task requiring multiple skills and complicated coding. Database middleware, such
as DataGate, from Texas-based <font face="Verdana"><a
href="http://www.asna.com">ASNA</a></font>, simplifies the programming effort by
providing a standardized API that abstracts database access, thereby removing
the need for programmers to develop skills in connectivity and unfamiliar
databases. Consequently, companies often use DataGate to extend legacy and new
applications running on existing platforms to Windows and Web Services
environments.</p>
<p>DataGate does not impose any restrictions on the combinations of database
access paths that a single application can use. For example, a single
application can connect to two platforms concurrently. Alternatively, developers
may use DataGate to make applications more robust by allowing them to switch
automatically from one platform to another should the primary platform fail.</p>
<h2>
DataGate Component Suite for .NET (DCS)</h2>
<p><a name="Heading6"></a>DCS is, as the name implies, designed specifically for
the .NET framework. It allows .NET-based applications written in any language
common to that architecture, such as C# and Visual Basic, to gain easy, yet
secure access to iSeries physical and logical files. It also provides a
high-speed program call that allows .NET developers to easily call OS/400
program objects.</p>
<p>Obviously, DCS is not the only way for .NET programs to access iSeries
databases. For example, they can enable such connectivity using ADO.NET, the
data-access component of the .NET framework. However, accessing iSeries data in
this way or through any sort of ODBC or OLE DB connection tends to be slow and
not very scalable. DCS overcomes these problems by running as a native iSeries
program.</p>
<p>DCS delivers a set of classes packaged in a single, 100% verifiable
.NET-managed assembly. This assembly provides several namespaces, as well as the
functionality programmers need to access iSeries. The DCS classes provide a look
and feel similar to that of classes inherent in the .NET framework.</p>
<p>DCS' full support for IntelliSense collapsible code and color coding helps to
improve programmer productivity. In addition, DCS includes an extensive help
file and coding examples. A VB.NET or C# programmer can be proficient with the
ASNA DataGate Component Suite in a matter of hours.</p>
<p>Because DataGate obeys all iSeries-imposed security and user authorities, it
offers a very secure way to connect .NET applications to iSeries data.</p>
<p>Capabilities provided by DCS include the following: </p>
<ul>
<li>Read/write record-level access </li>
<li>The ability to call any OS/400 program object </li>
<li>Full support for all server-imposed security and user authorities </li>
<li>The ability to dynamically create and copy physical and logical files </li>
<li>Full access to database metadata, such as field names, key fields, and
library contents </li>
<li>The ability to dynamically create database connections </li></ul><h2>
DataGate for iSeries</h2>
<p><a name="Heading19"></a>Two other DataGate versions, DataGate for iSeries and
DataGate for SQL Server, also work in .NET environments. DataGate for iSeries
connects .NET applications directly to OS/400 DB2 UDB databases, providing
client applications with read/write record-level access, remote program calls to
OS/400 program objects, and OS/400 object management from any .NET platform.</p>
<p>DataGate for iSeries retains all iSeries object authority, object locking,
and full object control. This includes facilities for creating, renaming, and
copying files; accessing file definitions; and adding, deleting, and
initializing file members. DataGate for iSeries allows character, numeric, and
indicator (Boolean) parameter data types. It also provides full access to CL
commands and data areas and takes advantage of all iSeries CPF error messaging.
In addition, with support for Remote Program Calls, DataGate for iSeries allows
automatic program initiation and activation.</p>
<p>Installation of DataGate on the iSeries is simple. As well as being
self-initiating, it does not require any programming or maintenance on iSeries.
And there is no need to build complex repositories or intermediate database
definitions.</p>
<h2>
DataGate for SQL Server</h2>
<p><a name="Heading23"></a>Using DataGate for SQL Server, the same .NET
applications that connect to iSeries DB2 UDB databases through DataGate for
iSeries can also connect to Microsoft's SQL Server databases without any code
changes. DataGate for SQL Server allows RPG programmers to access Microsoft SQL
Server data through native RPG file IO using familiar RPG operation codes such
as CHAIN and SETLL. Consequently, developers' existing RPG skills will allow
them to access SQL Server database, with minimal additional training.</p>
<p>Because DataGate for SQL Server allows applications to process SQL tables and
views as if they were physical and logical files, file members, open query file,
and many iSeries-like features, it allows for the easy processing of iSeries
data copied to Windows servers and desktops.</p>
<p>ASNA also offers DataGate for Windows, which provides an iSeries-like
database for use on Windows desktops and servers. This product allows developers
to create iSeries applications without being connected to the iSeries. In
addition, using DataGate for Windows, field employees can access iSeries
databases locally, without needing to dial in to the iSeries platform.</p>
<h2>
Benefits</h2>
<p><a name="Heading27"></a>Organizations that use DataGate to achieve
cross-platform connectivity can realize a number of benefits including, but not
limited to, these:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cross-platform database connectivity abstraction allows programmers to
provide access to different databases resident on heterogeneous platforms,
without the need for additional skills.</li>
<li>Because DataGate for iSeries is a native OS/400 program, it provides fast
and secure access to iSeries databases.</li>
<li>DataGate scales well, allowing it to accommodate an organization's evolving
needs.</li>
<li>A single, integrated database view across differing platforms means that
applications that access iSeries through DataGate can later be connected to SQL
Server without modification, thereby reducing migration costs.</li>
<li>Because DataGate obeys all server-imposed user authorities and security, it
enables companies to enforce strict security requirements throughout the
enterprise, regardless of the end-user platform. </li>
<li>DataGate simplifies otherwise complex connectivity, turning it into a
primarily "point and click" task.</li></ul><p>IT departments have clearly seen
the benefits of DataGate. ASNA reports that there are now more than 750,000
DataGate licenses worldwide.</p>
<h2>
About ASNA</h2>
<p><a name="Heading36"></a>Established in 1982, ASNA is a privately held company
with a head office in San Antonio, Texas, and European headquarters in
Guildford, England. More than 30 distributors and numerous business partners
sell and service ASNA offerings around the world. ASNA is a Microsoft Certified
Partner and a member of IBM's PartnerWorld for Developers program.</p>
<p><font face="Verdana"><a
href="http://www.mcpressonline.com/mc/224:5c01801d@1:.6b21a8b3">Joel
Klebanoff</a></font><font face="Arial"> is a consultant, a writer, and president
of </font><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://www.klebanoff.com/">Klebanoff
Associates</a></font><font face="Arial">, Inc., a Toronto, Canada-based
marketing communications firm. Joel has 25 years experience working in IT, first
as a programmer/analyst and then as a marketer. He holds a Bachelor of Science
in computer science and an MBA, both from the University of Toronto. Contact
Joel at </font><font face="Verdana"><a
href="
<p><font face="Arial"> <img height="80" width="262"
src="http://www.mcpressonline.com/articles/images/2002/ASNA%20-%20CBK%20case%20studyV7--06270500.jpg"
alt="http://www.mcpressonline.com/articles/images/2002/ASNA%20-%20CBK%20case%20studyV7--06270500.jpg"
border="0" > </font><br><b>ASNA Inc.</b><br>9901 West IH-10, Suite 1000<br>San
Antonio, Texas 78230<br>USA <br>Web: <font face="Verdana"><a
href="http://www.asna.com">www.asna.com</a></font><br>Email:
<font face="Verdana"><a
href="
800.289.ASNA (2762) or 210.408.0212<br>Fax: 210.408.0211</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
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