Future-proof COM extensions

Do you still have a financial accounting system or other solutions in use that rely on a connection via COM? Find out in this article how Vertec has made such extensions cloud ready and what benefits are in you.

New technology makes COM extensions cloud ready

Some Vertec extensions to third-party programs are based on a COM extension to the third-party system. However, since communication via COM is only possible locally, i.e. on the same computer, these extensions are simply not cloud ready. Up to now, they could only be operated with the Vertec Desktop App and accordingly only with an on-premises installation of Vertec.  

With Vertec 6.7.0.7 we have introduced a mechanism that allows COM-based extensions to be addressed with the Vertec Cloud App. It does not matter whether Vertec is operated on premises or in the Cloud Suite. We have named this technology “COM Forwarding” which is also described in the corresponding Knowledge Base Article described.

The following image shows with a wink what the idea behind connecting COM and the cloud world is. 😉

“COM Forwarding” brings benefits and paves ways

At the User Conference in November 2023 (see see entry in Vertec Forum ) we announced the end of the lifecycle of the Vertec Desktop App. This makes the ability to migrate COM-based extensions to the Cloud App even more important. All customers who use such extensions are encouraged to actively consider switching to the Cloud App. As of October 2024, the extensions of Infoniqa ONE 50, Infoniqa ONE 200, SelectLine and Topal have successfully been rewritten. These can be migrated to the Cloud App at any time and the use of the Desktop App is no longer necessary. This increases the future viability of your Vertec installation and improves performance when working from remote, e.g. via VPN from home.

However, it also paves the way for using the Vertec Cloud Suite. So if you have previously refrained from the benefits of the Vertec Cloud Suite due to a COM-based connection to a third-party system, there are no more obstacles in the way now.  

Another benefit is for users who already use Vertec in the Cloud Suite, but had no connection. The way here is also clear now, and you can integrate your COM-based systems with Vertec.

An overview of all cloud ready extensions can be found in our Knowledge Base .

Why did Vertec decide to discontinue the Desktop App?

The Desktop App has become legacy and has been around since Vertec 5.x. It only still exists because certain things do not (yet) run in other apps, such as some of our Fibu interfaces. However, the Desktop App, as a standalone application, also has significant disadvantages, especially performance and security. Therefore, we also have been recommending to use the Cloud App or the Web App for our On Premises customers for a long time.

I have a self-implemented COM-based extension in use – can I also operate it with COM forwarding?

Please refer to our Knowledge Base  and find out all about the necessary steps to convert an existing extension to COM Forwarding. Your Vertec contact person will be happy to assist you. Due to the richness of the COM protocol, we cannot guarantee the compatibility of your extension.

Conclusion

The implementation of “COM Forwarding” opens up new opportunities and benefits:

1. On Premises customers can use their COM-based extensions without the Desktop App by switching to the Cloud App.
2. On Premises customers with a COM-based extension can now switch to the Cloud Suite and continue to use their COM-based third-party applications.
3. Cloud Suite customers can take full advantage of the Vertec Cloud Suite and integrate their COM-based systems via an extension.
4. Remote access when, for example, working from home via VPN becomes more efficient by using the Cloud App.
5. Your Vertec installation will be more future-proof with this change, since the use of the Desktop App (which is End of Life) can be done away with.

The deployment of cloud ready COM extensions via the COM Forwarding is therefore an important step that will benefit both existing and new customers.