home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce
/
16-Announce.zip
/
293591.zip
/
293591.ANN
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-10-12
|
27KB
|
410 lines
DATE 10/12/93
TITLE IBM DATAGUIDE/2 VERSION 1
ABSTRACT Data is needed for decision making, and one of the major
challenges is knowing what information is available, and where it is
located. Today, IBM announces the DataGuide (TM) product family,
which provides a solution in this area by implementing the
Information Catalog concept as defined in the Information Warehouse
(TM) Architecture. The first two members of the DataGuide product
family are:
o IBM DataGuide/2 (TM) Version 1
o IBM DataGuide/MVS (TM) Release 1
This announcement covers IBM DataGuide/2 Version 1. (See IBM
Software Announcement 293-592, dated October 12, 1993, for IBM
DataGuide/MVS Release 1.)
Based on a graphical user interface (GUI) on OS/2 (R) 2.1, IBM
DataGuide/2 Version 1 provides end users with easy-to-use functions
to look up shared data and information objects in business terms.
Once an object of interest is identified, DataGuide/2 can invoke
informational applications to retrieve and process the data. In
addition, a GUI is provided for an administrator to manage data and
information object definitions in DataGuide/2, together with a set of
utilities to extract object definitions from various sources.
DataGuide/2 can be used with a data store on DATABASE 2 (TM)
OS/2 (DB2/2 (TM)) Version 1 on the workstation/LAN. DataGuide/2 can
also be used to provide a GUI to DataGuide/MVS Release 1 which, based
on IBM Common Data Facility/MVS (CDF/MVS), uses DB2 (R) on MVS as a
data store.
DataGuide/2 Version 1 implements the following interfaces
which are defined for the Information Catalog in Information
Warehouse Architecture I:
o Information Catalog Application Programming Interface (API)
o Import/Export Interface to the Information Catalog
These interfaces will be published in the DataGuide/2 product
document.
The first customer shipment of DataGuide/2 will be by
December 15, 1993 to an already selected set of customers. These
customers will participate in a program that is designed to validate
that IBM has achieved the quality objectives for DataGuide/2 in a
variety of production environments. When these customers confirm
that IBM has achieved its quality objectives for DataGuide/2, IBM
will announce general availability and ordering information in a
general availability announcement letter.
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
IN BRIEF . . .
DataGuide/2:
o Provides users with a workstation/LAN-based Information Catalog
for sharing enterprise and workgroup data and information.
o Provides a graphical, iconic user interface on OS/2 which is CUA
(TM)'91-compliant (application model) for end users and the
administrator.
o Allows end users to search for objects described in the
Information Catalog in business terms, or through navigation of
business groupings. Once an object of interest has been
identified, an associated program can be started to retrieve the
data.
o Provides the administrator with a starter set of the Information
Catalog's data model, which can be extended and customized.
o Provides the administrator with a set of extract utilities to
help gather descriptions for data and information objects from
various sources for populating the Information Catalog.
o Provides an API to allow informational applications to access the
Information Catalog.
o Uses DB2/2 as a data store for the Information Catalog on the
workstation/LAN; uses DB2 on MVS as a data store for the
Information Catalog when DataGuide/2 is used as a graphical
client front end to DataGuide/MVS.
o Allows data descriptors to be exchanged between Information
Catalogs via import/export functions.
PRODNO 5622-126
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
DATAGUIDE -- INFORMATION CATALOG
Data is needed for decision making, and one of the major challenges
is knowing what information is available, and where it is located.
This requirement is addressed in IBM's INFORMATION WAREHOUSE
ARCHITECTURE I (SC26-3244) by a component called the Information
Catalog. DataGuide/2 and DataGuide/MVS, as the first two members of
the IBM DataGuide product family, implement the Information Catalog
and provide the end users with an ability to identify and locate data
in business terms. For more information about DataGuide/MVS, refer
to IBM Software Announcement 293-592.
The DataGuide product family fulfills the concept of an
Information Catalog in providing an online catalog for
non-DP-oriented end users to easily look up shared data and
information objects in business terms. The DataGuide catalogs and
describes these data and information objects which are physically
maintained outside of DataGuide under various applications and
databases. The DataGuide allows users to formulate searches in order
to retrieve objects based on their descriptive properties. Objects
may be grouped hierarchically into business-related areas. In
addition to the search functions, navigation functions are available
to locate objects in this group structure. Once an object of
interest is identified, the DataGuide can invoke applications to
retrieve and process the data. The primary focus is on informational
applications, such as DSS applications; however, other applications
can be invoked as well (for example, applications displaying images
or vector graphics). The DataGuide, working in conjunction with
informational applications, provides a powerful solution to the
problem of end-user access to shared data in the Information
Warehouse environment.
