Visual LANSA Review

PROS: What I love most about this platform is its repository. It lets us keep track of all our app development objects and makes the promotion of the objects from the development through to Production as well as QA environments seamless It also promotes the reuse of objects. Apart from that, I also like how simple yet powerful the language is. We're able to develop a website, windows, and mobile app.

CONS: There are two things I could consider a con. First, Windows dlls deployment process to Citrix server needs to be improved. Second, the Version Control system does not work as part of the slave Integrated Development Environment Install. It would be helpful if it does.

PROS: Visual LANSA eliminates the need to dive into any other technology like JSON or to modify any JavaSript or HTML because this platform alone can take care of almost everything. It’s also convenient because we don’t have to learn anything but this tool.

CONS: None. I cannot think of anything that can be considered as a con.

PROS: We’re able to deploy software improvements to our WMS apps quickly and easily.

CONS: I cannot think of anything that can be considered as a drawback of using this solution. I have been using this since I started working as an RPG programmer and everything works fine. In fact, it has made my job easier. It takes care of most of the coding job so I don’t have to.

PROS: It let us have a single repository for every definition for our apps, making our team more efficient. The product is being improved on a constant basis. We are able to enjoy new functionalities with every new version that they release. They offer add-on tools such as Integrator and other terrific features that let us quickly perform functions that normally take us too much time to do.

CONS: Sometimes, I misunderstand the use of a feature available. But other than that, everything is great and working fairly well.

PROS: LANSA has made it possible to develop apps even without having a deep knowledge of all the required techniques and languages. It gives us all the tools we need. But I guess the best thing about this tool is that it has never been stagnant. Technology is constantly changing, so is LANSA. I love that it always makes sure that the latest technologies are incorporated in the system so we, the users, will never be left behind or miss the trend.

CONS: LANSA is overall great. The only problem is that it is hard to find a person who is adept or has experience using this platform.

PROS: I love the ease of learning programming and developing apps using this tool. I don’t have extensive knowledge about programming language or guidance from an expert in this field but I have already successfully written apps for Claims, Accounting, Marketing, etc. As per my experience, you just need to have an understanding of logic.

CONS: The built-in reporting feature’s documentation isn’t comprehensive enough. Also, I feel like it does not offer as much flexibility as the Crystal Reports. We write so many reports running on AS400 so more flexibility would be very helpful.

PROS: There are many amazing things about this solution. First, developing and maintaining application using this solution is extremely easy. Second, it has a powerful source editor that allows us to quickly access objects of all types. Next, it has a data repository that assures data integrity by encapsulating and implementing company rules. Last but not least, similar source code runs on various platforms as well as OS.

CONS: Right now we are having some problems with the third-party change management system but it’s probably because we are not using the latest version. We’re currently using Version 12.

PROS: I have been using Visual LANSA for 18 years now and have witnessed how the product has improved over the years. Now, it has become powerful enough to do almost everything that I wish it could. And when there’s something it cannot do like when there’s an odd requirement, it offers the ability to interface with capable programs or simply allows me to generate and perform scripts like VBscript on the fly. It’s been very helpful and reliable. Until now, I’m enjoying this tool.

CONS: They changed the deployment tool for Version 13 from the home-grown deployment technique to MSI install packages. Because of this, I had to develop JIT update programs just to be able to deploy updates.

PROS: I have been using LANSA for more than 15 years now and what I love about it is the ease of use and organization. It is easy to find what I need, do customization, and develop apps. It’s great for developing huge applications and all kinds of app.

CONS: I feel like they need to improve their online documentation. Their support, however, is top-notch. In fact, it’s one of the best I have encountered so far.

PROS: This development environment is pretty advance and very intuitive. Its RDML language is very user-friendly and rich. There are reference manuals and tutorials which makes it easier to do stuff. It also helps us finish applications faster. The platform is also constantly updated, which I love since we're able to use the latest technologies.

CONS: It would be nice if they provide a "lite" version of the platform and improve their WYSIWYG Editor.

PROS: All developers in our company are able to develop different applications from Green Screen to web apps using only this tool. No need to use other technologies. Also, it provides a locking feature which allows multiple developers to work simultaneously on this app without stepping on each other. It’s very useful.

CONS: I find the initial installation of the IDE piece to be less intuitive as I expect it to be. But since we don’t have to do it always, it’s just fine.

PROS: I can finish more projects faster with this tool because it lets developers create applications using less program code. Integration with the legacy system has been made simpler. Hand coding is reduced to a minimum so I’m able to deliver business apps faster. It is easy to learn how to use the platform because they provide practical examples, online training, support, and expertise. So you don't have to worry about getting started with it.

CONS: Sometimes, the documentation isn't comprehensive enough or lack a few details.

PROS: Lansa eliminates the worries of having to train different developers such as mobile developers, RPG developers, PC developers, web developers, etc. I can train them on this tool and they can build apps on the right platform required for our business.

CONS: There’s no LANSA user conference anymore. Hopefully, they bring this feature back because it has been an amazing place to network, gave us a chance to communicate directly to LPC, and allowed us to see the new updates or features they offer.

PROS: Programming has been made easier and simpler. With just a few commands, you can complete technology-based and complex programming work. It is even possible to program advance applications even if you are not an expert in the field.

CONS: I haven’t found anything to complain about this software. It’s generally great and working fine for me.