mrc-Productivity Series new offering asks you: Ready for BED?" with Java Servlets

mrc gives iSeries developers the ability to point, click, and develop...on the Web

Lombard, IL-- mrc today unveiled its most groundbreaking offering to date: the mrc-Productivity Series: Browser Enhanced Development version, or BED for short. BED is a point-and-click Web interface version of the mrc-Productivity Series, developed in Java servlets and built from start-to-finish with the 5250 green-screen version of the mrc-Productivity Series tool suite.

We are very excited to offer our clients the option of being able to develop both Web and green-screen applications from the Web using a graphical interface. Its incredibly easy to use, and to learn, which was very important to us." said Brian Crowley, Director of Development, mrc, The BED interface was designed with navigation as one of our top priorities." This graphical user interface (GUI) features an intuitive tab-based menu system, familiar to Internet surfers worldwide. It also features new and advanced searching capabilities that enable users to enter specific search parameters to quickly find the applications on which they wish to work.

Not only is it easy to use, but it is easy to maintain," adds Sal Stangarone, Senior Product Consultant. It is a superior set up for companies interested in simplifying operations." Unlike client/server software, the only software needed on PCs is a Web browser, and any future updates or upgrades to the software only need to be updated in one location to be served up to users automatically. Adds Crowley, Everyone loves the green-screen for its easy maintenance, and everyone loved client/server for its graphical user interface, but maintenance for client/server was complicated and required any software fixes or upgrades that came along to be uploaded to each PC it was installed on. mrcs BED, embraces the best of both worlds. Its the thinnest of thin-client solutions."

On the topic of convenience, applications built with BED can now be developed, tested, and executed without ever leaving the environment. This feature allows users to be even more productive. For over five years now, our customers have been using the mrc-Productivity Series 5250 environment to rapidly develop complex Web applications with great success. The only drawback was that they had to switch back and forth between green-screen and Web environments in order to test what they were building. In this environment, there is no need to toggle between programs. Its all right there," said Crowley. Service and support included: Online help is available via links and email at every point throughout the site and live technical support can be reached at 630.916.0662.

This Browser Enhanced Development version of the mrc-Productivity Series means there is no longer a feeling of being tied to your desk, or tied to a particular computer. Instead, developers can access the interface at any point during the build process to create, update, delete, or run their business applications from anywhere in the world; so long as there is a computer with a Web connection and browser. It is a powerful offering on so many levels," explains Crowley, And, because the mrc-Productivity Series builds applications so efficiently, and because BED was created in Java servlets, the development environment is remarkably fast, and tailored for Web use."

That speed, and ease of access is not to say that the servlet version gives up anything in the way of security. According to Stangarone, This Web-based version of the mrc-Productivity Series, and the applications it creates, are secure. Our EPZ (enterprise protection zone) security feature is unmatched, and serves to enhance the already formidable iSeries security.
   
The mrc-Productivity Series BED interface is available to current mrc customers as part of their maintenance and warranty package, for no additional charge.

mrc, ltd (michaels, ross & cole, ltd), has been producing award-winning development software since 1981. The companys flagship product, the mrc-Productivity Series, is the only iSeries (AS/400) development tool suite to provide Web development, rapid application development, and real-time reporting capabilities in one package. mrc also produces mrc-Lightning CE, a development software tool patterned after the mrc-Productivity Series, and streamlined for specific Web applications. For more information, contact mrc at 1920 South Highland Street, Suite 203, Lombard, IL 60148; via phone at 630.916.0662; via fax at 630.916.0663; via e-mail at mrc@mrc-productivity.com; or via the Internet at www.mrc-productivity.com.
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PRESS ONLY: For interviews or more information, contact Heather Gately, mrc marketing manager, at 630/916-0662 or heatherg@mrc-productivity.com. Screenshots available upon request.