Information objects may include objects that carry
information, such as spreadsheets, report and query outputs,
documents, images, as well as objects that, upon execution, generate
information, such as report and query specifications. Data objects
may include tables and views, as well as columns (data elements).
Business groupings of these objects may be created to facilitate the
organization of information. In addition, supporting objects such as
a glossary for easy look-up of terms and definitions, contacts for
identifying data owners, and news for providing status information,
can be used to help end users effectively use the Information
Catalog.
As part of the Information Warehouse Architecture I
interfaces, the DataGuide provides a documented API to the
Information Catalog so that informational applications, such as
decision support packages, can store and obtain common definitions of
information and data objects. The Information Catalog API can be
used by IBM and non-IBM informational applications to access such
common definitions for consistent and cohesive support for the end
user.
The DataGuide provides functions to satisfy information needs
for end users (knowledge workers) as well as functions for the
administrator (knowledge administrator).
DataGuide/MVS and DataGuide/2 can interoperate in two ways:
o The DataGuide/2 GUI can be used for the administrator and the
end-user access to the Information Catalog under both
DataGuide/MVS and DataGuide/2. Access is selected at session
initiation.
o DataGuide/MVS and DataGuide/2 can exchange information via the
import/export functions.
END USER INFORMATION NEEDS
Field experts working on satisfying customers' end user information
needs have concluded that when an end user has identified a need for
information:
o The preferred way for satisfying the needs is to help the user
locate what reports or queries are available and readily usable.
o If no reports or queries are available, then help the user locate
data which can be used to formulate queries or reports.
While the first way can reach the broadest level of end users
with minimal skill required, the second way allows for ad hoc
information requests to be satisfied. Both ways are important and
are supported by DataGuide/2 using a GUI based on OS/2 2.1.
The end user capabilities are implemented by the Knowledge
Worker functions in DataGuide/2 as described below.
HANDLING OF INFORMATION OBJECTS
The DataGuide can be used to describe information-carrying objects as
well as information-generating objects. The former includes such
things as spreadsheets, report and query outputs, documents, images;
the latter includes such things as report and query specifications.
These information objects can be searched by the end user
either through pattern-matching on names and descriptive properties
of these objects, or through navigation of groups of related objects.
Once an information object is identified, the user can start
an associated program to operate on the information object. Any
program which can be started from a command line and supports
execution parameters can be used. When invoked from the DataGuide/2
GUI, the program can be an OS/2, DOS, or Windows (1) program running
under OS/2 2.1. If an informational application supports
client/server protocols, the client program at the workstation can
also be called by the DataGuide/2 GUI to invoke a host server to
perform host data access.
When invoked by DataGuide/2 in this manner, these programs
provide powerful information delivery capabilities for end users.
Examples of such operations include:
o Invoking a spreadsheet package such as EXCEL (1) or Lotus (2)
1-2-3 to display a spreadsheet containing the desired
information.
o Invoking a query/report package such as Personal AS to perform a
predefined query or report.
o Causing the display of a finished report or query from a file
server on the LAN or from the workstation.
o Invoking a graphic package such as CorelDRAW to display a chart.
o Invoking a documentation display package such as the IBM
BookManager (R) to display a document containing the relevant
description of the information.
o Invoking an image display package such as ImagePlus (R)/2 to
display an image.
o Invoking a multimedia data handling package to display a
multimedia object such as video.
o Invoking a client/server application to access data on other
platforms, such as a mainframe.
o Invoking other popular packages which support the command line
invocation and run under OS/2 2.1.
Thus, without programming effort or data processing skills,
any novice end user can use the DataGuide to locate existing
information objects and display those that are accessible.
(1) Trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
(2) Trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
HANDLING OF DATA OBJECTS
The DataGuide can be used to describe data objects including tables,
views, and columns; as well as files and data elements.
These data objects can be searched by the end user either
through pattern-matching on names and descriptive properties of these
objects, or through navigation of groups of related objects.
Similar to information objects, once a data object of interest
is found, such as a table or a view, an informational application may
be invoked to perform query or reporting on it. This allows end
users to transform data into information even when there are no
information objects predefined to process it.
THE KNOWLEDGE ADMINISTRATOR FUNCTION
DataGuide/2 provides a knowledge administrator with a GUI which is
used for installation, customization, populating and maintaining the
DataGuide store, and for exporting and importing the DataGuide data
from one DataGuide to another. When connected to DataGuide/MVS,
DataGuide/2 with its GUI can be used as well for Knowledge
Administrator functions to be performed on MVS.
DataGuide/2 is shipped with a starter set of object types and
attributes, which are tailorable and extensible by a knowledge
administrator for an organizational use. Object types in the starter
set include tables/views, columns, dynamic reports, completed
reports, images, programs, business groups, contacts, glossary, and
news.
All DataGuide/2 objects are maintained in DB2/2 on the
workstation or on LAN.
