Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Getting Started:
OpenEdge Reference Architecture

Benefits of the OpenEdge RA

The OpenEdge RA is particularly useful because it:

Divides the application into functional layers that separate data access logic, business logic, and user interface logic.

This facilitates customization, the development of new or improved features, and code reuse.

In addition, the layered approach supports the deployment of multiple user interfaces. Logic can be exposed to other applications for integration purposes in any of a number of ways, including the use of cross-platform technologies like Web Services, which are supported in the OpenEdge platform

Is not only a model for new application development, but serves as a model for transforming existing applications to a modern application architecture.

Using the OpenEdge RA as a model for analyzing a legacy application, you can categorize the functionality of your application into business entity, data access, user interface, and integration components.

After you define the relationships between the application’s components, you have, in effect, created the functional design for your application that can be used as a guide for further implementation and development.

Is supported by OpenEdge tools and technologies.
Is a guide to best practices for using OpenEdge tools and technologies.
Allows for technology independence.

If, for example, you have a requirement to create user interface logic with JavaScript, you can use business logic that was implemented with the Progress® 4GL.

Logic can be exposed to other applications for integration purposes in any of a number of ways, including the use of cross-platform technologies like Web Services, which are supported in the OpenEdge platform.