Conference Session Abstracts
Thursday, March 14
Overview of APPX 4.1
Presented by Steve Frizzell, APPX Software, Inc.
The first session of the Conference will offer a functional overview of the new features and capabilities of APPX 4.1, including improved RDBMS interfaces, fast query, GUI design, and more. Many customers still have not upgraded to Release 4.1, and most of those that have are not taking advantage of all that this release has to offer. This session will serve as a solid foundation for the remainder of the Conference, as we begin to explore and discover more and more about APPX.
Importing and Exporting ASCII Data
Presented by Al Kalter, APPX Software, Inc.
This technical session will focus on the methods by which data can be exported from APPX into flat or comma-delimited files, or imported into APPX from other sources. The discussion will include the use of the APPX Import and Export utilities, generation of comma-delimited output files, stream I-O commands, the CNV TEXT statement, and more.
Desktop Integration via the APPX Client - Overview
Presented by Pete Brower, APPX Software, Inc.
Discover how the APPX 4.1 java client works together with your desktop to transfer files between server and client, to print locally on your PC printer, to launch documents, and to run desktop programs on the client. Examples will be offered of these capabilities, to demonstrate the kind of new functionality this brings.
Mastering Printing
Presented by Pete Brower, APPX Software, Inc.
No, this session has nothing to do with penmanship. But it will help you in many of the facets of getting APPX data to paper. Learn about the configuration and runtime control of client-side printing. Gather tips and directions for printing in Windows using WinPrint and its options such as -raw and -pitch. And learn about the "appx_print" script and some of the recent enhancements it has received. Clearly, this technical session will go well beyond the simple ABC's.
Business Application Templates
Presented by Steve Frizzell, APPX Software, Inc.
New and all "GUI-ized", the APPX Business Application Templates are ready for installation and customization to meet any customer's needs. With a history of more than two decades, the principles and functionality behind the "T-apps" are well proven, and now they enjoy the added benefits of a graphical interface. This session will provide a guided tour of the latest version of the applications, and a look at the style they now present.
Utilities for the "Lazy" Designer
Presented by Al Kalter and Gary Rogers, APPX Software, Inc.
Not that anyone will admit to that title ... but APPX has a wide-ranging variety of tools, tips, and techniques to make the job of the application designer easier than any other product on the market, and it just keeps getting better. From options 99, 94, and 88 to the Cross Reference Utilities, from Design Transfer and XCopy to the data palette, APPX offers a wealth of handyman (and woman) equipment that should be in everyone's toolbox.
Promaster Graphical Applications
Presented by Philip Bryan, Colony 101 Ltd.
Colony 101, an APPX reseller based in the United Kingdom and Sweden, has developed graphical versions of their ProMaster range of business applications. ProMaster is a set of APPX application templates built with the functionality required for the international marketplace. In this session, they will demonstrate both how they have used the graphical features of APPX to improve the application/user interface, and also show some of the functionality of the applications.
Desktop Integration via the APPX Client - Technical
Presented by Pete Brower, APPX Software, Inc.
Whether or not you attended the earlier Overview of Desktop Integration session, this technical offering will demonstrate the "how-to" methodology of bridging the gap between server and desktop client. Topics to be covered will include client-side printing, file transfer between server and client, launching documents and running programs on the desktop, and more.
GUI Migration Workshop
Presented by Steve Frizzell, APPX Software, Inc.
This session will feature a discussion of strategies for migrating character mode applications to GUI. Many APPX customers have been running their existing applications for years, and those systems continue to run just fine, but there are great benefits to moving to a graphical environment. This workshop will spell out some of the reasons and options for taking that step forward.
Language Translation
Presented by Steve Frizzell, APPX Software, Inc.
One of the lesser-known and lesser-used features of APPX, but something that can be quite valuable for customers, is the APPX Language Translation Utility. This session will cover the features and capabilities of APPX Language Translation, and demonstrate how to set up and use it. A most valuable half hour, n'est pas?
Graphical Menus and Inputs
Presented by Elizabeth Perkes, Utah State Archives
The State of Utah has done an excellent job in building graphical menu and input processes for its APPX system. This session will cover the attributes of the APPX 4.1 client that they've utilized since upgrading last year, including what they have done with pictures, rollover effects on buttons, pulldown menus, interactivity with the Internet, related features, and future plans. See how this customer is getting the most out of APPX application design.
GUI Design with the APPX Client
Presented by Gary Rogers, APPX Software, Inc.
Right before your very eyes, using the latest in APPX technology (the Data Palette, Drag & Drop design, etc.), a graphical, user-friendly input process will be created. This session will encompass much of what was learned earlier today in building the kind of input that APPX application design now encourages. Follow along on your laptops, or just sit back and enjoy.
Guided Tour of the APPX Website
Presented by Al Kalter, APPX Software, Inc.
Well, you've found your way to appx.com, but you may not realize that there are well over 500 pages of content here. No spelunking tools (or parental controls) are necessary to enjoy and discover all that our new website contains. Site maps will be provided.