To help put metadata (description of data objects and
information objects) into the DataGuide, there are a number of
DataGuide/2 utilities. They extract from the following sources:
o IBM DB2 catalogs on MVS
o IBM DB2/2 catalogs on OS/2
o IBM catalogs on OS/400 (R)
o Oracle (3) catalogs on DEC (4) VAX (4)/VMS
o Sybase (5) catalogs on HP-UX (6)
o Bachman (7) Database Administrator
o Other DataGuides (based on the DataGuide EXPORT function)
The output from the metadata extract process will be stored in
a documented output format, referred to as the DataGuide Tag
Language, which can be loaded into the DataGuide store with a single
invocation of the DataGuide IMPORT function.
The DataGuide Tag Language is used to define the population
input. Because this Tag Language is documented, additional metadata
extract programs can be provided by an installation, professional
services, or a third party vendor to cover sources not listed above.
The DataGuide/2 administrator can set up multiple,
DataGuide-controlled Information Catalogs with multiple databases.
The administrator can authorize knowledge workers to access different
information catalogs. Data descriptors can be exchanged among
multiple Information Catalogs with the IMPORT/EXPORT function.
(3) Trademark of Oracle Corporation.
(4) Trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.
(5) Trademark of Sybase Corporation.
(6) Trademark of Hewlett Packard.
(7) Trademark of Bachman Information Systems, Inc.
CUSTOMER VALUES
GROWTH ENABLEMENT -- ACCESS TO ENTERPRISE DATA: Today, most
enterprise data is not available to knowledge workers because they
don't know the name for it and they don't know where in the
enterprise it is located. The DataGuide will help describe
enterprise data in business terms and can launch an informational
application to access it. Easy access to enterprise data was the
highest priority need identified in Information Warehouse Customer
Advisory Councils and Requirements Surveys.
END USER PRODUCTIVITY -- IMPROVED KNOWLEDGE WORKER PRODUCTIVITY:
With a DataGuide-provided online catalog of available information
objects (charts, reports, etc.) and data objects (tables, columns,
etc.) at their fingertips, knowledge workers can easily and quickly
locate and retrieve information for the business needs.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS -- IMPROVED DECISION MAKING/COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE:
With improved visibility and accessibility of information and data
sources provided by the DataGuide, decision making can be enhanced
with timely, accurate, and comprehensive information.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
THE DATAGUIDE VERSUS DICTIONARIES/REPOSITORIES
The DataGuide implements the Information Catalog as defined in the
IBM INFORMATION WAREHOUSE ARCHITECTURE I document (SC26-3244.) The
role of the Information Catalog is to help knowledge workers find out
what data is available to them and what data means in terms they can
understand. Once data of interest has been identified, the
Information Catalog facilitates the use of Informational Applications
to retrieve and analyze it. It is oriented toward search and display
of metadata rather than modeling, development, and operational use of
metadata.
The DataGuide, which implements the Information Catalog, is
distinct from facilities that also deal with metadata, including
dictionaries, repositories, encyclopedias, and modeling tools in the
following ways:
o The DataGuide is business oriented, supporting knowledge workers
for locating and accessing data. Dictionaries/repositories are
DP-oriented, supporting application and database developers and
administrators for developing and managing data resources.
o The DataGuide is simple to use and contains business-oriented
descriptions, properties, and grouping information of data and
information objects of interest to knowledge workers.
Dictionaries/repositories, on the other hand, often contain
comprehensive technical information, including complex
relationship and modeling information, versioning and control
information sufficient for data administration and application
development.
However, the knowledge workers supported by the DataGuide may
be interested in parts of the metadata maintained in dictionaries and
repositories. Therefore, customers who have already implemented a
dictionary or repository will find it a source of metadata for
populating the DataGuide.
DATAGUIDE/2 AND DATAGUIDE/MVS
The DataGuide solution includes DataGuide/2 and DataGuide/MVS.
o DataGuide/2 runs on OS/2 2.1 to provide a graphical, iconic end
user interface for end users and the administrator. It can
launch informational applications on the workstation to access
data and information objects. If an informational application
supports client/server protocols, the client program at the
workstation can also be launched by DataGuide/2 to invoke a host
server to perform host data access.
o The DataGuide/MVS solution is built on CDF/MVS which uses DB2 on
MVS as the data store. This solution provides the DataGuide API
on MVS and an ISPF-based EUI using this API to support 3270-type
sessions (non-programmable terminals (NPTs) or terminal
emulations on workstations connected to MVS). In addition,
DataGuide/MVS provides the DataGuide API on LU6.2-attached
OS/2 workstations for use by DataGuide/2 and for
customer-developed applications. The NPT EUI provides functions
including searching and navigation of DataGuide objects,
invocation of MVS applications, and basic functions to support
the administrators of DataGuide/MVS.
DataGuide/2 and DataGuide/MVS are complementary. