Version 7.0, the long-awaited update of WDSc, becomes generally available tomorrow (i.e., Friday, March 16, 2007). This release comes amid a great deal of both excitement and controversy.

The release includes a new installer that lets you install only the features that you need. This flexibility can lead to a leaner, less resource-hungry IDE than was available with 6.0. The release also contains support for a lot of new things, including SQL in ILE RPG (something that I've been wanting).

The controversy involves the new Screen Designer technology preview, available only in the Advanced Edition. The Advanced Edition is the version of WDSc that costs extra money above and beyond the cost of the 5722-WDS licensed program. Many developers are complaining that this is a "bait and switch" tactic on IBM's part because the tool is meant as a modern alternative to Screen Design Aid (SDA), included with 5722-WDS. It seems strange for IBM to charge extra for a new tool to replace something we're already entitled to. Perhaps if IBM receives enough complaints, it'll fix this oversight.

IBM's official announcement of WDSc 7.0 is at the following link. That announcement provides more information about the features available:
http://www.ibm.com/software/awdtools/wdt400/news/ga700.html

IBM is promising that entitled customers will be able to get the new version of WDSc from three different methods (these will be available on March 16, when the product becomes generally available):

1. The physical media can be ordered at no charge by ordering feature code 2658.

2. PTFs will be released and will let you download the disk images to your System i.

3. The disk images will be downloadable through IBM's Entitled Software Support (ESS) website.

IBM has set up the following page to help provide information about how to get the new version of WDSc (you have to be an entitled customer, of course):
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/awdtools/wdt400/about/entitlements.html