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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Classic or DotNet

** Hot News **
PowerBuilder Survey

      Come vote on the current PowerBuilder survey as to whether you like the Classic or .NET version of PowerBuilder best. However, I must say ... currently, PB Classic is "running away" with most of the votes!


Check out Prashant's survey on LinkedIn - Vote here!

Regards ... Chris

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Foundation Classes

** Hot News **
Foundation Classes for PowerBuilder

(for PowerBuilder (Classic and .Net), EAServer & Appeon)


   Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) is very pleased to announce that they have just released an updated version of their Foundation Class library for both PowerBuilder and Appeon. The latest version contains the following updates and has been tested with Appeon 6.5.1 using PB 11.5.1, 12.1 and 12.5.1 official MR (maintenance) releases including PB's "Classic" and .NET versions! Testing inside of PB also included WebForm, Winform, Win32 and Smart Client deployments.

   The FC's are *free* and can be downloaded (along with an Order Entry sample application) from the SourceForge website: 


The changes to the FC's are as follows .....

Release 12.5.1 Changes ... June  11, 2012)
1) Migrated and fully unit tested the framework from PB 12.1 to 12.5.1.

Release 12.1.0 Changes ... May 22, 2012)
1)    Added new INI parameters to control DW buffer Debugging and Memory tracking
2)    Added new code the VS_DC_MASTER user object to allow data buffer introspection
3)    Added new KEY event to the VS_DC_MASTER user object to support Ctrl+Shift+F1 information screen.
4)    Added new WN_INFO_MASTER window to display run time application diagnostics.
5)    Modified the ns_APPL_CONTROLLER_MASTER to support DW buffer introspection and run time information.
6)    Added new KEY event to the WN_MASTER window object to support Ctrl+Shift+F1 information screen.

