COBOL Compiler Part II

[fabiousa]

Thanks for the input in my previous thread.
As I can see, it's not worth having a freeware compiler.

I need to re-compile some source modules that were built in 1997. At that time, they used Microfocus Workbench as the compiler which has been discontinued.

I am really confused. Someone told me I should use Net Express because it is the only compatible with Workbench. Is this true? If not, are there other compilers availabe that can perform the same task with a cheaper price???
Forget the freeware stuff.

Thanks a lot!!

 

[3gm]

MicroFocus (the company) became Merant. The product name was changed to NetExpress so it's really the same thing (only "new and improved&quot. Unfortunately, all the good PC compilers cost $$$$$. If your source has MicroFocus specific extensions in it, you're probably best off sticking with it. Other ones to look at (but which might not be less expensive) include Fujitsu, IBM Visual Age, and AcuCOBOL.

Good luck.

Glenn

 

[saginaw]

About Micro Focus --- about two years ago Micro Focus merged with Intersolv to become MERANT... this did not work out as planned and on August 11, 2001 Micro Focus became an independent company.

About the technology --- Micro Focus Workbench, version 4.0 was the last release and can still be obtained from Micro Focus but I would not recommend this. The Workbench product was split into two directions/technologies... Net Express (now version 3.1) and Mainframe Express (now at version 2.5). Net Express is targeted for the PC and Internet platforms. Mainframe Express runs on the PC and is targeted at the mainframe audience and has a full range of mainframe emulators and a COBOL compiler that supports the various mainframe dialects.

Anyway... take a look at their new web site that is undergoing a transition for the new 25-year-old startup at

http://www.microfocus.com

or

http://www.cobolportal.com

and one last item... Micro Focus has an "educational" offering that appears to be a subset of Net Express for around $150.00, I think... check the site on this...
Saginaw
helpdesk@simotime.com

http://www.simotime.com

 

[ceh4702]

Microfocus redirects you to Merant.com to buy personal Cobol Compiler for Dos 3.1, which I still have at home for $49.00 for students. This ran on IBM Win 95 ver B with just a little work. If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[Thane]

It's taking a little while for MicroFocus to unmesh themselves from Merant - be patient, it will happen.