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Full Convert
This service provides the full conversion of a DataEase for DOS (DFD) application into the DataEase 6.5 (Windows) environment.
Conversion scope
A full conversion assumes that the functionality of the original DFD application will be fully reproduced in a new DE 6.5 application without any changes. Due to some inherent differences between the DOS and Windows environments it will be necessary to change parts of the application structure and these instances are documented in our conversion methodology. However, the business functionality of the application is retained.
Our practical experience indicates that most legacy DFD applications can potentially contain many components (e.g. forms and procedures) that are no longer required or were used for a one off purpose. The cost of conversion can be considerably reduced by not porting the unused elements into the target application. For this purpose, whilst preparing a preliminary estimate Sapphire will submit to the Customer a list of all potentially unused elements for confirmation of removal.
Again, from our experience, if there is a requirement for new functionality within the application to perhaps cater for new business processes, the most straightforward, reliable and cost effective approach to this task is a two-phase solution. Firstly, the DFD application is converted to DE 6.5 on a one-to-one basis, and, secondly, we implement the changes and additions to the application as requested by the Customer. This enables us to simplify the processes of application conversion, data transfer and quality assurance. Importantly, it allows you and your users time to become familiarised with the new application prior to the introduction of new functionality.
Benefits
The main advantage of a like for like conversion is its straightforwardness and simplicity. You get a new application running in a modern environment yet functionally equivalent to the application that has been used in the organization for a long time and to which the users are accustomed. The minimum time needed to deploy the new application and low cost retraining are just two benefits of a full conversion.
By the same token, the new DE6 application serves as a reliable basis for extending and updating the functionality according to future business requirements. Unlike DFD with its limited set of functions, DE6 offers a full range of advanced functionality: you can easily integrate with other systems, publish data to the Web and even access components of your application remotely via a Web browser.
A full conversion minimizes your expenses for a project specification because the source application generally contains enough information to clearly define the task. The proven methodology allows Sapphire to implement the project with minimum involvement of your staff yet guarantees a stable, predictable solution.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the conversion process Sapphire delivers:
- Procedures to export data from the original DFD application and a batch file containing instructions for automatic installation of these export procedures into the same original application. Export procedures are used to automatically export live data from the original DFD application and then import the data into a new DE6 application at the appropriate time.
- An application functionally equivalent to its DFD counterpart, ready to use in the DE6 environment including data import routines to import into the new application the data exported from the live DFD application in batch mode.
- An Excel spreadsheet containing the details of data export/import (the Summary Data Sheet).
- If agreed separately, Sapphire can conduct on-site installation of the converted application as well as user training.
