According to ASNA, a software provider for IBM iSeries systems, the adoption of .NET use among iSeries users is expected to rise. The forecast was made after evaluating new migration and extension technologies, which includes ASNA's Monarch, along with views expressed by ASNA customers who want to extend the range of their legacy systems.

ASNA's Monarch is a platform for enterprises that want to start offering Web services and develop service oriented architectures (SOA). The company, along with Microsoft, recently formed the Midrange Alliance Program (MAP), designed to further the migration of legacy systems to .NET. The program is a strategic initiative by software developers such as ASNA and IT services companies to assist enterprises to this end.

The Alliance is providing customers a way to create Web services without the need for any intermediary steps, which would use disposable approaches such as screen scraping and Web facing. MAP offers analysis of existing legacy assets through the creation of business plans outlining the technologies required for .NET-based Web services. Specifically, MAP offers customers a means of migrating to Microsoft's development platform without sacrificing the inherent strengths of the iSeries, such as reliability and security.

The program includes ASNA Monarch as a cornerstone for enabling migrations to .NET and the creation of SOAs. According to ASNA, enterprises using Monarch can implement Web services in a time frame commensurate with their business needs. The Alliance eases some trepidation companies have when moving away from their familiar, IBM midrange systems.

"The Midrange Alliance Program has resulted in a strategic Microsoft relationship and a sharpened focus on ASNA as a leading enabler of enterprises that choose to preserve and capitalize on legacy investments as they move to .NET," said Anne Ferguson, president and co-founder of ASNA. "Beginning in 2005, there will be significant adoption of .NET, Web services, and service-oriented architectures. ASNA is committed that this movement be a productive, non-disruptive experience for our IBM midrange customers."

ASNA's predictions are backed by findings from Forester Research. According to Forester, a recent survey of U.S. corporate IT departments, that they conducted, shows a majority (56 percent) intend to develop the majority of their future technology using .NET.

Dan Lewin, vice president of .NET business development at Microsoft, said, "ASNA provides a comprehensive solution for midrange shops to leverage their experience and move it forward to modern standards based on the .NET framework and Web services. With ASNA," he said, "the Midrange Alliance Program now offers a far better roadmap for developers than IBM [WebSphere]."