Tech Support and Documentation Update
Presented by Pat Montgomery, APPX Software, Inc.
New APPX manuals and a new ECR system are among the topics in this group session. Gain a better understanding of the kind of support APPX can provide, and what our customers get for their maintenance dollars. Discover how to get faster and better answers to your technical questions, and the various resources you can call on when you need help.
Friday, March 15
E-Load Tendering/Trailer Tracking (APPX GUI in a Browser)
Presented by Todd Jones, Florida's Natural Growers
This presentation will demonstrate how FNG is utilizing APPX 4.1 to provide a graphical interface via an extranet for FNG carriers. FNG has collaborated with its carriers to tender loads electronically as well as provided a method for carriers to track the status of trailers on FNG's property. FNG is utilizing APPX as an alternative to EDI to exchange load information with our carriers. The extranet allows carriers with limited EDI capability to exchange load information with FNG at little to no cost while providing benefits for both parties. This presentation will provide actual screen shots of FNG's extranet site and take you through the tendering process.
Introduction to UniQue & Forms 'n Fonts
Presented by John Stuart and Karen Seifken, LBM Systems LLC
Many APPX customers have relied on the print and job management products provided by LBM Systems to simplify their operations. LBM personnel will provide an overview of their popular UniQue and Forms 'n Fonts utilities, including a look at their new features and enhancements, and will also introduce some of the other products that their company offers.
Building a Datamart in 30 Minutes (DI Diver Presentation)
Presented by Gary DeWitt, Florida's Natural Growers
This presentation is on using standard APPX data files to build a multi-dimensional datamart using Dimensional Insight's Diver tool. Focus will be placed on the flexibility offered with APPX ODBC features. During the presentation a fully functional datamart will be created with a demonstration on how to analyze results. Additional insight will be offered on Florida's Natural Growers’ use of Diver and multiple APPX applications. You will not want to miss this session on how to explode the power of APPX applications.
Designing Reusable Processes and Subroutines
Presented by Gary Rogers, APPX Software, Inc.
Are you taking full advantage of the new PASS and RECEIVE statements? Do you understand the difference between GOSUB, COPY, and SUBR? Can you explain to someone else when to use DETACHED, SUBPROCESS, or RELATED? This session will cover these topics and more, to help you create better structured processes and cleaner applications.
Desktop Integration via ODBC - Overview
Presented by Al Kalter, APPX Software, Inc.
One of the most powerful features of APPX is its Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) capability. APPX data files can be made visible to, and modifyable by, programs like Microsoft Access, Excel, Crystal Reports, and others. This session will demonstrate the way this works, and some examples of its use.
Debugging Tools & Tips
Presented by Korry Douglas, APPX Software, Inc.
Application programmers really come to appreciate APPX when it's time to figure out why something is not producing the expected results. This session will cover the use of TRAP and TRACE, APPX logs, ILF debugging commands, and more.
APPX Report Writer
Presented by Gary Rogers, APPX Software, Inc.
This is one of the nicer features of APPX, but few of our customers really take advantage of it. APPX Report Writer is now included with APPX, at no extra charge, and allows the user to create custom reports without knowing application design. This session will provide a look at how APPX Report Writer works, and the kind of information it can generate.
Interfacing with External Subroutines and Programs
Presented by Korry Douglas, APPX Software, Inc.
There are several ways of integrating external programs into APPX. One, covered elsewhere, is via desktop integration. Another, also the subject of other sessions, is through ODBC. This session will focus on using ILF statements to gain access to external subroutines and programs. CALL, RUN, and PASS are among the statements that will be featured.
Web-Based Customer Interface
Presented by Mark Vail, APPX Reseller
More and more users are collecting data from the web. Our job is getting this data into APPX and verifying that the data is correct, and having the web-based users correct their own data input based on rules set up in APPX. This session will focus on the three necessary CGI scripts (GET, POST, and the uploading of data files), logging in of valid users and setting up a session, the debugging of APPX programs that normally interface with the CGI interface, and making the data available to the general public. Mark has developed systems for several customers and state agencies, including Utah Oil Gas and Mining, the Utah State Immunization program, and Utah State Archives.
Inside UniQue and Forms 'n Fonts - Technical
Presented by John Stuart and Karen Seifken, LBM Systems LLC
This nuts-and-bolts session will focus on how to install, configure, and run UniQue and Forms 'n Fonts, the print management utilities from LBM Systems. Learn how to get the most out of these products from the experts, and discover the value and ease of use they offer.
APPX and Oracle
Presented by Carolyn Rhodes, Arrow International
Everyone knows of the market presence that Oracle has built, and many large corporations have decided to store their data in Oracle databases. The challenge they face is the lack of good, powerful, flexible tools to use with that database. But the APPX-Oracle interface solves that problem by bringing the power of APPX to the Oracle world. This session will showcase one customer's success in integrating APPX and Oracle, and the benefits they've enjoyed.
Web Integration with an APPX Backend Server
Presented by Pete Brower, APPX Software, Inc.
