Infor XA explained

Other Names:MAPICS
Author:IBM
Developer:Infor
Released:1977
Latest Release Version:Release 10
Programming Language:RPG, Control Language
Operating System:IBM i
Genre:Enterprise resource planning

Infor XA is commercial ERP software used to control the operations of manufacturing companies. Its prior name, MAPICS, is an acronym for Manufacturing, Accounting and Production Information Control Systems. MAPICS was created by IBM. The product is now owned by Infor Global Solutions.

Originally all MAPICS code ran only on IBM midrange systems like the IBM System 34, 36, 38 and the IBM AS/400, via succeeding versions of the platform - currently IBM i on IBM Power Systems. Early versions were written in IBM RPG, augmented with Control Language programs. IBM's version of SQL is also utilized on the OS integrated database system called Db2 for i . Recent development efforts have added object oriented components written in the Java programming language, which extends a portion of the XA product to servers running Java.

However, the Infor XA product still requires the IBM i operating system. The Java components provide an application runtime which allow user customizations, a rich user interface, an optional web-based interface as well as support for XML interfaces.

Timeline

1977IBM develops and markets MAPICS
1993IBM sells MAPICS to Marcam
1997Marcam splits into two companies and MAPICS Incorporated is created[1]
2000MAPICS Inc. acquires Pivotpoint (for its MS Windows based Point.Man ERP system)[2]
2003MAPICS Inc. acquires Frontstep (for its Progress and .NET based SyteLine ERP system)[3]
2005MAPICS Incorporated is acquired by Infor. MAPICS is renamed Infor ERP XA[4] [5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bill Mcllvaine. Marcam Splits, Re-focuses ERP. https://web.archive.org/web/20110724184017/http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/news/read/Marcam_Splits_Refocuses_ERP_15378. dead. 2011-07-24. managingautomation.com. 1997-06-01. 2011-07-24.
  2. Web site: Garnham . Jonathan . Technology News - CNET News - CNET . News.cnet.com . 2017-02-27.
  3. Web site: Renee Boucher Ferguson . Mapics Acquires Frontstep . Eweek.com . 2002-11-25 . 2017-02-27.
  4. Web site: Dan Burger. IBM i Trading Punches In The Automotive Supply Chain. www.itjungle.com. 2017-08-07. 2018-06-12.
  5. Web site: Debra Kelly. Infor to Acquire MAPICS for $350 Million. https://web.archive.org/web/20061015111451/http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/news/read/Infor_to_Acquire_MAPICS_for_350_Million_22. dead. 2006-10-15. managingautomation.com. 2005-01-28. 2006-10-15.