Access Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and other databases with IBM i queries.

Businesses today have grown or evolved into multi-platform organizations. Often, the best available or most affordable software for one area of the business resides on a platform that's different from other areas.

Some of the most widely used Customer Relationship Management (CRM) packages run on a PC platform such as Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL, but many accounting or production (ERP) packages rely on the dependable IBM i with DB2 as the built-in database.

Executives often need information that reflects activity from these different platforms in order to get a better picture of the entire organization. Managers also need to be able to see this information as it's happening so they can address any fluctuation as needed.

Some organizations struggle with their data from different sources. Often they're using manual processes created when they first added their different systems. In processing such as this, there's an inherent delay and an increased potential for human error.

Since 2005, SEQUEL Software has had the ability to access data from multiple platforms other than the IBM i: DB2, SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle. Through a SEQUEL Script, clients can create work files that merge and display data from different sources.

Released April 2013, SEQUEL version R10M26 introduced a new object type, SCRIPT VIEW, which adds power and flexibility to scripting.

The Basics

In SEQUEL, users create what are called Views. These views are IBM i objects that hold the SQL definition as well as other attributes like colors and highlights. Users can run these as needed to display current information. SEQUEL Views are also used as the basis for reports and tables. They can be used to create PC files, such as Excel and PDF files, in addition to IBM i files.

Occasionally, the need will arise to create a multiple step job stream in order to complete a complex task. A SEQUEL Script allows you to include multiple commands in a script definition, thus avoiding the technical requirements of writing and compiling CL programs (CLP). You also have the ability to create work files when multiple passes over your database are required, or when you are merging data from other systems.

A SEQUEL Script that displays the resulting data set to the user needs the DISPLAY command in the script, whereas a script that prints the results requires a PRINT command. For email, ftp or IFS file creation requests, you need the EXECUTE command. These are all SEQUEL commands and are needed in a SEQUEL Script. These scripts are so versatile that they can be scheduled so that results are emailed or files get created on a regular basis.

NEW Script Views

SEQUEL Script Views combine the output features of a SEQUEL View with the multi-step processing ability of a script.

There's a new command that facilitates this process: SCRETURN. This command can be used only in a SEQUEL Script View, but it allows the user to view the results, create an IBM i file, a PC file, or an email.

Like a script, Script Views can issue multiple commands or steps, contain prompts, and still return a single result set. A Script View looks and acts like a SEQUEL View to the user. Under the covers, though, a Script View can run almost any multiple-step process while providing the View Point user the same abilities as a SEQUEL View.

A Script View can also be used as the basis of a SEQUEL Host Report, Client Report, or Client Table. Now, in one step from the data analyst's point of view, you can have a formatted report or a summarized pivot table featuring data from different sources.

From a Browser

SEQUEL has had the ability to display data from views and reports using your browser since 2000. In 2010, an enhancement was introduced that added an explorer interface to the SEQUEL Web Interface module. Now, Script Views are another object that can be displayed, printed, emailed, or downloaded to a PC file from the browser.

As companies continue the zero footprint and mobility trend, accessing real-time data easily from a browser remains in the forefront of their minds. Script Views add to this ability by giving analysts the option to transfer data into information from different sources, multiple calls, or complex SQL statements all with just one click inside a Script View.

Conclusion

With SEQUEL Script Views, your data from different sources can easily be combined into one result set that can be displayed, printed, emailed, or used as a basis for a table, report, or file.

Experience the revolutionary versatility of Script Views today. Sign up for your free demo and trial of SEQUEL and see how easy it is to find true data empowerment.

Mike Stegeman is Sr. Data Access Consultant for SEQUEL Software, a Help/Systems company. He can be reached at 847-273-1047, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..