This technical session will offer insights into integration methods for utilizing APPX as the backend server for your website. Among the topics to be covered are CGI scripting, ASP scripting, the use of APPX ODBC, receiving fields, generating HTML output, and more. The details of an APPX web application will be explored.
APPX/Net and Remote Connections
Presented by Someone from Atlanta Foods International
APPX/Net is a feature that allows two APPX servers to talk to each other. What kind of application would make use of that capability? For Atlanta Foods, it means that their remote operations and local operations can communicate and remain up-to-the-minute on inventory, deliveries, etc. Another excellent example of the creative use of APPX by our customers.
Client in a Browser
Presented by Pete Brower, APPX Software, Inc.
You've heard that APPX can run in a browser, but how do you make that work? This session will cover installation and setup issues, and the various parameters required. It will also address firewall issues, version control, and auto-updates, and will explore the question of what gets installed on the client PC's, and how to uninstall as well.
UPS Shipping & APPX ODBC
Presented by Paul Kadue, Precision Associates, Inc.
Many users ship their product via UPS. UPS encourages their customers to use UPS WorldShip, and WorldShip supports an ODBC connection. Once an APPX table is defined that corresponds to the UPS requirements, it is a fairly straightforward to get data in and out of UPS!
The process that creates the Shipping Papers can populate the UPS 'import' file. The UPS machine can then read this file based on a key field of your choice. Once the shipment is processed, UPS will send the file to a UPS 'export' file on the APPX system, and the APPX File Level Event Points can then update whatever files are required. The UPS export can happen in real time, or as a batch 'end of day' process.
APPX RDBMS Integration
Presented by Korry Douglas, APPX Software, Inc.
This technical session will focus on the setup and configuation required to interface APPX with the many supported databases, including Oracle, Sybase, SQL-Server, MySQL, etc. Discussion areas will include file specification overrides, commit mode, and the relevant ILF statements (COMMIT, RELEASE, ROLLBACK).
Application Explorer and Auditor
Presented by Jean Neron, Cansys West International Ltd.
For many years, APPX application designers have benefitted from the Application Explorer and Application Auditor utilities developed by Jean Neron of Cansys West. Application Explorer integrates with APPX application design to provide options to view process relationships, search for constants, search for constants used with certain ILF verbs, and more. Application Auditor is a tool that will help you monitor program changes from the moment the end user requests the change until it is placed into the production environment. If you haven't seen these products before, or if you'd like a refresher course, this session wll provide just what you need.
APPX/Net
Presented by Gary Rogers, APPX Software, Inc.
This session will explore the technical issues to be mastered in making APPX/Net work at your site. Going through and beyond features and capabilities, the focus will be on the configuration and use of APPX/Net. Examples and demos will be provided.
RFX: Bar Coding in APPX and the Use of RF Devices
Presented by John Baxter, Florida’s Natural Growers, and Jim Hammond, Pathfinder Software
This Powerpoint-based presentation will demonstrate the marvels of a WMS (Warehouse Management System) written in APPX Software that is coupled with the latest production RF equipment. You will see documents with barcode samples that show the diverse barcode applications in use at Florida’s Natural Growers, as well as a stand-alone RFX application running on a laptop. Audience members may be able to actually enter a few transactions and see how APPX runs on RF devices.
Desktop Integration via ODBC - Technical
Presented by Korry Douglas, APPX Software, Inc.
This technical session will cover in depth many of the issues related to the use of the APPX ODBC driver. Included will be discussion of installation and configuration, WinSQL, APPX security, File Level Event Points, ASQL and importing of table data, dharma, and more. This is truly an "Everything You Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask" kind of session, and it will be truly valuable to all who attend.
EDF: Application Documentation Utility
Presented by Jim Hammond, Pathfinder Software
The Expert Document Facility, or EDF (which is itself completely written in Appx), is designed to provide a more complete, user created set of custom documentation for applications that are written using APPX. EDF makes your applications automatically self-documenting, can create HTML or manuals, reads your program and creates text paragraphs, and incorporates screen-shots and sample reports showing your real data. Discover how to produce application documentation easier and better than ever before with EDF.
Saturday, March 15
Sneak Preview - APPX 4.2 & Beyond
Presented by Korry Douglas, APPX Software, Inc.
APPX Release 4.2 is due to be released later this year. Now, for the first time, you will have an opportunity to see and hear about its new features, enhancements, and corrections. And what about after 4.2? Get an idea of what the ensuing releases will focus on as well in “Korry’s Crystal Ball”.
Facilitated Discussion - The Future of APPX Design
Moderated by Al Kalter, APPX Software, Inc.
In this facilitated discussion session, conference attendees will be asked to work in table groups to develop suggestions and guidelines for the direction that APPX should take with regard to the APPX design environment.
Facilitated Discussion - The Future of APPX Runtime
Moderated by Al Kalter, APPX Software, Inc.
Our second facilitated discussion session will ask participants to focus on the direction for the future of the APPX runtime environment.
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