Release 12.1.0 Changes ... April 10, 2011)
1)    Changed SA database version check to work with SA12.0 as the default.
2)    Extended the "Timing" object base ancestor "ns_timing_master" to
    a) Allow an object to register itself as the Timing object's parent
    b) Fire any event of the parent objects choosing on the timer interval
3)    Added a new global function "fn_encrypt_simple" that supports basic encryption (all written in PowerScript).
4)    Added a new global function ""fn_decrypt_simple that supports basic decryption (all written in PowerScript).
5)    Revised the "fn_open_sheet_window" global function to allow an arrangement type option parameter.
6)    Revised the "fn_open_sheet_window_withParm" global function to allow an arrangement type option parameter.
7)    Added a new global function "fn_convert_packed_decimal" that supports the handling of IBM DB/2 numeric data.
8)    Added a new global function "fn_copy_transaction" that allows a new Transaction Object to be created from an active one!
9)    Added a new global function "fn_dbms_get_sysdate" that allows you to get the System date of the DBMS server.
10)    Added a new global function "fn_lookup_display_value" that gets you the displayed value from any DDDW.
11)    Added a new global function "fn_print_screen" that allows you to print any current dialog.
12)    Added a new global function "fn_remove_spaces" that allows you to remove ALL spaces from any String variable.
13)    Added a new global function "fn_validate_phone_no" that allows you validate any standard phone number.
14)    The global function "nc_crypto" was renamed to "nc_crypto_master" to be inline with FC's naming conventions
15)    A new Object "nc_cypher_master" was created that taps into the C++ Cypher and De-cypher features
16)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to check for NULL Context values from the OS.
17)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to only log the details of all errors.
    a) user now receives a simple alert with the option to continue.
    b) user no longer sees the actual error (unless the open the log in the Log Viewer).
17)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to only log the details of all errors.
18)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to support Processor Affinity.
    a) a New setting Àffinity= setting to the INI file support
    b) New method sets the CPU affinity if the new parameter in the INI file is > 0
19)    The DataWindow control base ancestor "vs_dc_master" was changed to disable moving the control when the Title bar is present.
    Note1: For some reason, this does not work in Winforms.
    Note2: The title bar is not supported in WPF.
20)     The StaticText extension object "vs_st_transparent_master" was changed to support the PB 12.x implementation of
    a transparent background colour.
21)    A new Window ancestor was added (wn_animated_save_master) that supports the new Animated Save feature!
22)    The "wn_master" base ancestor window was changed to implement the Animated Save feature.
    a) New "of_animation_required" method was added to the Base window class (wn_master) to support Animated saves.
23)    The "wn_master" base ancestor class was changed to change the way duplicate instantiated dialog's were discovered.
    a) This fixes a problem where the Win32 applications tool-bars and sheet would seem to "bounce" in the MDI frame.
    b) Corrects a Winform application where the lower tool-bars would disappear all together until a close/open.
24)    The "wn_master" base ancestor was changed to allow any Window to have a Min or Max size.
25)    The "wn_controller_master" base ancestor was changed to support a "Close All" open sheet/child window option.
26)    The base ancestor menu "mu_master" was changed to implement a new Close All menu under the "Window" pull-down menu item.
27)    The "vs_dc_list_master" DW Control extension ancestor was changed to implement a sortation icon on the heading
    a) uses a triangle drawn on to the heading text.
    b) Triangle direction show the sortation order
    c) If the heading text will interfere with the triangle, it is shifted over slightly.
    d) The shifted heading text is restored upon moving to a new column.
28)    Changed the "wn_popup_master" to centre itself to the current controller window.
    a) Allows better GUI
    b) Supports dual monitors better
29)    Changed the "wn_main_master" to centre itself to the current controller window.
    a) Allows better GUI interface
    b) Better supports a dual monitor PC
    c) Ignores this behaviour of the Controller is an MDI type window
30)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to capture the WebForm (IIs) Session ID
    a) New *private* session ID instance variable added (is_session_id)
    b) Session ID is written to the Application's LOG file at start-up
    c) A new "of_Get_Session_Id" method was added to expose the private variable to the application
31)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to capture the WebForm (IIs) Browser signature!
    a) New *private* instance variable added (is_browser)
    b) The Browser signature written to the Application's LOG file at start-up
    c) A new "of_get_browser" method was added to expose the current Browser's signature at any time.
32)    The Application Controller object "nc_app_controller_master" was changed to verify that the WebForm browser.
    a) If the Browser is not IE an error message appears in any browser.
    b) The application will stop on any Web browser other than IE.
33)     A new global function "fn_build_number" was added to automatically track application builds.
    a) A new INI file was added to support this functionality (STD_FC.ini).
    b) Note: currently code commented out as this crashes the PB 11.5.1 and higher IDE
        Problem reported to Sybase Engineering.
34)    The Order Entry application was changed to
    a) Use the new FlashWindow feature of Response dialogs to alert users visually (Login Dialog)
    b) The Login dialog uses the new simple encryption to save the last good password to the Application's INI file.
    c) The Employee dialog was changed to demonstrate the new fixed DW Control when a title bar is active.
    d) The Employee, Customer and Product list dialogs were changed to demonstrate the new Sort Icon.
35)    Changed SA database version check to work with SA11.0.1.2044
36)     Updated the core Message DataWindow with new message ID's
37)    Updated the French and Spanish message DW objects for new message transactions.
38)    Extended ancestor "vs_st_transparent_master" changed to support native transparency in PBNative mode.

Regards ... Chris
President: STD Inc.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Appeon Mobile Sneak Peek II


 ** Hot News **

 PowerBuilder TV .... Catch-up session


    Did you miss May's Appeon Mobile Sneak Peak (The first-ever mobility solution for the PowerBuilder community!) or have a question you're dying to ask since last session? This session Christophe Dufourmantelle will be accompanied by the CEO of Appeon Corporation Armeen Mazda with an updated PowerPoint slides.

    There is a growing demand for accessibility on-the-go, and PowerBuilder applications need to be ready. In order to meet this challenge, Appeon and Novalys will soon launch Appeon Mobile.

   From the PowerBuilder IDE, Appeon Mobile will automatically generate native mobile applications for iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets. DataWindows, nested reports, and many rich PowerBuilder functionalities previously unimaginable on mobile devices will be at users’ fingertips.

   This webinar will introduce a technology that will revolutionize mobile development for enterprise applications. You will discover Appeon Mobile’s main features, as well as its road map and licensing model. As usual with PowerBuilderTV Webcasts, you will have the possibility to ask questions directly to the presenters.
 

Note:  Looking for the recording of May's session? Due to updated changes to the PPT presentation for June by the Appeon team, at their request we will only be posting the recording of the second session in June in order to avoid confusion between the two presentations.



