Progress development system
Has anybody here used Progress in the last few years? How does it compare to (Visual) DataFlex? I'm looking for unbiased (or as unbiased as we can be here) information, not just where DataFlex is better.
My client is looking at a new management system written in Progress to replace their existing system written in DataFlex 3.2 for Linux.
I looked at Progress briefly in the mid 80's but settled on DataFlex and haven't looked at it again until now. They list so may products and variations on their website that I'm not even sure what I really want to look at. (This would be primarily Windows client applications, but maybe some web stuff in the future.)
It still seems to "run" in a Linux environment, though the studio (OpenEdge?) runs in a Windows client and seems to develop Windows, web browser and phone applications.
Does Progress still use their own embedded proprietary database? (Like our embedded database.) Do they support other databases (specifically MS SQL)?
How's their "studio" for application development?
Is Progress object oriented? Or just have object capabilities? (I couldn't tell from what I've read so far. They talk about objects but don't refer to object oriented.)
Their "community" doesn't seem nearly as active or helpful as the DA forums.
Any comments? (Thanks for any comments you might be willing/able to offer.)
Re: Progress development system
I vaguely remember Progress - just did a quick web search and wow ! They have really evolved. Looks like a SalesForce.com competitor to me. And in fact you can import apps from SalesForce with their product. Massive scope and looks kinda interesting.
I'm sure you have been here but just in case check out this link. I just quickly scanned through their developer guide. Looks to be all web based development but they did mention Private Cloud - which now means on-premise servers.
[url]https://www.progress.com/products/rollbase/resources/rollbase-in-action[/url]
Re: Progress development system
I've got a friend who runs IT for a publicly traded company, and they use Progress for all their IT. You need more money, but less developers if you're developing on Progress in comparison to Dataflex.
I'll see if I can get more detailed answers for your specific questions, but in the meantime...
- Progress does use a proprietry database.
- It's web connector is called Webspeed and my friend raves about it.
- You can have desktop applications.
- It's expensive,
- It's reliable.
- Development is easy, but "different". I think it's a more declarative language, but I'd have to check.
- It's for use in larger organisations than those that would use dataflex.
Re: Progress development system
Bit more detail for you.
[COLOR=#333333]>Does Progress still use their own embedded proprietary database? (Like our embedded database.) Do they support other databases (specifically MS SQL)?[/COLOR]
Yes, But it also has good connectors to external databases.
[COLOR=#333333]>How's their "studio" for application development?[/COLOR]
Apparently, it's Eclipse. So if you're comfortable with Eclipse, then you should be OK.
[COLOR=#333333]>Is Progress object oriented? Or just have object capabilities? (I couldn't tell from what I've read so far. They talk about objects but don't refer to object oriented.)[/COLOR]
Yes it is. Classes, objects, methods, inheritance are all in there.
[COLOR=#333333]>Their "community" doesn't seem nearly as active or helpful as the DA forums.
Possibly not. The comment I got was - The language is easy to use, and the people involved in Progress development tend to know the language and there's not a huge amount of need for forums, etc. [/COLOR]
Re: Progress development system
Thanks Chuck and Sean. Your information has been very helpful.
I have been cut back to a minor support position. I will only be working 10 - 20 hours a month for the client, and only until the new system is implemented. I will do only required maintenance to existing code, assist in evaluating the new system and assist with the migration. There will be no future development in Dataflex. In a few month I will not be needed at all. At 62 what are my odds of finding new work in DataFlex? Sigh ...
Re: Progress development system
Take heart Larry!
My prediction is that it is going to take many years before their DF-based system can be replicated in a totally new environment. In the process they will come to learn all that you actually did for them, and all of the functionality in that system.
I suspect they'll be trying to stay in your good graces for quite some time.
Bob