13
Wed, Nov
5 New Articles

Partner TechTip: Track Changes to Remote Data

RPG
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
So how does a System i expert access this remote data? Some tools are available, but the time and effort it takes to learn them may not be cost-effective for your staff. Tools could be created using ODBC or JDBC, but again, your time and effort could be used more wisely.

For those familiar with DBU, the answer is to access the remote data using the new plug-in called DBU RDB (remote database). DBU RDB enables access to databases and allows for DBU functionality to be deployed on remote servers from a central System i platform.

http://www.mcpressonline.com/articles/images/2002/Partner%20TechTip%20RDB3_V3--11070700.jpg

Figure 1: DBU RDB set up is easily configured, with the remote site identified. (Click images to enlarge.)

DBU performs typical functions like adding records, deleting data, or making modifications to the data. Unlike any other file editor, DBU offers both green-screen and graphical access to your DB2 data. DBU/GUI works well for those programmers working in the WDSc environment.

DBU RDB offers this same functionality in the green-screen mode and will soon be functional via the GUI. Hours spent learning other means to access databases on each system is eliminated. DBU RDB does the work. DBU RDB applications can also be created for users to automatically access remote data. Wilson Jones, a contractor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is doing just that.

http://www.mcpressonline.com/articles/images/2002/Partner%20TechTip%20RDB3_V3--11070701.png

Figure 2: Remote data is displayed within DBU.

"We are using DBU RDB to access remote MSSQL databases imposed on us by outside software companies. I would never have tolerated Microsoft integration given a choice, but I didn't have one in this case," said Jones. "IBM doesn't provide a native way for the System i to be a client to a remote SQL database, but DBU RDB does!"

Jones continued, "Since a lot of the company's data resides on Microsoft servers running MSSQL, we needed a way to examine and get that data into native, System i physical files. DBU RDB does both!"

Most recently, the technology within DBU RDB was released as a new product called RDB CONNECT. Now, Jones and other programmers can integrate RDB APIs into their applications to provide real-time access to data across all platforms. This new product gives developers full SQL access to remote databases from RPG, COBOL, or CL programs running on the System i. Using APIs to execute SQL queries, RDB Connect allows record-level I/O as well as the import/export of remote data and can be used in batch or interactive programs.

"Pulling complete tables/views of 70,000+ records from an MSSQL server to the AS/400 is about twice as fast as RPG plus Java! RDB Connect is very easy to use as compared to RPG plus Java. Much less code, twice the performance, and very readable!" commented Jones.

Another hurdle in IT shops is data tracking across platforms. The DBU Audit plug-in to DBU handles most auditing requirements. This software allows users to track and monitor DBU and DBU RDB changes and even the viewing of sensitive data on any System i file or remote file. This plug-in goes beyond the base DBU audit tracking by storing the tracking data for local and remote files in journals rather than spooled files. This simplifies the ability to track and report on changes to database files for regulatory compliance or internal control requirements.

http://www.mcpressonline.com/articles/images/2002/Partner%20TechTip%20RDB3_V3--11070702.png

Figure 3: Display the Audit Journal to see what modifications were made to the file. The before and after images are shown with changes highlighted.

DBU Audit also offers a secure interface that allows the user to start or stop the auditing function, display or extract audit data for viewing or reporting, and maintain the integrity of the audit files. Combine DBU Audit's tracking and reporting mechanisms on System i data and remote databases with DBU Authority controls and the extensive tailoring of access and functionality within DBU, and the IT department's database audit requirements are met.

To learn more about DBU RDB, RDB Connect, or DBU Audit click here. And check out other ProData offerings in the MC Showcase Buyer's Guide.

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: