Since IBM began stocking the i system development pond with so many three-plus letter acronyms, it has become a confusing situation for developers creating applications. WDSC, WDSC AE, RDi, RDi SOA, EGL, RSE, HATS for 5250—argh! And don't forget the multiple versions such as WDSC 6.x, WDSC 7.x, RDi 7.1 and RDI 7.5—double argh!

How does a developer know what each of the acronyms mean and which ones might fit into a company's development plans? Let's clear up the confusion and find out what the status is of each of these IBM i development products.

This article provides a summary of the tools that System i developers have to create applications. It also provides a breakdown of the costs associated with the IBM Rational products that we'll eventually be using and what your options are today.

WDSC—WebSphere Development Studio Client

This was the PC product IBM introduced a few years ago to get programmers off SEU/PDM. WDSC has the editors we need for i system development and the Remote System Explorer (RSE) for working with IBM i resources like objects, members, spooled files, etc. This product and those that have come after it are based on Eclipse, an open-source platform.

WDSC also introduced us to several web development features: Host Access Transformation Services (HATS), WebFacing, and a new programming platform called Enterprise Generation Language (EGL). Like other software, WDSC has multiple versions. The latest is 7. The PC-based product was part of the IBM licensed program WebSphere Development Studio, 5722-WDS, which shipped with the System i operating system, and therefore is often perceived as being "free."

Because of all the tools WDSC offered, it could be quite a disk/memory hog on your PC. IBM previewed WDSC "Lite," a repackaged version of WDSC that just contained the editors for System i development.

Back in April 2008, IBM announced the product is "stable," meaning IBM isn't going to do anything more with it. IBM intends to stop product support for WDSC in spring 2010.

WDSC AE—WebSphere Development Studio Client Advanced Edition

Same as WDSC except it had two preview technologies in it: The new screen designer for creating DDS source and the application diagrammer. And this version introduced us to something else: a per license cost. WDSC AE costs you money to get.

WDSC in all its forms is still available if you have the IBM licensed program 5722-WDS.

In early 2008, IBM announced its development future for us: the Rational Developer for System i line of products. These products are the workstation-based product only—you still need the compilers on the server. Originally released at version 7.1, an October 2008 announcement from IBM renamed the product Rational Developer for i (dropping the word System) at version 7.5.

Too, the cost structure has changed. There is a set number of licenses available based on your server tier. After that, there is a per license cost for the RDi product line. When first introduced, RDi 7 had a per seat cost of $795. On IBM's website today, RDi 7.5 is listed at $835 per seat. If you invested in WDSC AE, you do get license upgrades for RDi. You'll want to see IBM's website for details on pricing.

RDi—Rational Developer for i

This is the base or entry-level product for i system development. This product is similar to the WDSC "Lite" preview that was available from IBM, with the addition of the new screen designer and the application designer introduced in WDSC AE. RDi provides the Remote System Explorer (RSE) and editors.

RDi SOA—Rational Developer for i for SOA Construction

This version builds on the RDi product with the addition of the web tools and EGL. HATS and WebFacing are combined into one product, HATS for 5250.

With the October 2008 announcement and the move to RDi 7.5, RSE changed as well. The internals of RSE had previously been an IBM internal framework. With RDi 7.5, IBM used an open-source version so the framework could be opened up to other platforms besides Windows, including Linux and Unix.

Go Fish

As you can see, there are a lot of acronyms and changes with product consolidations, repackaging, and rebranding. IBM's web page that gives the best description of products and pricing is at ibm.com/software/awdtools/developer/rdi/. Consider all the options before you decide which tools to reel in.

Back to the Server

This article focuses on the client installed product. There have been changes to the server product as well. On an IBM i server, the pricing for the WebSphere Development Studio 6.1 (5761-WDS) product is based on processor group and a number of named users. The link to the main IBM page that explains the announcement on pricing and features is extraordinarily long. To get there, first go to ibm.com/software/awdtools/wds400/. Find the Highlights box on the right side of the page and click on "Announce 208-013 for WebSphere Development Studio." Or go to tinyurl.com/qr5sy9.

Find Out More

"WDSC 7: The 2 Answers You Need to Get Started"
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"Basics of Using WDSC: Connecting to the iSeries with WDSC"
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"What's New in Remote System Explorer for RDi V7.1"
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Not sure if RDi v7.1 is worth a try? Do you wonder if it has anything different to offer you than your current WDSC? Wonder no longer. Explore these enhancements to RDi V7.1 to discover its new capabilities.

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With V6R1, IBM dishes out a smorgasbord of new System i app dev products and enhancements. For dessert, top the spiced-up tools and compilers with EGL.

Jef Sutherland is a System iNEWS technical editor and vice president of franchise operations for Kampgrounds of America, Inc., in Billings, Montana.