Configurable Network Computing: Difference between revisions

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'''Configurable Network Computing''' or '''CNC''' is [[JD Edwards]]'s (JDE) [[client–server]] proprietary architecture and methodology that implements its highly-scalable enterprise-wide [[business software|business solution]]s [[software]] that can run on a wide variety of hardware, [[operating system]]s (OS) and [[computer server|hardware platform]]s. Now a division of the [[Oracle Corporation]], Oracle continues to sponsor ongoing development of the [[JD Edwards]] [[Enterprise Resource Planning]] ([[Enterprise resource planning|ERP]]) system. While highly flexible, the CNC architecture is [[wikt: proprietary|proprietary]] and, as such, it cannot be exported to any other systems. While the CNC architecture's chief claim to fame, insulation of applications from the underlying database and operating systems, waswere largely superseded by modern web-based technology, nevertheless CNC technology continues to be at the heart of both JD Edwards' OneWorld and EnterpriseOne architecture and will play a significant role Oracle's developing ''fusion architecture'' initiative.<ref>[http://www.oracle.com/applications/fusion.html Oracle Fusion Information URL]</ref> While a proprietary architecture, CNC is neither an Oracle nor JDE product offering. The term CNC also refers to the systems analysts who install, maintain, manage and enhance this architecture. CNCs are also one of the three technical areas of expertise in the JD Edwards [[Enterprise Resource Planning]] [[Enterprise resource planning|ERP]] which include developer/report writer and functional/business analysts.

==The CNC architecture==

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In the CNC architecture, a company's JD Edwards (JDE) [[business software]] applications run transparently insulated from both the [[database]] where the business data is stored as well as from the client [[computer]]'s underlying [[operating system]] and all other intervening JDE business applications servers. In layman's terms, the business programs don't "care" where the data is or which operating system is being used on any of the [[end user]] computers. Neither do the applications servers on which business programs run need to directly "know" what database systems are being called on the data end or back end. The CNC architecture keeps track of this through various database tables that point the business applications to the servers that run or execute the business applications and also include database connection tools called database drivers that tell the system also where the database servers are and what specific databases to do lookups, data inserts and data extracts from. Because of the key nature of the underlying architecture, a sound CNC infrastructure is critical to the success of a JD Edwards OneWorld installation or implementation. The back-end databases that are supported include [[Oracle database]], [[Microsoft SQL Server]], and [[IBM DB2]] databases. The application server can run on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] platforms, [[Unix]]/[[Linux]], and the IBM System i (formerly known as iSeries and AS/400). The [[web server]] can be [[IBM WebSphere]] (on Windows, Unix/Linux, or System i) or the [[Oracle Weblogic Server]] (on Windows or Unix/Linux).

In what has been known traditionally as [[client–server]] environments, applications must communicate across a combination of different hardware platforms, operating systems, and databases as including. The CNC architecture uses a layer of software, called [[middleware]], which resides between the platform operating system and the JDE business applications. To accomplish this, JDE provides two types of middleware, JDENET Communication Middleware, and JDEBASE Database Middleware. The JDEBASE middleware communicates with the database through ODBC, JDBC, or SQL*Net.

===Definition and strengths of the CNC Architecture===

According to the JD Edwards document, ''Configurable Network Computing Implementation'', the CNC architecture is defined as follows:

"CNC is the technical architecture for JD Edwards OneWorld and EnterpriseOne software. CNC enables highly configurable, distributed applications to run on a variety of platforms without users or analysts needing to know which platforms or which databases are involved in any given task. CNC insulates the business solution from the underlying technology. Enterprises can grow and adopt new technologies without rewriting applications....(it is) an application architecture that enables interactive and batch applications, composed of a single code base, to run across a TCP/IP network of multiple server platforms and SQL databases. The applications consist of reusable business functions and associated data that can be configured across the network dynamically. The overall objective for businesses is to provide a future-proof environment that enables them to change organizational structures, business processes, and technologies independently of each other."<ref>[http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B28737_01/jded/acrobat/e1_tools895tcg-b0805.pdf Configurable Network Computing, URL]</ref>

