Resolution Software Ltd., a forerunner in database design and modeling best practices, has announced the availability of the Xcase Database Modernization Diagnostic for DB2 on IBM i. Using this free utility, companies that are considering modernizing their databases from DDS to SQL can perform a basic impact analysis against their own database in minutes, potentially saving several days of analysis time.
When run against any portion of a database, the Xcase Diagnostic utility analyzes its potential for modernization based on the IBM-recommended process that upgrades the database structure without impacting existing applications. That process, which can be done manually or automatically using Xcase for System i, is explained in detail in the IBM Redbook Modernizing IBM eServer iSeries Application Data Access--A Roadmap Cornerstone. IBM advises companies to modernize DDS-generated databases to the industry-standard SQL DDL as part of the Better Architecture phase of the IBM i Developer Roadmap.
[The introduction to this Redbook provides users with the following history on this issue: In 1978 IBM introduced the System/38 as part of its midrange platform hardware base. One of the many outstanding features of this system was the built-in Relational Database Management System (RDMS) support. The system included a utility for defining databases, screens, and reports. This utility used a form named Data Description Specifications (DDS) to define the database physical (PF) and logical (LF) files (base tables, views, and indexes). In 1988, IBM announced the AS/400. The OS/400 operating system also contained a built-in RDMS, however, IBM offered Structured Query Language (SQL) as an alternative to DDS for creating databases. In addition, SQL Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements were made available as an ad hoc query language tool. These statements could also be embedded and compiled within high-level language (HLL) programs. SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) has become the industry standard for defining RDMS databases. Many customers are in the process of modernizing their database definition and the database access. This IBM Redbook will help you understand how to reverse engineer a DDS-created database..., and provides you with tips and techniques for modernizing applications to use SQL as the database access method-Editor.]
The free Xcase Diagnostic analyzes databases at a rate of approximately 1,000 files per hour assuming a local connection to the data server. In that time, it reverse engineers the database into a graphical model and generates a comprehensive Diagnostic Report comprised of three sections- Executive Summary, Technical Summary and Technical Details. These sections provide data for determining the scope and duration of a given database modernization project for both manual and automated conversions, as well as detail to expedite the file preparation phase.
According to Elie Muyal, CEO of Resolution Software, initial trials of the diagnostic tool have provided substantial benefits to users. "One large retailer ran the diagnostic against a database containing over 2,000 files. The report named 189 files with missing or invalid source code. This information alone saved them a huge amount of analysis time. They also learned they would need to generate over 375,000 lines of code during the conversion. They were planning to modernize this database manually, but they discovered that they could save months of programming time by automating the conversion process using Xcase."
The Xcase Diagnostic Executive Summary report presents management with key impact analysis statistics. Among other things, it quantifies the number of files that may present challenges during the modernization process and estimates the programming time required to convert the database files both manually and automatically using Xcase.
Technical Summary provides more detailed statistics, such as the number of physical files and logical files in the database that cannot be converted to SQL, have missing or invalid source, or may need special handling.
Technical Detail lists specific files in the target database that were identified as presenting potential issues in the modernization process. Developers can use these lists to efficiently remediate issues before starting the actual conversion phase of the project.
The Xcase Database Modernization Diagnostic utility is an integrated component of Xcase for System i and is offered free of charge to the general public. Xcase for System i also includes Modernization and Evolution components. Modernization automatically augments traditional IBM i databases to be fully compatible with SQL, without impacting existing applications. It allows companies with data on the System i to quickly and cost-effectively modernize their databases so they can fully implement any SQL function across new and existing applications as needed. In many cases, SQL offers significant advantages over native I/O methods, including improved application response times; compatibility with modernized applications, particularly those using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA); support for advanced database functions and data types; and greater data integrity. Xcase Evolution automates the process of making ongoing modifications to SQL databases after modernization.
Naftaly Landman, CTO of Resolution Software, emphasizes his team's commitment to expanding the Xcase technology. "We started by automating the process of modernizing System i databases to SQL in a way that does not require companies to modify or recompile existing applications. The idea was to help people move from DDS to DDL quickly with as little disruption as possible. The results are phenomenal! Many companies can cut project time by months when they use Xcase. Once that basic goal was achieved, our technical focus shifted to finding new ways to whittle away at the project time. This new diagnostic plays a huge role. And we've been working with a utility that reconstructs missing source files. We're currently prototyping a really exciting technology that will automatically retrieve file relationships-a perfect extension to Xcase. We're well on the way to making it a no-brainer for any company to modernize its databases just like IBM has been recommending for years."
Availability
The Xcase Database Modernization Diagnostic can be downloaded at www.XcaseforSystemi.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=79. For more information on the Diagnostic or on Xcase for System i, visit http://www.xcaseforsystemi.com/, email
About Resolution Software Ltd.
Established in 1988, Resolution Software Ltd. specializes in providing database design, modeling and evolution solutions that automate database best practices. A forerunner in recognizing the strategic importance of the proper design and maintenance of the database, Resolution helps developers quickly and accurately implement every database-related update required throughout the database lifecycle. Its cornerstone product, Xcase, is a complete data modeling tool specifically adapted for today's most widely used database application environments. This mature technology is now available with a Modernization Module and other enhancements to meet the unique requirements of IBM i on the new IBM Power Systems platform.
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