Enhancing the HP e3000 User Interface

Bradmark Technologies StarMan™
StarMan, from Bradmark Technologies, Inc., takes CA-MANMAN into the future by bringing
web-enabled functionality to the HP e3000. Via a unique distributed processing model, StarMan
eliminates the need for direct connection to the HP e3000, and brings data processing for
CA-MANMAN into a GUI environment.
StarMan utilizes PC-GUI technology to replace terminal screens providing users a faster, more
intuitive interface. StarMan supports the most popular CA-MANMAN modules, bringing point
and click ease-of-use, as well as offering functionality not currently available in CA-MANMAN
packages, such as RMA Authorization, Order Quotation, and Purchase Requisition. By bringing
Windows functionality to CA-MANMAN, StarMan eliminates the common practice of generating
multiple sessions for data retrieval. In most cases, StarMan is plug-and-play. Existing
CA-MANMAN terminal screens may still be used for workstations without PCs.
StarMan utilizes a state-of-the-art GUI interface that brings a true client/server relationship to
the CA-MANMAN product. StarMan works with the existing CA-MANMAN architecture, while
allowing true distributed processing. This is accomplished by utilizing the Quantum Transaction
Server (QTS), which is a native mode application running on the HP e3000 that fulfills the
requests from the clients. The server and the client can communicate in a predefined protocol
that enables applications to function in a heterogeneous environment.
StarMan works in conjunction with the existing organizational structure. In organizations that
are replacing their antiquated CA-MANMAN video display terminals with PC-based systems,
StarMan becomes the bridge that ties PCs to current CA-MANMAN systems. StarMan operates
through a windows-based client that initiates various CA-MANMAN services using GUI screens
and the PC client to communicate with the conventional CA-MANMAN back-end programs. For
those users that have customized CA-MANMAN versions, StarMan incorporates provisions that
allow users to conform to modified CA-MANMAN code.
StarMan does not require additional processing overhead. By distributing the processing load
between the PC and the HP e3000, the user can experience a 30-50% improvement in
performance. StarMan uses connectivity middleware, which provides lightning-fast messaging
between the client and the server. This middleware is an efficient message transport subsystem
that places very little overhead on the HP e3000 server. In addition, the system demand caused
by the terminal or emulation software is almost entirely eliminated, adding back performance
resources that could be used for other purposes, such as adding new users without upgrading
the system.
StarMan’s design philosophy assists CA-MANMAN users in performing their daily tasks without
adversely impacting the business process.
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