Modernization Guidelines

We at Firefly understand that application modernization is more than just producing a functioning version in the target platform. In order to make sure our customers enjoy a smooth, safe, fast, and effective transition to the .NET platform, we follow several important guidelines:

Complete Automation of the Modernization Process

The modernization is performed using a unique automated process, developed by Firefly. The process takes in a Magic export file and produces a C# project which is ready for compilation and execution and includes all functionality of the original application.

Short Schedule

The entire modernization process, including all testing and training required, takes only a few months. At the time most redevelopment projects prepare a strategy and hire additional personnel, applications modernized using Firefly.Box are already in production.

One Time Cost

Most redevelopment projects are priced as time-and-materials - resulting in high risk for the customer. We offer modernization at a fixed one-time cost - reducing risk and increasing our clients' ROI.

No End-user Retraining

Because the resulting .NET application appears and functions the same as the original application, no end-user retraining is required. Considering hours of retraining necessary for every end-user in other modernization techniques, out solution reduces costs and keeps our clients' business running smoothly.

original user interface click to enlarge

modernized user interface click to enlarge

Short Testing Period

Since the migration process is fully automated, any problems which are found in acceptance tests are fixed within the migration engine and not in the migrated application. After problems are fixed we produce a new version of the modernized application - which fixes the problem across the entire application. We develop our migration engine using Test Driven Development techniques. Over 3500 unit tests are run daily to make sure behaviors of Magic eDeveloper (such as division by zero returning zero, transaction management, etc...) function properly in modernized applications.

Preserving Original Investment

The modernized application contains all business rules from the original application as clear, standard, C# code. This code can be integrated into existing and future .NET developments, preserving business rules assembled for years.

Modernizing the Original Development Team

We at Firefly recognize that the original development team holds valuable knowledge about the business needs of the organization. No application modernization process will succeed without upgrading that team and enabling it to continue maintaining the modernized application. We have developed a unique 4-week training course which enables existing eDeveloper programmers to maintain the modernized .NET application using C# and Visual Studio.

Rapid Application Development

4GL environments enable a rapid and productive development process. We have developed the Firefly.Box framework which is a .NET assembly (dll file) distributed along with modernized applications. This framework provides many RAD capabilities and allows for a very short development process. Developers that have participated in the training mentioned above, reported even faster development speed than the one they experienced using Magic eDeveloper.

Clean and maintainable code

Great effort was made to ensure highest quality of the modernized application's code. Our emphasis was on code which is short, clear and easy to follow (both to the original eDeveloper programmers and to .NET programmers), as well as on object-oriented design principles. As a result, the size of the code created by the modernization engine is roughly the same size of the input eDeveloper export file. Shorter code lowers maintenance cost and eases future developments, which directly impacts ROI.

Architecture

The modernized application is written in C# - compatible with C# version 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5. It is maintained using Visual Studio 2005/2008.