====Multi-foundation capability====

Another strength of JD Edwards is its multi-foundation architecture. This means that one can create separate instances of JDE on different Tools Releases and isolate these releasereleases from each other. This is done by creating a separate set of system folders for the other foundation. In the main configuration file of the applications or enterprise server, JDE.ini, the incoming and outgoing ports are changed to a different one than the other foundation, so if one foundation had port 6015, then the alternate could use 6016. Also, the client-side tools release folder is installed on the deployment server and the system administrator uses the JDE Planner or installation environment to define another foundation. Subsequent full packages can then be pointed to useusing this different foundation.

===Weaknesses in the CNC architecture===

====Specifications file corruption with JDE Applications up to 8.12====

Until the advent of EnterpriseOne applications version, 8.12 running on tools release/service pack 8.96, by far the most vulnerable aspect of the CNC technology was that proprietary object specifications had to be copied from the full client up to the applications server in order for a JDE user's data selection and processing options to be run as requested on the server. If those proprietary specifications became corrupted, the batch application object, in turn, on the applications server could become corrupted. A rebuild and redeploy of the object was the only fix. Likewise, if there is some intervening process that corrupts object specifications as they come down to the client PC, the related object could become corrupted and no longer function correctly. Since applications upgrade E812 and Tools Release or systems or foundational service pack, the proprietary specifications have been replaced with XML-based object properties which hashave proven to be more stable and less prone to corruption. In the fall of 2008, Oracle brought out the E900 applications release and by the fall of 2010, the tools release was up to 8.98.3.3. E900 Update 1, or E901 is the latest release as of fall 2010.

====Specifications portability====

While copying the object specifications between the different Environmentsenvironments within the same system is easy, the code, once developed in any given system, is not easily portable to other systems. JD Edwards has developed a built-in process named "Product Packaging" to address this issue, but it's slow, not easy to use, and is limited in a number of ways. Because of this, it's mainly used to deliver software updates by Oracle itself, while independent software vendors are mostly using third-party tools like Boomerang. Product Packaging supports the export of specifications and E812 and beyond allow for versions to be exported as ZIP files through the actions column in Object Management Workbench <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.everestsoftint.com/index.asp?a=browse&p=Boomerang |title=Everest Software International<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830100316/http://www.everestsoftint.com/index.asp?a=browse&p=Boomerang |archive-date=2007-08-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Specifications readability====

Object specifications are not easily accessible to retrieve the data from, because they are in a proprietary format. A variety of interesting information is therefore hidden from the view. Some of this data can be retrieved, interpreted, and displayed by the standard JDE software, but in many cases, this may not be enough, nornot fast enough, noror in the desirabledesired format. Many third-party software solutions have been developed to fill this gap.<ref>[http://www.everestsoftint.com/ Everest Software International<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

====Complexity of the architecture====

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====Third party applications scheduler enhancements====

There are a number of third -party applications that add functionality and programmability to the JDE Scheduler. They include Cisco Tidal Enterprise Scheduler which is a JDE client-based product and Appworx, a third -party server-based scheduler in which scripting and work-flowworkflow productproducts have been customized for JDE support addressing adding to the [[Vanilla (computing)|vanilla]] scheduler that comes with JDE. AutoDeploy, a third -party bolt -on, fully automates the package build and deploy process for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne reducing the complexity of pre -project, in project, and post -project code basecodebase maintenance.

==CNC's interface with web-based technologies==

The advent of the [[world wide web]] and [[HTML]] technologies hashave also insulated users and applications from underlying technologies. The CNC architecture combines this with its own architecture through a Java Applications Server (JAS) architecture. The web clients communicate with the CNC architecture via these JAS servers.

