23
Mon, Dec
1 New Articles

Partner TechTip: Consolidating Data from Remote Databases Made Easier with SEQUEL Script Views

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

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.

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: