IT & MCIS

DEFINITION OF STANDARD:
Application Development software tools provide basic features such as: database middleware, database design facility, repository, object-oriented development, GUI designers, high-level programming language, and mechanisms for application distribution. They may also include reporting tools that allow end users and developers to create a range of reports, including invoices, sales records, and portfolio summaries. Most report writers offer an assortment of features and functions including: database connections, view customization, report design, report testing, database query generation, and application generation. These tools should also include the capability to generate applications to a variety of environments, as well as generate Web enabled applications.

RATIONALE:
A limited product set is needed for: economies-of-scale with respect to procurement, skills transferability required by a mobile workforce, data interchange between University departments, skills requirements for a competency team development environment.

REVIEW CYCLE: 6 months
REVISION DATE: May 28, 2003
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 20, 2000
RESPONSIBLE CONTACT: Diane Skoll (skolld@email.uky.edu)

Recommended Standard(s) as defined in the following books or documents:
As defined in the following documents or books:
Yourdon-DeMarco Structured Analysis & Design
Client/Server Group Life Cycle Methodology
Software Configuration Management as defined in the Computing Center Administrative Standards and
Procedures Manual on the mainframe

Recommended Product(s):
Graphical User Interface:

Microsoft Visual Studio (or individual components)

Microsoft Visual Basic (desktop and workgroup applications)
C++
Microsoft .NET (or individual components)
ASP
Visual Basic
C Sharp
Microsoft Access

Design/Analysis/Data Modeling:

Sybase DB-Artisan
Sybase Schema Manager
Sybase PowerDesigner Data Architect
CAST SQL Builder

Library Control Management Software:

CA-Librarian

C Compilers:

Microsoft Visual C++

Cobol Compiler:

IBM MVS VS Cobol II

Developer Support Tools:

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe
Microsoft Developers Network
Microsoft TechNet
Active Perl

Internet/Intranet Development Software Tools and Languages:

Microsoft Active Server Pages
Microsoft Visual Interdev
Allaire Cold Fusion
Sybase Enterprise Application Studio *

PowerDynamo
PowerJ
Jaguar
PowerSite

Languages

Javascript
Vbscript
Html/Dhtml
XML
Active Perl
C++

* Just recommended by MCIS

Justification:
Application development software helps departments improve the functionality, flexibility, and responsiveness of their business systems. Departments may also realize improved access to client data, as well as increased employee productivity.

Technical Considerations:
The GUI development-product market is an evolving one. It is predicted that one development product will be selected as the standard once this market matures and the products are evaluated. To implement an application development software environment, departments must have the necessary hardware and software tools, as well as the necessary infrastructure, in place. This infrastructure should include the supporting organizational structure, standards and procedures, and a development methodology. The department¹s organizational structure should include: application developers, network administration, database administration, technical support, and help desk support.

For more information:
See the Computing Centers web site at http://www.uky.edu/ComputingCenter/DataStorage to read more about CAM and see the clients we have available.