===Oracle releases E900 in late 2008 and E910 in 2011===

In the fall of 2008, Oracle brought out the E900 applications release and by the summer of 2011, the tools release was up to 8.98.4.3. In the fall of 2009, E900 Update 1 was released. By the summer of 2011, over 2000 Electronic Software Updates (ESUs) patches were required to bring the E901 release up to the latest code current levels. In the fall of 2010, Update 2 was released. In the fall of 2011, Oracle released Applications Release 9.1 and Tools Release 9.1 significantly changing the look and feel of E1.

==JDENET and JDEBASE Middleware==

JDENET and JDEBase middleware are the two elements in the CNC architecture that allow JDE applications to communicate across heterogeneous distributed computing environments. JDENET handles communications at the [[presentation layer]] with other internal JDE applicationapplications, while JDEBASE is the JDE middleware that provides platform-independent multi-vendor [[SQL]] database access.

===JDENET===

JDENET is the [[message-oriented middleware]] that connects the generated presentation layer of JDE applications with business function components through a standard JDE applications programingprogramming interface, or [[API]] called "jdeCallObject." The JDENET middleware, running within the CNC architecture, supports the configuration of business function components for execution in the heterogeneous distributed computing environment that the CNC architecture support.

===JDEBASE===

JDEBASE is the database middleware that provides platform-independent application program interfacesinterface APIs for multi-vendor database access. These APIs are used in two ways. The first way is by JDE applications that dynamically generate platform-specific Structured Query

Language (SQL), depending on the data source request. The second way is as open APIs for advanced C language business function writing. JDE uses these APIs to dynamically generate platform-specific SQL statements. Thus, this middleware provides workstation-to-server and server-to-server database access. To accomplish this, both the legacy JDE ''OneWorld'' middleware as well as the newer JDE ''EnterpriseOne'' middleware incorporate database driver support for a variety of third-party database drivers including ODBC, for connection to Microsoft SQL server, OCI, for connection to Oracle database and Client Access 400 drivers for connectivity to IBM DB2.

==CNC systems analysts - also called CNCs==

Systems analysts that work in this field are known as JDE CNCs.<ref name="jdelist.com">[http://www.jdelist.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=124339 JD Edwards Forums - JD Edwards Jobs - JD Edwards Enterprise One - JD Edwards World: We cannot proceed<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Based on the size of the company implementing a JDE system, there may be one or more CNCs. In some small companies, there is no resident CNC, but some of the day-to-day CNC functions such as security and business program object builds and deployment is done by a JDE developer on staff while a third-party CNC is called in for non-routine, critical, and/or high-risk CNC work such as system upgrades and expansion. CNC is one of the three JDE areas of expertise, the others being the JDE developer who changes code and the JDE functional analyst who is the business subject matter and business processes expert.

==What's in a name - CNC==

In recent years, there has been much discussion among the CNC community on the title, "CNC." On many web siteswebsites including such sites as [[Oracle Corporation|Oracle]] and [[LinkedIn]] people who have worked in the CNC field for many years have proposed a new title to replace the traditional CNC nomenwomen. One of the most popular is "JD Edwards Systems Architect" or "[[EnterpriseOne]] Architect" even simply "JDE Architect." This seems to be driven by the fact that many senior CNCs become involved in planning and implementing the underlying CNC architecture and that the term CNC really conveys no meaning as to the actual job description. While the discussions go round and round, recruiters who continue to use the CNC job description or dispensingdispense with the CNC term may refer to the job as "JD Edwards System Administrator." Unfortunately, this laterlatter term is largely misunderstood by recruiters and IT people unfamiliar with the complexities of a JD Edwards Implementation and have told CNCs that from the title JDE System Administrator, their responsibilities are fairly simple and probably mimic that of an email administrator or operating systems administrator adding/deleting users and resetting user passwords. Despite the discussions on the utility of the CNC title, the IT seems to return to it as the only industry-wide accepted way to term the job.

==CNC-related functions==

The CNC function entails a number of responsibilities or functions. Large companies may have an entire staff of CNCs, some working on security, others software change management which deploy changes in the JDE ERP system through the various stages of development, testing, and production. Other CNCs will troubleshoot performance issues, otherothers will work on batch process automatization and finally, a Senior CNC will manage the entire group and, in that capacity, will often function as the chief JDE systems architect.

