-Dr. Shubra

ASP: Convenience, Communication, and Information
Integration, Information, and ASP's
DirectApps and Direct Service

Paper 1:
(index)

Gary Palmatier ASP Configuration Handbook

"The ASP offering is a revolutionary response to the inefficiencies in our current distributed computing environment. As we transitioned from mainframe architecture to a distributed model, there were great increases in productivity achieved by bringing computing power to every employee. This transition to the personal computer (PC) era enabled economic growth previously unheard of, and changed the ways in which we are able to transact business."

ASP: Convenience, Communication, and Information
When deciding how to set up a personal computer, one might come across the term Application Service Providers and wonder �what are Application Service Providers?� Like an ISP or Internet Service Provider, the ASP provides software applications. So �you can get the applications you need directly from the Web since they are hosted on centralized servers.� The software is on the Web and then work can be done over the browser. This keeps the hard drive clear from extraneous files. Plus, software is updated whenever there is a new version.
As well as receiving current software updates, using ASP provides a viable solution to three major issues:

� The up-front costs of purchasing a packaged software license
� The lack of IT resources to install and maintain the software
� The high cost of building and maintaining the necessary IT infrastructure to support the software.

The costs of ASP�s are either free or based on monthly charges, and they vary depending on the software. Generally, the cost for private users is somewhere between $200-$400. ASP through an office are a lot less costly--$5-$50. However, the benefits outweigh the cost and might even be better than a regular service charge. Two of these benefits are the following; one, �ASP�s charge a rental basis, start-up costs are low compared with licensing and deploying an application on your own�, and two, storefront software is very expensive. Plus, continuous updates are a good investment because ASP�s are �more likely to upgrade to the most recent release of an application and keep current with all the bug fixes and security problems�. Therefore, ASP�s are relatively economical, current, and convenient.
Another impressive statistic about ASP�s is the following: �Application Service Providers are at the forefront of today's technology, making software more accessible than ever before. Industry revenues are expected to rise from US$7 million this year to US$7 billion in 2004, with the number of users increasing from 20,000 to nearly 30 million in three years.� As well as becoming widely used worldwide, ASP�s greatly reduce hassles. They are a great example of increased communication and highly accessible information.
In conclusion, it is beneficial to know about ASP�s because of their numerous advantages in cost, convenience, communication and accessibility. With these benefits, it is not surprising that ASP�s are becoming more and more popular.

Sources Sited

Appleyard, James. What are Application Service Providers? Ibiztips.com February 12, 2002 http://www.ibiztips.com/tools05MAR01.htm

Hall, Mark. Primer: Application Service Protocols. ComputerWorld August 20, 2000. http://www.computerworld.com/itresources/rcstory/0,4167,STO63154_KEY423,00.html

Palmatier, Gary. ASP Configuration Handbook . The Case for ISP�s Converting to ASP Model. February 11, 2002 http://www.aspstreet.com/archive/d.taf/what,show/sid,11/id,12881/cid,

Paper 2:
(index)

IBizTips What Are Application Service Providers?

"Application Service Providers are at the forefront of today's technology, making software more accessible than ever before. Industry revenues are expected to rise from US$7 million this year to US$7 billion in 2004, with the number of users increasing from 20,000 to nearly 30 million in three years."

Integration, Information, and ASP�s
         I decided to interview Gautam Swaminathan on his internship at DBA Software for two reasons: first, because I thought he represented the corporation and presented his experience well; and second, because the main project he did with Web-based mainframe integration is a activity in which I am interested. A majority of the work I have done as an employee of both the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the IUP Software Development Center has served primarily as a means to allow patrons to store, retrieve, access, manage, or view records on databases, whether they are in Domino Database or SQL Server. I have also done work with CICS, which was another reason why I wanted to question Gautam on his internship. Throughout the interview, I focused mainly on questions about integration and asked other general questions about his overall experience.
         �Integration� presents some concerns. While databases allow end users to enter records through the Web, provided that the users have the proper permissions, sometimes these programs are difficult for end users to utilize. More than that, the program�s capabilities are often not fully realized. In regard to the Web based mainframe integration at DBA Software, Gautam reports that DBA believes �that online help market for the web has not been fully explored, and their software for the web will be as much of a success as their original version, if not better.� However, even if end users completely understand the benefits of Web integration, Gautam goes on to explain that DBA is �not completely abandoning the mainframe. The mainframe is still the best place (or UNIX systems) to store any company�s business data.� But the Web does offer an irreplaceable advantage; it is �the medium through which everybody, regardless of where they are, can get at this company data with only the need for a standard web browser.� As long as people know how to use the benefits of such a system, integration can be very advantageous.
         However, while Web-based mainframe integration works well for DBA Software, would it work well for other corporations? After all, DBA Software is a corporation that offers manufacturing software designed for small businesses. Therefore, the customers they attract and they employees they house benefit from seeing records and data over the Web, as integration allows. But is this option as attractive to businesses that are less technical? Gautam responds to this question by implying that regardless of the company, better information storage is always an improvement. �I think the web is fast becoming the best medium for the 'client', where corporations can store their data and business logic on powerful servers, and require the clients only to have a web browser, and thus not requiring any software distribution etc (ASP - Application Service Providers is the term used most often for this kind of software).� So Integration seems a plausible selection because corporations rely on both information and communication; both of which are promoted by integration.
         Looking at one of the technical details of Gautam�s internship one might wonder �what are Application Service Providers?� Like an ISP or Internet Service Provider, the ASP provides software applications. So �you can get the applications you need directly from the Web since they are hosted on centralized servers.� The way it works is, the software is on the Web and then work can be done over the browser. This keeps the hard drive clear from extraneous files. Additionally, software is updated whenever there is a new version. Likewise, the ASP provides a viable solution to three major issues:

