Pericom Plc, a UK enterprise application integration software vendor, has updated its legacy-to-Windows middleware in a move that could increase its customer base by 50%. PericomÆs software, Aspect, can access data from Tandem and Stratus systems, something that rivals Computer Associates and ICL cannot do. This gives Pericom additional potential financial services clients in the thousands according to the Milton Keynes firm.
Aspect can also gain information from the internet using Java where PericomÆs previous software, TransformGS had only been able to obtain data from the network or legacy system. Aspect supports database connectivity (ODBC) so its Microsoft Windows-based, browser accessed interface can draw data from databases like Oracle 8i, IBM DB2, Sybase or Microsoft Access.
The changes enable legacy system users to modify their IT systems from bolting on a Microsoft Windows front-end or even restructure their business, claims technical manager Andy Mayes. This could include updating data across different data locations, or sending customer support information from a call center to field service engineers, a contacts database or someone involved in cross-selling, instead of having to remember to contact each piece of the jigsaw.
Aspect will cost around 3000 pounds ($4,980) for a server, with 150 pounds ($250) per user, falling to 60 pounds ($100) for contracts over 100 seats. Software development using Pericom costs 600 pounds ($1000) per day. Alternatively, the customer can purchase a self development kit costing 4995 pounds ($8300). It is being launched today at Windows NT Æ99 in London.
