COBOL vs. Java

The Problem

Java was designed to solve a specific problem: how to write code that is portable across many platforms, easy to use over the Internet and that provides a high quality graphical user interface. Many companies would like to take advantage of these features that Java provides but are concerned about performance, Java's lack of a track record with large application development, and the difficulties involved in interfacing Java with existing corporate applications. Acucorp offers companies a set of tools that provide the features of Java without the limitations it imposes and without requiring a corporation to retrain its base of experienced programmers.

The Acucorp Solution.

Portability
ACUCOBOL is as portable as Java
Acucorp has developed a compile-to-object-code/runtime model for COBOL that allows applications written in ACUCOBOL to be ported, with no recompiling, to over 600 platforms. We have over 10 years experience with this approach and have optimized our runtime engine so that your applications run with no loss in performance.

GUI
Both Java and ACUCOBOL provide a GUI.
Having been written with the Web in mind, Java provides a standard set of graphical interface tools while COBOL has traditionally been oriented to character based "green screen" applications.

Acucorp has developed logical extensions to the ANSI COBOL syntax that allow developers to remain in COBOL while providing access to the expected set of graphical interface tools. Acucorp is the only COBOL development tool vendor that has taken this approach. An interface developed in ACUCOBOL can be easily ported to run in a web browser through Acucorp's Web Browser Plug-in.

Standards

COBOL has a track record maintaining open standards.
The standard for Java has been set by SUN Microsystems. The ISO has recently approved Sun's PAS application. If implemented this would help SUN reach its goal of making Java a non-proprietary open standard. However there is no guarantee that the implementation of this standard will not be hijacked by companies that compete with SUN.

The ANSI standard for COBOL has been set since 1968. Every 6 to 10 years the standards for COBOL have been extended to meet the requirements of the current computing environment.

ACUCOBOL fully conforms to the ANSI 85 COBOL standard, and will conform to the ANSI 2000 COBOL standard when that standard is accepted.

Applets / Web-Based Computing

Both ACUCOBOL and Java provide for distributing Applets over the Web.
Java was designed to take advantage of the Web by allowing users to download applications that would then run in the browser. While a traditional approach to compiling COBOL would have made achieving this functionality in COBOL difficult, Acucorp's unique approach allowed us to provide the same capabilities as Java with very little modification to our tools. Acucorp's Web Browser Plug-in allows users to download COBOL applications over the Web and run them as applets within the Browser window.

Even though it is too early to say whether Java has what it takes to maintain it's current position as the hot new technology, COBOL has shown it's ability to meet the requirements imposed by the demands of the business world. While there is no one language standard that will fit every operating requirement, the combination of proven technology, track record and incorporation of new technology qualifies ACUCOBOL to be a prime solution for companies that need portability, graphical interfaces, and Web deployment of applications while maintaining the quality and reliability offered by existing enterprise class code.

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