� The up-front costs of purchasing a packaged software license
� The lack of IT resources to install and maintain the software
� The high cost of building and maintaining the necessary IT infrastructure to support the software.

The costs of ASP�s are either free or based on monthly charges, and they vary depending on the software. In general, the cost is for private users is anywhere from $200-$400. ASP through an office are a lot less costly--$5-$50. However, the benefits outweigh the cost and might even a regular service charge. This is because one, �ASP�s charge a rental basis, start-up costs are low compared with licensing and deploying an application on your own� and two, storefront software is very expensive. Plus, continuous updates are a good investment because ASP�s are �more likely to upgrade to the most recent release of an application and keep current with all the bug fixes and security problems�.
         Another impressive statistic about ASP�s is the following: �Application Service Providers are at the forefront of today's technology, making software more accessible than ever before. Industry revenues are expected to rise from US$7 million this year to US$7 billion in 2004, with the number of users increasing from 20,000 to nearly 30 million in three years.� As well as becoming widely used worldwide, ASP�s greatly reduce hassles. They are a great example of increased communication and highly accessible information.
         However, integration and the concept of increased information and communication are still very general. Looking at these �end user advantages� of integration in more detail at DBA Software for example, we see that the end user would be most benefited, according to Gautam, �because they will now be able to use 'Point and Click', graphics, and all the other perks available on PC and web based applications, instead of a text based mainframe terminal.� And this graphical user interface with all of its advantages has already proved to be a great tool of the Internet.
         Yet this �tool of the Internet� takes a lot of work to make. When asked if he had ever done anything like this before, Gautam replied, �At IUP, I have used the VAX VMS mainframe, but never an IBM OS/390 mainframe. I had some experience working with web technologies from my job with the Eberly College of Business IT department, and with the Software Development Center. But I had never thought that I would be working with both 'worlds' at the same time.� With this new experience, he believes that the small number of people with which he worked influenced the internship. He says, �if I join a BIG company once I graduate, I will probably be faced with 'stricter' rules and regulations. But, as far as the technology goes, I think that this was a very valuable experience.� Having worked on a project like this, Gautam has a point of reference for future integration projects.
         He also learned that three other things were very valuable. �I found that people skills were important. Although, I�m not really good [at people skills], I think I can put on a 'good show' now.� He does not feel the same way about other people skills though; he still dislikes presentations. In the way of preparation, Gautam discovered that �a few hours spent on design go a long way, and can reduce the amount of time spent on actual coding.� Another was, again, working with both the mainframe and the Web. He comments that working with both �VERY different worlds was difficult, but a good experience.�
         Conclusively, one is led to wonder if the internship was what Gautam expected. Gautam says he was surprised about two things, code and people. �The massive amounts of source code, and 'pieces' involved in getting a software product of such scale to work� took a while to digest completely�. Opposite of that, he observes �There are people out in the field, who themselves don�t have very good people skills, and to interact with them can be difficult and awkward at times. (Its not a matter of experience I guess).� It is a safe assumption that many interns make these same or similar observations.

Appendix A�Interview with Gautam Swaminathan

1. Do you think the company's plan to go from the mainframe to the Web is well thought and will be well used?

The company has had great success with online help software in the IBM Mainframe area, partly because their software was a very new concept and functioned well as an integrated whole. DBA Soft believes that online help market for the web has not been fully explored, and their software for the web will be as much of a success as their original version, if not better. They are, however, not completely abandoning the mainframe. The mainframe is still the best place (or UNIX systems) to store any company�s business data. The web will only be the medium through which everybody, regardless of where they are, can get at this company data with only the need for a standard web browser.

2. Would you recommend this integration to other corporations?

I think I would - cause I would like to see this software that I created sold all around the world - even if I�m not going to be making millions of dollars out of it. ;) I think the web is fast becoming the best medium for the 'client', where corporations can store their data and business logic on powerful servers, and require the clients only to have a web browser, and thus not requiring any software distribution etc (ASP - Application Service Providers is the term used most often for this kind of software). Moreover, the communication between web based technologies, and the mainframe, although difficult to set up, once setup, works seamlessly. The greatest challenge is to find people who can work both on the web, and on the mainframe, and that�s where I think my internship was most beneficial.

