Distributed Database Connection Services Version 2

Seamless database management from desktop to enterprise

Now that so many people have personal computers and workstations, connecting their systems to enterprise data is vital for competitive information management. IBM* Distributed Database Connection Services (DDCS) software products provide applications running on desktop systems with transparent read and update access to data stored in DB2* family and other Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) databases.

Users running applications on OS/2*, UNIX**, DOS, Windows** and System 7** workstations can manage enterprise data on host and minicomputers as easily as if the data were on a local LAN or on the workstation itself.

Cost-effective connection. Local database not required.

IBM DDCS products offer a cost-effective connection between popular desktop applications and enterprise data. No expensive connection or gateway software is required.

DDCS plugs your application right into your host or minicomputer database without the need for expensive host components. So the cost of DDCS solutions is a fraction of the cost of many middleware and gateway products. This is accomplished with a standard approach called Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA).

DDCS for OS/2 Version 2.3, like previous versions of DDCS for UNIX environments, does not require a DB2 database on the client workstation.

Keep data managed and protected

Just because you want client-server computing doesn't mean you have to gamble with the security and integrity of critical data. DDCS allows you to keep your existing security, backup, accounting and other data management procedures while opening up access to desktop applications.

Preserve the skills

One of the largest investments that most organizations make is in people skills. DDCS preserves the skills of your personnel while putting you on the road to client-server computing. DDCS effectively transforms host and minicomputer databases into enterprise database servers without the expense of new systems. With DDCS, you can deliver solutions to your users instead of spending time and money learning a new system.

Let users get their own data

DDCS frees database programmers and administrators from having to spend valuable time downloading and exporting data for use by productivity applications such as spreadsheets and word processors. Users of spreadsheets such as Microsoft** Excel and Lotus** 12 3 can now analyze their enterprise data directly. Users of word processors such as WordPerfect** and Microsoft Word can do mail-merging and database publishing without the need for a programmer.

Popular query tools such as IBM Visualizer, Microsoft Access, Intersolv** Q+E and many others can now be used to turn vast amounts of critical business data into easy-to-comprehend information.

Use the latest development tools

With DDCS you are no longer constrained in your choice of programming environments and tools for developing mission-critical applications. You can now take advantage of state-of-the-art object-oriented visual application development systems such as IBM VisualAge* and VisualGen*. Windows application developers can now exploit tools such as Powersoft** Powerbuilder, Microsoft Visual Basic, Gupta** SQLWindows and many others to build applications that work with host data as easily as with data on a LAN.

Integrated with IBM data replication strategy

Your investment in DDCS also connects you to an integrated suite of IBM database solutions. IBM Data Replication products use DDCS to replicate data from hosts to distributed workstations. Data becomes available faster at the most convenient location. IBM DataHub* uses DDCS for central management of distributed databases.

Enhanced function and performance

DDCS Version 2.3 offers significant enhancements including:

query multiple databases in a single transaction. Data from different locations can be accessed within the same transaction without the need to disconnect and reconnect to each database
improved performance. With the new pre-fetch function, DDCS anticipates future data requests to speed response time
tight integration with transaction monitors such as CICS and Encina for complete integrity of distributed transaction processing
expanded communication protocol support
better integration with local area networks
stored procedures for faster transaction processing. Stored procedures execute on the database server to reduce transfer of individual instructions and improve speed. Compound SQL allows grouping of statements to be sent to the server in a single efficient block
charge-back accounting. DDCS can track usage by individuals or entire departments
portability and productivity of added bind options. DDCS now supports all options for binding applications and data that are available in other DB2 family products

Multi-user gateway

Through the multi-user gateway version of DDCS, client applications running on OS/2, DOS, UNIX, System 7 and Windows can access enterprise data on DRDA servers. The DDCS gateway server can receive multiple concurrent requests and route them to the appropriate database.

For more information about DDCS Version 2, please contact your authorized IBM software reseller or your local IBM office.

See the DB2 Family for information on other related products.

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