===Basic CNC tasks===

In order to support this architecture, CNC analysts perform a wide variety of tasks. A frequent criticism of the CNC field is that it is too complicated to be learned in any less than 2&ndash;3 years. A number of overlapped functions are involved.<ref name="jdelist.com"/> Some or all of the following functions:

*CNC Systems Administration which includes user and application security, user (profile) account set up, user groups (roles), task relationship (menu), and task (menu item) management

*Planning and installation of business application patches also called electronic software updates or ESUs as well as underlying foundational code or programs called tools releases or service packs

*Building and deploying changes to the business applications called package builds

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*Development of software tools and processes automate repetitive CNC tasks

*Remote CNC management through various secure access systems

*Training both business analysts, programmers, and end-users on the overall use of the JDE ERP system

===CNC Schedulers===

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*JD Edwards installations and upgrades

*Proven experience/expertise in complicated EnterpriseOne installations/upgrades in large-scale (often global) implementations

*Database management and experience/expertise with SQL databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, and DB2/400 with regards to EnterpriseOne

*Data Conversion using EnterpriseOne development tools

*Performance tuning of applications and web servers using Server Manager to analyze kernel processes and obtain log filefiles for detailed analysis

*Advanced problem solving and trouble shootingtroubleshooting skills (which requires a wide range of skills beyond JDE CNC skills such as networking, storage, database, operating system, and virtual infrastructures and the ability to work with people who are experts in these areas)

*Advanced expertise in the technical architecture for EnterpriseOne (e.g. Citrix servers, WebLogic servers, WebSphere servers, deployment server, batch/enterprise servers, BSSV servers, RTE servers, mobile apps/AIS servers plus multiple OS's including Windows, iSeries, Unix/Linux)

*Experience in adding custom environments and custom datasourcedata source setups

*In -depth knowledge of CNC mapping configuration changes using Object Configuration Manager (OCM)

*Expertise in multiple JDE system software configurations (multi-foundation), Tools Release Updates

*Experience in designing and implementing highly available infrastructure solutions using VMware Virtual Infrastructure 3 (ESX, Virtual Center/VCenter, VMotion, HA, DRS) and Oracle VM.

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* Maintaining C Business Functions - How to build business functions using object development tools

* Upgrades and updates - the process of upgrading the JDE business toolset (B7333 - E900) or the underlying system/foundation "look and feel" code

* Development Tools Parts 1 and 2 - The use of the JDE software Report Design Aid, Table Design Aid, and other object development tools

* Optional training - Report writing and other development tools and functional business training (how the business processes affect the design and implementation of JDE ERP)

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*The certification link is at https://web.archive.org/web/20110929025144/http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=439

*Exam details are at https://web.archive.org/web/20110929025144/http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=439

*''' Currently listed CNC Exam topics as of January 2011.'''

'''JDE-CNC Exam topics''' <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=41&p_exam_id=1Z0_550#2 |title=Oracle's JD Edwards CNC Certification Program |access-date=2011-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022071437/http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=41&p_exam_id=1Z0_550#2 |archive-date=2010-10-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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==Independent support for JDE CNCs==

A worldwide organization, [[Quest Oracle Community]] as well as local, statewide and regional JDE user groups have CNC sub-groups that support JDE CNCs. Among the useful user web siteswebsites that support JDE CNCs and other users is JDELIST which has a website at [http://www.jdelist.com jdelist.com]

==See also==

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*[http://www.astradyne-uk.com/manuals/ir019510.pdf JDE OneWorld Xe Implementation on IBM iSeries AS/400 Servers]

*[http://www.jdelist.com a popular free site that has discussion forums on JDE issues including the CNC function]

*[http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=63023 Free LinkedIn group hosting many discussions administered by CNC'sCNCs]

[[Category: ERP software]]

[[Category: Oracle software]]