b39y@vax5.cit.cornell.edu (02/12/91)
Hi - I'm an applications programmer at Cornell University who has been, up until now, relatively happy programming administrative software on PCs and a Novell network for my office. However, it has come to my attention that much of the data which my programs manipulate is also stored on our university mainframe systems. (Usually an IBM VMS system running ADABAS and/or NATURAL.) Naturally, my users are reluctant to retype all of this information into two systems, and are interested in consolidating the functions that I perform on PCs for them with those that our mainframe programmers do. What I'm wondering is where to look for ways to integrate PCs and mainframes (across TCP/IP?) - that is, to use the mainframe as a data storage device, so that the external community can get to the data they need, but to program the data entry and reports directly from the PC without the need to up/download files. I think what I'm interested in is distributed data programming or 'the client/server model,' but I'm not too sure. Anyone out there want to give me a hand figuring out just what I want? Thanks. Dave Rodger Cornell University B39Y@vax5.cit.cornell.edu
FelineGrace@cup.portal.com (Dana B Bourgeois) (02/15/91)
You need something similar to the Oracle SQL*Net product that works on mainframes. It lets you access mainframe SQL tables as if they were Oracle SQL tables. You then buy SQL*Net for your PCs and whatever tools you want/need for your PCs. Then you're off. I advise you to contact your local Oracle, Ingress, Informix, or Sybase reps and ask them your question. Or send mail to DKeller@Oracle.com. He's the only guy I know at Oracle but I've referred people to him before and he hooks them up with the appropriate department within Oracle. Get your hands on one of the DBMS magazines. They also have lots of companies, articles and integrators who can help. Good luck. Dana Bourgeois @ cup.portal.com