NewCode Technologies Limited has just been validated by IBM as 'Ready for Rational'. This accreditation allows clients to leverage the benefits of the IBM Rational Software environment and to utilise the product extensions developed by NewCode to protect investment in legacy applications. NewCode has developed a leading edge solution to allow applications developed on older technologies to migrate to modern Microsoft .NET or JavaEE environments.

Announcing that NewCode has successfully validated to the requirements of Ready for IBM Rational software V7.0.3. Stephen Lauzon, Senior Manager, Ready for IBM Rational Software and ISV Technical Enablement IBM Rational Business Development stated that "The NewCode Technologies product met the requirements for the Software Development Platform level of the program, giving NewCode Technologies their first 'Ready for Rational' validated solution. The product also qualified for the IBM SOA validation level".

The NewCode extension for IBM Rational allows users to transform older Visual Basic 6.0 (VB6), IBM RPG, Oracle Forms or Informix applications to Java technologies. Using a patented process the NewCode extension offers a model driven approach to legacy transformation enabling applications to be migrated and re-engineered whilst ensuring that the valuable business logic and experience within the applications is preserved. Migrating legacy applications to IBM Rational utilizes the Rational Software Architect products and offers significant advantages to enterprises wishing to leverage the rational suite of products. Some of the many benefits that accrue in using this approach are:

• Lower cost maintenance.
• Reduced dependency on legacy/un-supported environments.
• Improved developer productivity and the opportunity to employ the latest technologies.
• The ability to use and integrate other products from the IBM Rational suite such as Clear Case for testing and RequisitePro for Project Management.

Alex Campbell, CEO of NewCode Technologies commented that: "This is a further validation of the approach being undertaken by NewCode and follows closely after our recent announcements of extensions for Microsoft Visual Studio. NewCode understands the investment and technology that goes into development environments such as IBM Rational. Our business model is built around extending these valuable frameworks and allowing enterprises work with the industry leaders while also preserving their significant investment in legacy applications. The dual challenge of gaining efficiencies from new technologies while protecting existing investments in large application code bases is the primary benefit of the NewCode approach."