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That task is easier than it used to be, thanks to Web development technologies and ODBC/JDBC (Java Database Connectivity), but it's still a challenge.

How To Make It So

The first step in attaining cross-platform competency is to divide your programmers into two groups, according to expertise. One group should comprise UI (user interface) programmers who specialize in developing Web pages and presenting your data on your preferred platform, using your Web development tool of choice.

The other group should consist of programmers who develop back-end applications and write system interfaces. These folks must be proficient in the development tools used for both Windows and Linux (or at least some form of Unix)--or they'll have to become proficient fast--because they'll need to write code that can run on whichever platform is most cost-effective for the organization.

Of course, given that annual Linux licensing fees total a big fat $0, the need for training isn't likely to stop many organizations from moving a growing number of applications to Linux--the transition will just take a little longer if you have to start from scratch.

So how do you get from where you are today to a world where IT can deliver on the most cost-effective platform for the task at hand? Here are some options:

• Move to Java for back-end development. With machine speeds constantly increasing, the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) getting faster and Microsoft pushing .Net--which is essentially the same solution as Java but tied to a single platform--the move to Java makes more sense than ever.

• Divorce yourself from the UI and start developing in C++. It's easily portable as long as you obey a few simple rules and avoid proprietary libraries such as the MFC. The need for a UI is relatively low in back-end application development, so this shouldn't hurt much.

• Keep the UI and use WxWindows for cross-platform UI development in C++. WxWindows isn't perfect, but it does make writing portable code for windowing operating systems easier. And submit your ideas for improvement to the WxWindows development team--maybe it will take your suggestions to heart.

• Use Borland's Delphi or Kylix for cross-platform development. Two years ago, most developers (myself included) would have declared Pascal and its variants dead, but these programs are alive and well and almost as easy to use as Java.

Make a decision and follow through on it soon ... especially if you value your sleep.

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