USoft Batch Server

The First Repository-Based Batch Facility

Batch Processing with Full Data Integrity Control

USoft Batch Server extends the capability of your USoft server/client development environment to include the definition, scheduling and execution of batch jobs within your complete USoft application. These jobs may either be executed online or deferred. All jobs that involve the manipulation of data are automatically checked against the database constraints and business rules as defined in USoft's repository. This guarantees the integrity of valuable data. USoft Batch Server alleviates the burden of having to (re)program these checks in database loaders or in data manipulation programs.

Batch jobs can either be executed from the command line by DBA or support personnel, or by end users from within a USoft Developer application. To facilitate this, systems developers need only define a button on the appropriate window or dialog.

The USoft Batch Server concept consists of two essential elements:

USoft Batch Definer
USoft Batch Production

USoft Batch Definer facilitates the definition of batch jobs. An example would be to read and print certain data from the database. Later, you can specify when and where you want the job performed. This is implemented by means of time-dependent constraints that are formulated in the repository. An invoice, for example, can automatically be printed when the data is 30 days old or on the 25th of each month. USoft Batch Production is responsible for triggering the job at the desired time and evaluating its execution.

Batch Applications without any Programming

USoft Batch Server offers many advantages that complement USoft's server/client development environment:

Database integrity is secured automatically.
Integrity checks do not have to be reprogrammed in database loader or data manipulation programs.
Large database-intensive operations can be executed overnight, saving valuable time during office hours.
Migration of legacy system data.
Automated data conversions to and from, and interfaces between USoft Developer applications.
Reusability of all external data definitions.
SGML-tagging of exported data allows automated desktop publishing by external DTP programs.

A job consists of one or more of the following tasks:

Action Tasks
Action tasks allow any action or function to be performed within USoft Developer. For example, you can use them to print exported data, or start external applications to further process exported data.
Import Tasks
Import Tasks Import tasks import external (ASCII) files. You can use them, among other things, to load backup data files into your database, to import data from other USoft Developer applications, to update the database with data from external applications, or to convert data from different systems into one unified USoft Developer application.
Export Tasks
Export tasks export data to external (ASCII) files. Examples of their uses are the export of data for use in external applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word processors, the export of data for use in other USoft Developer applications, or the creation of backup data files.
SQL Tasks
SQL tasks are used to manipulate data already in your business applications' database. Examples of such activities would include the consolidation of data during non-peak times, the deletion of data that is no longer relevant to the business, or to check and update the data in the database when table definitions or business rules have been altered to suit newly-formulated needs.
Job Tasks
As a fifth category there is the possibility of having a job consist of other jobs, which in turn consists of tasks, etc. In this manner, jobs can be nested allowing for the reuse previously defined jobs.

Data manipulation tasks are executed on bodies of data that are described in terms of sets and elements. Sets roughly correspond to tables or files, while elements correspond to columns or fields. For each element in a set you specify characteristics such as name, data type, length, format, etc. Sets, on the other hand, are basically characterized by SQL statements.

Once the necessary sets and elements have been defined, you can simply refer to the appropriate set name in your import and export task definitions and USoft Batch Server will automatically know what to do with the data and how to "format" it.

USoft: The Server/Client Software Company

USoft is based on a unique server/client architecture that offers capability far beyond existing client/server tools. Server/client balances the client-focus of first generation client/server tools by delivering both the sizzle of graphical clients, as well as the functional richness of server-based solutions. Server/client picks up where client/server leaves off by providing unheralded application development productivity and flexibility, at all levels of the enterprise.

USoft offers complete education, consulting and support services. USoft professionals will be glad to:

Install and support a USoft Developer and/or USoft Batch Server proof-of-concept pilot.
Assist you in defining your business model.
Migrate existing business applications to state-of-the-art USoft Developer applications.
Train and support your IT professionals.

To investigate a partnership with USoft for developing and implementing server/client solutions, call toll-free at 1-800-For-USoft, or call one of our offices.

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