Regards ... Chris

PowerBuilder Developers Conference

** Hot News **

PowerBuilder Developers Conference @ SAP TechEd
Call for Papers Now Open!
Submit a Proposal to Present at the PowerBuilder Developers Conference

   SAP has  now announced the PowerBuilder Developers Conference! The conference will be held October 15-19, 2012 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, concurrently with SAP TechEd.


   Have you used SAP Sybase PowerBuilder to solve a business challenge, discovered a coding technique over the last year, have a bright new shiny User Experience in your apps, or simply have amassed a boatload of PowerBuilder tips and tricks over the years? If you have an accomplishment and/or a new insight into application development that you would like to share with your friends and colleagues, submit a session proposal for the PowerBuilder Developers Conference.
   
    The deadline to submit a session for consideration is June 22, 2012. Acceptance notifications will be sent out late-July. Sessions need to be educational and technically focused. The average session length will be 60 minutes. Speakers must be available to present during the entire span of the conference (October 15-19, 2012). We offer complimentary registration to the PowerBuilder Developers Conference to approved speakers. If you are selected as a presenter, your final presentation is due August 31, 2012.


Session Proposal Guidelines
  • Title - 75 characters
  • Abstract - 200 words (must be detailed and descriptive enough to catch the interest of attendees)
  • Speaker Bio - 250 characters
Important Dates
  • June 22 - Deadline for session proposal submission
  • August 31 - Final presentation slides due


    The PowerBuilder Developer Conference Team look forward to hearing from you!



Regards .... Chris

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Birthday wishes ...

** Hot News **

Happy Birthday!

Ottawa Sybase User Group - 20th Anniversary 



Founded: May 24, 1992 by Chris Pollach

 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

PowerBuilder Mobile

** Hot News **
Why PB developers should consider developing for iPads, and how to get there!


 Check out this great PBDJ article by Christophe Dufourmantelle  ... PB Mobile

Regards ... Chris

Thursday, May 3, 2012

PBTools

** Hot News **

  
    PbTools is a PowerBuilder Application that includes some useful applications for PowerBuilder from version 5 to 12.5 and is written by Murat Yelkovan. A new version of the PBTools utility has just been released this month! The new build (#75) and its predecessors contain some great features for the PB developer, for example:

Grid Datawindow
  • You can list all datawindows in your application and change header band colors with one click.
Compare
  •   You can compare two libraries or targets to check if they have same objects.
Duplicate Object
  • Search for duplicate objects in your application.
Global Replace
  • You can replace one text with new one in your project.
LibraryAnalyze
You can analyze your project and see all sqls. This application will calculate which database permissions are needed to run this application.



 All this and much more! Download this free utility now by following this link:  PBTools.



Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris

Friday, April 27, 2012

FastFuncs for PowerBuilder

** Hot News **

Fast Functions for PowerBuilder!

    Jermery Lakeman has developed a set of functions designed to really optimize a number of common operations used by many PowerBuilder applications. These common functions (called FastFuncs) have been implemented using PowerBuilders internal system direct call interface to give the maximum possible performance!

  The set of FastFuncs functions include (to highlight a few): bit-wise operations, string building, string replace all, string splitting, and a function to obtain the current stack trace.


   The complete FastFuncs source code is free and available here.

Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris



Friday, April 20, 2012

ISUG Benefit Update

** Hot News **
Appeon Benefit Updated to 6.5.1

   The International Sybase User Group (ISUG) is pleased to inform their members that the Appeon for PowerBuilder benefit that is available to our Green & Gold members has been updated to the latest version 6.5.1!

   Due the size of the download, there are now four files for each version (32 or 64 bit).  These will need to be downloaded and unzipped together for a successful installation. ISUG users though should find that the download speed is much better from this mirrored location.

   If you've downloaded Appeon previously, be sure to update to this new version.  And if you tried earlier versions of Appeon but had problems, be sure to try it out again as the current product is orders of magnitude more stable and efficient than previous versions!


  If you are not an ISUG member - why not join now ... click here!


Regards ... Chris

Thursday, April 12, 2012

OSUG Meeting - May 24, 2012

** Hot News ** 
Come celebrate OSUG's 20th Birthday!

 Dear Sybase User;

     Please join us on Thursday May 24, 2012 for the next Ottawa Sybase User Group (OSUG) special event! OSUG's mission is to create a Sybase community in the National Capital area of Canada where users can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Users of all Sybase products, including data management, tools and mobility are welcome to attend. This meeting will feature networking opportunities, product updates and a discussion.

     The OSUG May 24, 2012 meeting will be held in Ottawa at Constitution Square in the double Board Room (down the hallway from the Queen's University MBA lecture theater). Constitution Square is located at 350 Albert Street (at Lyon) just across the street from the Crowne Plaza hotel. Bus access is right to the door and parking is available at the hotel, in Constitution Square and across the street. The Double Board room  is located on the second floor (center) and can be accessed from either the west or east elevators.

 Securely Taking Your PB Applications to the Web, Cloud, and Mobile Space!

Days Agenda (Tentative):

Time:          Topic:

7:45am       Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45am       Introduction & welcome - Chris Pollach
9:00am       Webifying your PowerBuilder applications - Armeen Mazda
                   - Web enabling using Appeon 6.5.1
                   - Considerations for Cloud computing
                   - Appeon 7.0 road map
10:30am     Coffee Break
10:45am     PowerBuilder 15 Road Map (update) - John Strano
                  - HTML5 DataWindow Server
11:30am     Mini Q&A session before lunch

12:45am     Lunch (with a Special Birthday Surprise)

1:00pm      Sybase Unwired Platform Update - Anthony Robinson
                   - making PB applications work with SUP
 2:15pm     Coffee Break
 2:30pm     Appeon Mobile - Armeen Mazda
                  - Taking PB applications to the Tablet & Smart Phones
                   - Integrating Appeon Mobile apps with SUP
                   - Deploying Appeon Mobile apps with Afaria.
 3:15pm     Coffee Break
 3:30pm     Afaria - Anthony Antonello
                  - Securing your remote device and data.
 4:20pm     Q & A Session
 4:30pm     Wrap-up (all)

How to Register

    To register for the above event, please follow this link (click here). This will take you to the the ISUG website where the automated registration system will accept either ISUG members or non-members. Last years Canadian Technical Summit forced everyone who was registering to become a basic member (which is still free by the way). In the upgraded registration system, you now have a choice.

BTW: Everyone is welcome ... so I hope to see attendees again from Toronto, Montreal and northern New York state!

Location
   The OSUG event will be held in the double-board room located in Constitution Square at 350 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario. The lecture rooms are located on the center section of the second floor level. For more information on Constitution Square, please click here!

Things to do

  • If you are coming from outside the National Capital region ... Visit the Ottawa this May and see the city come alive with colour when a million tulips create an exotic mosaic throughout the city. Celebrate our rich heritage and history as you explore Canada's Capital and our Country's close ties with the Netherlands who offer a gift of 20,000 tulips each year - Ottawa Tulip Festival

------------------------------------  BIO's ------------------------------------

   Anthony Antonello

    Mr .Anthony Antonello is the Technical Director for Sybase Canada based in Ottawa, Canada.


   Armeen Mazda

    Armeen Mazda has been a key member of the initial team that founded Appeon and is currently the President & CEO of Appeon. Armeen has worked with Sybase and PowerBuilder technologies since 2000 and served various roles in Appeon, including Product Management, Business Development, and Operations. Armeen is a graduate of the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley and holds 5 U.S. patents in the area of Rich Internet Application (RIA) technologies.

   Anthony Robinson

    Mr .Anthony Robinson is a Principal Systems Consultant for Sybase based in Ottawa, Canada.  Anthony has been with Sybase since 2000. He worked for Sybase's American Federal team out of Bethesda Maryland until 2004, when he then transferred to Sybase Canada. Before joining Sybase, Anthony was a sales consultant with New Era Of Networks and a functional SAP consultant for SLI Consulting Inc.

  John Strano   

    John Strano is a Sybase Technology Evangelist and a charter member of TeamSybase. He has been using PowerBuilder since 1991 and has authored articles for multiple industry periodicals. John has presented Sybase tools on an international basis since 1997. Over the last 15 years John has developed a variety of PowerBuilder applications from single-user scaling up to enterprise-class, web-based projects.

  
Regards ... Chris
OSUG - Co-Ordinator