Magic renews onslaught on AS/400 market

Magic Software Enterprises has released details of its strategy to become the premier productivity solutions provider in the AS/400 market. The strategy includes a third version of the rapid application development and deployment (RADD) Magic/400 software, due by year-end, new strategic partnerships, dedicated AS/400 product R&D and support teams, and the launch of a broader AS/400 business plan characterised as "under construction".

New version of Magic/400

Magic`s commitment to the AS/400 began three years ago with with the first version of Magic/400, developed with IBM`s Rochester labs. That version extended Magic to include server-based application deployment for AS/400 systems, and provided for seamless integration of the AS/400 into heterogeneous environments. A subsequent iteration featured Java and HTML-based user interfaces, visual dynamic application partitioning, system and application management, team development, transaction processing, and open integration to third-party tools.

Now, in its third release in as many years, Magic/400 features an integrated Internet development environment for e-business, messaging technology including AS/400 data queues and MQ/Series, and integration with the DB2/400 "open query file" function using server-side record selection for improved performance. In addition, Magic/400 offers legacy integration capabilities.

Not only can Magic/400 call legacy RPG and Cobol programs, but RPG and Cobol programs can call Magic/400 with the engine running on any platform. This provides RPG and Cobol programs easy access to new functionality. These enhancements help position Magic/400 in the high-end AS/400 tools market.

Magic is also forging new strategic partnerships in the AS/400 market that will enable it to market and support a range of productivity-based applications.

Dedicated R&D and support

In addition, Magic has created dedicated Magic/400 product R&D and support teams. Comprised of technical professionals, these teams will work in close relationship with the regular Magic R&D and support teams, as well as IBM`s Rochester labs, to develop and adopt technologies for the AS/400 market. Areas being explored include e-business, components and Java. In addition, the Magic teams are exploring how Magic/400 can best integrate and take advantage of Domino technology.

Under construction

A final element in this new strategic initiative is what Magic itself labels "under construction". It represents Magic`s broader business plan to achieve recognition in, and increase penetration of, the AS/400 market, and involves how the company plans to commit its resources in the future.

"Magic is totally committed to the AS/400 market," says Tzvi Appel, MD of local Magic distributor Exsol. "Magic is in the AS/400 business to help build for the future."

Exsol is an MGX Holdings company.