Hi Chris,
They are primarily looking at a combination of a tool based approach (converts from PB to Javascript\J2EE BENTO Modern UI\Bootstrap framework) and some manual refactoring. One of the key requirements is for the automation tool to convert Datawindows to Web BENTO Modern UI. They are evaluating some tools in the market that can convert automatically upto 60%. I totally agree that there are risks in going with this approach given the size, complexity and strategic nature of these applications. Even if they migrate to the target Javascript\J2EE based app, the cost of maintaining such an application will be atleast 3-4 times more than what it might be right now. I would appreciate any inputs on whether there were any studies done on developer productivity comparisons between BENTO Modern UI\Bootstrap framework versus Powerbuilder\Appeon. I understand that Appeon is a safe and superior option. If Appeon could have supported this Target framework, they might have considered it. However, as per feedback from Appeon, they do not support this target framework.
Thanks, Ganesh