RAMP stage 1 creates a prototyped modernization framework. The purpose of this step is to create an unencumbered vision of what "could be" rather than just "what is", in other words the prototype is produced to be a vision of the future rather than just a reflection of the application the way it is today. This prototyping framework is important because:
It defines where and how your 5250 screen panels will be reused
It allows all stake-holders, be they developers or end users, to understand and review what they are going to get and what they are going to have to give to complete the modernization project.
It is not thrown away, but will evolve into the real executable application framework.
You use the Instant Prototyping Wizard to create the prototype. This tool is especially useful for people with a 5250 background because it bridges the gap to Windows and web browser application design. It should only take a few days to deliver a modernization framework for even a very large application. The prototyping process may be so rapid that multiple prototypes can be produced for comparison and review by the stakeholders. At the end of this stage a real executable application framework is delivered. Not only does this ensure everyone knows what they are getting and what they have to do, it also makes it easy to define and manage the rest of the project and to assign the various deliverables to the project participants. The application framework will be evolved into a real application by gradually snapping out the prototype parts and snapping in real application parts which will be either reanimated 5250 screens or new functions. For more information, see Modernization Process Overview.