3. Will this integration be more beneficial to the employees or an end user?

The end user would be most benefited, according to me, because they will now be able to use 'Point and Click', graphics, and all the other perks available on PC and web based applications, instead of a text based mainframe terminal.

4. Do you think it will be hard to maintain?

Once sold to the Users, the software should already be well setup and not require much maintenance by the administrators/users.

5. How did DBA Software come to realize they needed this sort of integration?

No clue - but it was a good idea - I hope (and they hope too).

6. Had you ever done anything like this before?

At IUP, I have used the VAX VMS mainframe, but never an IBM OS/390 mainframe. I had some experience working with web technologies from my job with the Eberly College of Business IT department, and with the Software Development Center. But I had never thought that i would be working with both 'worlds' at the same time.

7. Do you think this internship has prepared you for what you will find once you graduate?

DBA Software was a small company with few programmers - it is always easier to work with few people, than to work with many - many one may probably never see in ones life. So, if I join a BIG company once I graduate, I will probably be faced with 'stricter' rules and regulations. But, as far as the technology goes, I think that this was a very valuable experience.

8. What was the most useful thing, looking back, that you learned while on internship?

A. I found that people skills were important. Although, I�m not really good, i think i can put on a 'good show' now. Presentations suck, though.
B. A few hours spent on design go a long way, and can reduce the amount of time spent on actual coding.
C. Working with both the mainframe, and the web, which are VERY different worlds was difficult, but a good experience.

9. Was the internship what you expected? In what ways?

Well..... Two things I was surprised about:
A> The massive amounts of source code, and 'pieces' involved in getting a software product of such scale to work was mind boggling - and took a while to digest completely.
B> There are people out in the field, who themselves don�t have very good people skills, and to interact with them can be difficult and awkward at times. (Its not a matter of experience I guess).

Sources Sited

Paper 3:
(index)

DirectApps, Inc. Overview

"DirectApps, Inc. securely publishes your in-house developed applications, common retail software or even mainframe applications to the Internet, to an Extranet site, or to your Intranet communities. The DirectApps Suite of Virtual Tools gives your employees access to any application, an entire desktop of applications or an entire network, from any location, using any Web device."

DirectApps and Direct Service
Integration, accessibility, and applications have always been large concerns in computer science. That is why a 5-year old company in Roseville, California addresses and offers solutions for these concerns. "Our purpose at DirectApps, Inc. is to provide business and government the power to access their current computing environment from any location." It is clear to see both their purpose and recent success when looking at the company�s proposed �solution�, organization, and client history.
One of the greatest key components of their �solution� deals with servers. Establishing servers that make an organizations software available to users at various locations, DirectApps creates a network on an Internet browser. To enable this sort of accessibility, DirectApps has set up the following 3-part solution:

� Redesigning and rebuilding applications into native Web applications
� Hosting the applications so that they work together
� Enabling you and your entire organization to access any application, desktop or network from any location using any device

These three duties function as their mission to �web-enable any application, desktop or network� and delineate a solution that is plainly reflected by their motto: �Any Application Anywhere (A3)�.
Of course, such a direct motto and an even more outlined plan of action require organization and versatility. In addition to the DirectApps breed of Application Server Provider called A3SP, a key factor of their successful business is common sense for business. Co-founder and chief operating officer Bruce Glowacki says, �Many dot-coms failed because they lacked the fundamentals of doing business.� For instance, DirectApps favors doing business with a �proven market� and keeping long-term relationships with customers. Along with this common sense, the versatility of DirectApps allows it to adapt to already-existing infrastructures and systems. The following is an abbreviated list of these flexible features:

� Telecommuting and Remote Access from home and the road
� Load Balancing and Redundant Server Arrays
� Complete Integration of Existing Systems and Applications
� Mainframe Access
� LAN/WAN Network Access
� Multi-Platform Support: PC, Mac, Unix, PDA

It is with these organizational skills and flexible features that DirectApps is able to maintain its outlined plan of action.
Moreover, because government agencies are rife with mainframes, Jeff Daniels, a Los Angeles-based e-government consultant who has seen DirectApp's market approach, sees �plenty of opportunities to help such systems administer public service� and quickly because it is online. Through the use of DirectApps, a California-based non-profit social services organization, was provided the ideal computer solution: access to all of their data and applications in a centrally managed environment. The company was able to instantly deploy new applications to offices throughout three states. For their solutions, organization, and client history, it is no surprise that DirectApps is becoming a successful, growing business and DirectApps clients are happy with their service.

Works Cited

1. Larson, Mark. Computer Service Grows with Common Sense. Sacramento Business Journal. April 13, 2001.

2. The DirectApps website. http://www.rasworld.com/RAS/ras.nsf/webpages/Solutions c. 2001 DirectApps, Inc.

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