The MDOpen plug-in for MDCMS provides every function necessary to manage application changes for IBM i and multiplatform environments, including UNIX, LINUX, Domino and .net development.

Overview
MDOpen supports the same change management methodology that MDCMS provides for IBM i applications. MDOpen was specifically designed to handle e-business and client/server applications with the same efficiency and reliability that MDCMS handles native i objects.

MDOpen with MDCMS helps customers streamline various application development lifecycle tasks, including everything from source code and object management for RPG, COBOL and Java, to automated code distribution and installation on production servers. It manages the receipt, distribution and simultaneous installation of software objects in multiplatform environments.

The MDOpen plug-in can be used with any common Eclipse-based platform including Rational Developer for Power Systems (formerly RDi).

Via MDOpen, a deployment package of native IBM i and non-native objects is created in MDCMS. MDCMS then simultaneously deploys the package to all system environments. For example: files and programs to be installed on the IBM i along with Java, C++ or Visual Basic objects to be installed on a Windows, Domino or UNIX server can be placed into one installation package. If any piece of the package cannot be installed, the entire package will be rolled back.

The MDOpen Plug-In provides an MDCMS Eclipse perspective for a rich, central graphical overview of settings, projects, installation packages and open object requests across all systems. All MDCMS-related entities, including source (native or non-native), can be edited and managed from the MDCMS perspective.

Additionally, objects within the programmer workspace can be requested for deployment and committed to the MDCMS repository from any Eclipse perspective.

MDCMS installation services allow users to schedule the installation
of source and objects off-line based on their time zone.

Best of all, with MDCMS and the MDOpen plug-in, every MDCMS
feature that you have for native deployment, you have for any satellite servers: all deployment and archiving functionality, full rollback from the satellite servers, workflow management (such as testing sign off), audit capability and reports suitable for regulatory compliance. If anything goes wrong at any time, the application returns to its original state, with no time limit on rollbacks.

The initial installation and set-up process of MDCMS and MDOpen can be performed comfortably in a matter of a few days. MDCMS and MDOpen are very user-friendly, so training is also completed quickly.

Various companies around the globe are successfully using MDCMS and MDOpen to manage, audit and distribute updates for their 3rd party packages as well as their in-house applications.

MDOpen Functions
MDOpen is a single, easy-to-use graphical portal to the rich array of MDCMS features such as project management, analysis, source and object management, distribution and installation management, and auditing capability.

Project management

• Central online tool for the business user or team leader to enter project or issue requests.
• Track requests by programmer, status, due date, etc.
• References all objects modified, or commands performed, for project.
• Project information automatically syncs across all systems.
• API easily interfaces the MDCMS Project Manager with external project management tools.
• Report generator provides various online, paper or electronic reports.

Analysis management

• MDXREF is included free with MDCMS so that the developer or business user can quickly navigate through the objects and data of an application.
• Search entire database for specific fields or field attributes.
• Comprehensive journal analysis for finding and reporting data transactions
• Powerful comparison tools to search for differences at the library, object or data level of an application.

Source and Object management

• Reservation system for source and objects to be modified.
• No risk of version conflicts in a team environment.
• Developer workspace within MDCMS for all necessary editing, compiling, testing and reporting needs.
• Rules easily set by administrator so that the source and objects are always handled in the correct manner.
• All IBM i object types, including IFS streamfiles, message descriptions and data records are handled by MDCMS.
• MDCMS can act as a standalone product for the versioning and management of non-IBM i programming projects. It also works in combination with open systems version control systems such as CVS and Subversion.
• Objects in libraries delivered from external vendors can be quickly selected for migration into your environment.
• When a file is to be modified, all dependent files, programs,
  queries, etc., may also be automatically selected for odification or recompilation.
• Retain Java, ASP, Visual Basic, C++, directory relationships

Installation management

• Pre-Installation Checker warns of any conflicts, missed objects, etc.
• Previous versions of source and objects are archived (up to
  99 generations per object). If necessary, part or all of an object package may be rolled back at any time in the future.
• Data in modified files are mapped to new format.
• All necessary object authorities are applied.
• Commands may be defined to run before or after the nstallation
  is complete.
• If an installation cannot be completed, it is automatically rolled back and detailed error reporting is provided.
• Scheduler for hands-free installations while users are not on the system.
• Environments may be set to require approval from an uthorized
  user before an installation may occur.

Distribution management

• Simultaneously distribute object packages to unlimited IBM i
  servers or partitions via FTP, SNA or tape.
• Allows for differences in operating system versions.
• Selectively send only source, only objects, both or neither.

Audit management

• All functions in MDCMS are individually secured by MDSEC
  to prevent unauthorized access.
• Comprehensive logging is performed each time an installation
  occurs. The detailed information may be viewed online or a customized report may be created by the report generator.
• Detailed audit reporting for object modifications made outside of MDCMS ensures that you will know every change made to your applications at the data and object level.
• MDCMS has been verified as Sarbanes-Oxley compliant by major external and internal auditors.
• If your IT department needs to quickly conform to Sarbanes-
  Oxley regulations, MDCMS will remove one large obstacle for you.