Rejoice! ResQNet, a pioneer and powerhouse in the field of Java-applet-based host access - augmented with either AutoGUI or highly customized user interface rejuvenation and enhancement, has decided that it needs an ‘on-the-fly’ HTML conversion capability to bolster and round-off its product repertoire. Given its extensive background in Java, this product, which will be called ResQPortal and will be available as of March 2000, is Java-based and, as is to be expected, liberally leverages technology from ResQNet’s applet products. This makes it the first, Java-based ‘on-the-fly’ HTML conversion solution. The implications of this are significant. For one, you could run it on a mainframe with WebSphere to realize a very scalable implementation. You could also run it on a high-end Unix box or even an AS/400. This is a welcome relief from the NT-centricity of many of the other solutions.

ResQNet's groundbreaking Java-based ResQPortal that does 'on-the-fly' 3270/5250-to-HTML Conversion - with ResQNet's renowned screen rejuvenation, including the ability to use custom definitions created for the applet product

The other key differentiator that will set this product apart will be its ‘on-the-fly’ user interface rejuvenation aspect. ResQNet, who provides the rejuvenation technology for IBM’s Host On-Demand, has ensured that this product is backward compatible with all of its rejuvenation capabilities – including the ability to transparently share customized definitions created to be used with ResQNet’s ‘tn’ applet or IBM’s Screen Customizer. The difference is that the rejuvenated interface will now be rendered in HTML in the form of a Web page, rather than in ‘Java’ form within an emulation window.

All ‘screens’ rendered by ResQPortal will always have some level of rejuvenation with defined input fields, ‘clickable’ hot spots and menu buttons. Extensive customization can be realized using ResQNet’s rather intuitive ‘drag-and-drop’ Customization Studio. Any customization done in this way can be used by ResQPortal as well as the Java applet offerings. ResQNet’s [www.resqnet.com] rejuvenation and user interface extension prowess has been described recently in the January 2000 RVOS case study and the 10/16/1999 Bank of America case study.

ResQPortal, somewhat like Novell’s HostPublisher and iE’s ScreenSurfer, uses JavaScript to realize certain keyboard and cursor control functions. The initial release in March is unlikely to have some of the esoteric, high-end features such as comprehensive support for PF-keys, unsolicited host output and light-pens. However, since ResQNet quite rightly is positioning this product for ‘casual’ access – particularly for general public access across the Web – the absence of such features, which are only required for emulating existing 3270 behavior, is not an impediment.

This product has the potential to change the dynamics of the Web-to-host market. IBM’s Java-based Host Publisher 2.0 [8/16/1999] or the high end Shadow OS/390 Web Server described above cannot do ‘on-the-fly’ HTML conversion. Neither do they have the powerful and flexible user interface rejuvenation capabilities inherent in ResQPortal. The best of all worlds could, however, be achieved by deploying ResQPortal on a mainframe along with one of these host integration servers. IBM, emulating the Host On-Demand precedence, might want to consider incorporating ResQPortal technology with Host Publisher.

ResQPortal Press Release