2.1.8 Mixing Models
Different users and different applications will have different needs. Within your business applications, you may need to have a series of diverse and sometimes functionally overlapping user interface and application styles for different parts of your core business applications.
Typically, about 70% of an application's total user interface requirements can be handled purely in the 2.1.3 Universal Model. Approximately 15 – 20% will significantly benefit from being 2.1.4 Windows Optimized Model and 5 – 10% will benefit from being 2.1.5 Web Optimized Model or may use the 2.1.6 Open Model.
Of course the mix will vary somewhat with the specific type of business application. Some applications might have 90% Web Optimized and 10% Universal. Other applications may require 100% Windows Optimized.
It is important to remember that the repository-based 4GL architecture is the key to the LANSA solution for your business applications. LANSA embeds the largely hidden core of the application (its business rules, event triggers, remote procedures, etc.) in the repository which supports a wide range of differing user interface requirements. Your investment in the repository is your investment in the future.
By using a 4GL to develop your applications, you have a much greater range of interface choices as demonstrated by the Universal application style. As new languages and platforms are introduced and evolve, the importance of the LANSA Repository and RDML grows.
In summary, it is your choice. You can use a number of LANSA products to build a variety of applications to meet your business needs.
LANSA provides an integrated family of products which share a common repository-based 4GL architecture. A LANSA developed application offers a company a wide range of user interface style choices to meet the demands of the application.
LANSA for i builds applications for the Universal user interface style. It is ideal for your batch, reporting and dedicated data entry type applications. The application can be deployed to the Web or to Windows by simply recompiling.
Visual LANSA builds applications for both the Universal, Windows Optimized and Web Optimized user interface styles. You build Windows Optimized applications by using Visual LANSA component technology.
LANSA for the Web allows you to deploy your existing Universal applications on the Internet or using an Intranet. You can also create Web Optimized applications using Web Functions or WAMs for specialized Internet/Intranet applications.
LANSA Open allows you to choose a PC-based development tool but still share in the benefits of the repository architecture.
LANSA Integrator allows you to exchange data with other applications on other servers to build application-to-application or business-to-business type applications.
It is your choice.
Also See