Open Data Access ODBC Access for ClearPath OS 2200

ODBC Access (formerly INFOAccess) is a relational database server providing SQL access to OS 2200 Enterprise Network Database Server for ClearPath OS 2200 (DMS) data from client applications and tools running in several operating environments.

With ODBC Access, ClearPath data can be accessed with the same client tools and applications that are used to access data in SQL databases running on other platforms.

ODBC, or Open Database Connectivity, was defined by Microsoft and was the first deployed standard for data access. By providing a relational mapping of non-relational data sources, it spurred the market for off-the-shelf tools to provide access to traditional data stores.

By quickly transforming data into useful information, end users, business managers and workgroups are empowered by the availability of hundreds of graphical user interface (GUI) based desktop query, reporting and decision support tools that provide ad hoc access to enterprise data using the Microsoft standard ODBC interface. Qualified tools include, among others, PowerViewer, Visual Basic and Crystal Reports.

The proliferation of ODBC and SQL based off-the-shelf tools can preclude the need to develop special programs. This can significantly reduce an application backlog, by leveraging existing data resources without reengineering applications and databases.

ODBC Access does not require changes to an existing database schema. It operates against the data currently in your database. And, there is no duplication of data.

ODBC Access opens your Unisys enterprise server to end users, application developers and cross-platform data integration: just point and click and data from your server is presented in the familiar form that's immediately useful.

ODBC Access supports all of SQL-89, with some data definition language (DDL) restrictions. It also incorporates many Oracle, Sybase and DB2 extensions and portions of SQL-92 Intermediate Level.

ODBC Access alleviates many of the security and performance concerns commonly associated with giving end users direct access to corporate data. Features include:

• several levels of security, including mandatory sign-on and the ability to restrict access to data by selected users
• a variety of query limits including processor consumption or number of records accessed, allowing different limits to be set for each ODBC Access user

Use of ODBC can facilitate interoperability with other data sources in the enterprise. Using products such as Attunity Connect, Information Builder's EDA/SQL, and Oracle8i generic gateway, Unisys and non-Unisys databases can be seamlessly integrated, providing data location transparency to applications and end users.

ODBC Access for ClearPath OS 2200 is included with the Enterprise Network Database Server for ClearPath OS 2200. ODBC Access for ClearPath OS 2200 and the Network Database OLE DB Data Provider products share eight Open Data Access connection licenses, which are also included with the Enterprise Network Database Server for ClearPath OS 2200. Additional connections are available.