Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, assuming that you have the source code to your application. If you do not have the source code to your application, we may still be able to create new programs that work with your existing application, or replace existing modules, but we will not be able to modify your existing application.

Yes.  As long as you have the source code to the application, we can modify and support the application.

Yes.  We can provide ongoing, day to day, support services for applications that have been developed by other parties.

CSA provides Synergy/DBL programming services for all of the operating systems currently supported by Synergy/DBL:  Windows, VMS and UNIX.

We have also provided Synergy/DBL programming services for all of the operating systems that Synergy/DBL has supported in the past:  DOS, TSX-32, TSX-11, RSTS/E and RT-11.

Usually there is only one point of contact between you and CSA.  However, if multiple projects are occurring at the same time, then multiple of points of contact may be created, if it is deemed more efficient.

Yes, and because all development is performed by our in-house staff, the developer who originally worked on your project should be available to assist in its support.

Yes, assuming we agree on the feasibility of the deadlines.

Our official business hours are 8:30am – 5:00pm (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.

But we can also adjust our schedules to meet specific customer needs and requirements.

CSA Data Solutions is a software development firm that specializes in providing consulting services for the development, modification and support of Synergy/DBL applications, including applications originally developed by other parties.

CSA Data Solutions was originally formed in 1980.  Since our inception, we have specialized in providing Synergy/DBL (originally DIBOL) software development services.

Most of CSA’s work is performed remotely, though we will come onsite when necessary for the successful implementation of a project.

Onsite work most often occurs when collaboration is necessary between multiple parties, such as during the analysis and design phase, during implementation and for user training.

No. All of our work is performed by in-house CSA staff.

Prices vary based on a number of factors, including the length of the engagement, the skill sets for the type of work to be performed, whether the work will require travel and whether we are being contracted to perform ongoing application support.

Once we have had an opportunity to discuss your project requirements we will be able to provide you with a quotation for the engagement.

Work is usually performed on a time and materials basis. However, under some circumstances, we may be able to provide a fixed price quotation to perform a specific job.   Those circumstances require a clearly defined set of specifications, and either the creation of new code, or the modification of code with which we feel sufficiently comfortable.

Yes.  We are highly experienced with migrating Synergy/DBL applications between operating systems.  Not only have we done this with many customer applications, but we have also migrated our own Synergy/DBL applications across the following operating systems: RT-11, RSTS/E, VMS, DOS, UNIX and Windows.

The move to Windows can be relatively easy, or highly complex, depending on whether you want your application have a true Windows look and feel.

Any Synergy/DBL application that migrates to Windows will be coming from a cell based environment.  If your goal is to only have your application operate under Windows, and you do not wish to change the look and feel of the application, then the move to Windows is generally fairly straightforward, though it can be made more difficult based on the extent to which your application has tied itself to the specific features of the operating system.

If you wish to have a true Windows look and feel, then it will be necessary to change the user interface.  This does not need to be done all at once, and can be done on a screen by screen basis.  But even when the long range goal is to change the overall look and feel of the application, it is often advisable to first move the application to Windows, and then change the user interface incrementally, on a program by program basis.

Modernizing a Synergy/DBL application usually refers to changing the user interface for a more modern look and feel, and/or integrating your application with other applications and functions.

Specific options will vary based on your operating system, but may include:

• Using the Synergy Toolkit to create an event driven user interface
• Integrating with a web-based front-end to your application
• Using Synergy .Net to create a .Net user interface
• Using Windows application integration tools that will allow your application to directly call and control software developed by other parties.
• Using SQL Connect to store and access data in various databases.
• Using HTTP and XML to request and receive data from web servers.

Yes. Synergy provides a couple of alternatives for providing real time integration with web applications, including Synergy xfServer Plus, and Synergy .Net.

Yes.  Synergy/DBL was originally created as a DIBOL compatible language. For all practical purposes, DIBOL is a subset of Synergy/DBL.

Yes.  Since DIBOL is effectively a subset of Synergy/DBL, the answers provided here for Synergy/DBL also apply to DIBOL.

Yes.  While most of our resources are dedicated to providing Synergy/DBL consulting services, CSA also develops and maintains a set of Synergy/DBL based applications and tools.

Our applications include  modules for Accounting, Distribution, Inventory Control, Purchasing, and Manufacturing, as well as applications for various specialized industries.

Our Synergy/DBL tools are generally geared towards improving the speed with which Synergy/DBL applications can be developed.