XGEN is the multi-platform, database independent 4GL language that offers Windows NT (XGEN 32), UNIX and mainframe users a powerful "open" systems development tool.  Additionally, XGEN interfaces with Visual Basic and PowerBuilder (ClientView Builder).

XGEN 4GL was developed using the latest 4GL technologies and years of actual user experience with out pioneer 4GL product, COGEN.  As a result, XGEN is designed to be a database and datacom independent precision tool for generations of portable COBOL.

The XGEN language is based on COBOL. In addition to a rapid learning curve for programmers familiar with COBOL (typically five days), the language constructs are so intuitive that non-XGEN programmers can immediately read and understand and XGEN 4GL program.  Of greater importance, it permits XGEN applications to easily integrate with legacy 3GL and 4GL applications. This eliminates the need to rewrite entire legacy applications in order to deploy an XGEN 4GL development strategy.

XGEN Delivers High Leverage and Full Functionality

In the overall scheme of 4GL technology, a total design must include the concept of maximizing flexibility and leverage. Flexibility provides the developer power and control of the 4GL programming language to achieve the desired results without descending to a lower 3GL language. Leverage, on the other hand provides the ability to accomplish large blocks of routine tasks through a series of predefined object-processes quickly, easily, but influence the end result.

Unlike other 4GL products, XGEN optimizes leverage and functionality by permitting the developer to remain within the 4GL development environment for all applications development. Not only does this maximize programmer productivity, it minimizes future software maintenance issues, while ensuring applications portability.

The problem with most 4GL's is they deliver leverage at the expense of functionality and flexibility.  Developers often find they cannot accomplish tasks the way they want without decending to a 3GL.  Unlike other 4GL products, XGEN optimizes leverage and functionality by permitting the developer to remain within the 4GL development environment for all applications development.  Not only does this maximize programmers productivity, it minimizes future software maintenance issues, while ensuring applications portability.

XGEN'S functionality and strength is exemplified in the fact that over half of the XGEN 4GL is written in the XGEN 4GL. In addition, many of Openware's ancillary tools are written in XGEN, including OPENKANDI (a UNIX/NT-based emulation of the A-Series mainframe editor CANDE). That's maximum flexibility and true power.

Design Freedom

XGEN provides today's developer unlimited freedom in system design. With XGEN's structured procedural language all barriers and restrictions as to number and size of online and batch programs are eliminated. You decide how to organise your application functions, from one screen or function per program to all functions within a single program. No restrictions on screen or report design. Full screen image and report page are available so that XGEN developed applications can fit into your site's existing styles and standards.

XGEN Provides True Vendor-Neutral Environment

XGEN is the only 4GL to provide a totally vendor-neutral application development environment. Outside of a few lines of program declaration statements, the XGEN 4GL procedural statements do not tie themselves to any one vendor's datacom, database or other features. This permits XGEN to generate COBOL for most of today's popular hardware platforms (ie. microfocus COBOL for UNIX and Windows NT and mainframe COBOL).

Interfacing with most environmental software such as COMS, GEMCOS, and CICS, XGEN insulates application software from changes in the operation and interfaces to the system software. For example, when Unisys introduced COMS to replace the GEMCOS datacom, XGEN programs only required a one line change to the datacom declaration and a regeneration to fully convert to the new COMS MCS. This change represented a major conversion effort for COBOL and other 4GL users.

Cooperative Processing

Unlike other 4GLs offering limited client/server capabilities, XGEN's unique implementation of client-server technology represents the most advanced technical strategy for distributed processing today.

modis Solutions has combined the four fundamental programmers skill-sets required for client/server development:

• "C" language network application programming;

• UNIX COBOL or "C" application programming;

• Host COBOL programming; and

• Host systems network programming;

into a singularly powerful XGEN "SERVER" statement. From this command, applications are automatically generated for the client and matching servers; from one source code program, for all supported platforms, databases, and message control systems on the network (mainframes, midrange systems, and PC's). Not only does this reduce client/server development fourfold, it decreases project complexity which reduces testing and debugging cycles. Further, future maintenance and version control issues are simplified.

Database Independence

Transparent to both the user and the developer is XGEN's ability to access multiple databases, both local or remote. The developer simply identifies the name of the server, the database(s), and/or file(s), including local/remote options. The developer's control extend to declaring which platform within the network the XGEN procedure(s) is to be performed, returning the results to the client. This highly efficient methodology minimizes network traffic and maximizes response times.

XGEN 4GL is the state-of-the-art technology for:

• Implementing database independent 4GL rapid development strategies;

• Integrating 3GL and 4GL systems

• Distributing mainframe/Unix/NT applications through client/server architecture

• Developing and testing of mainframe applications on Unix and NT platforms;

• Migrating existing applications from the mainframe to Unix or NT

• Supporting multiple and dissimilar target production platforms from a single application development environment

XGEN 4GL provides the maximum leverage, functionality and control over development, while featuring a compelling simplicity and straight-forwardness that modis Solutions' customers have come to rely on.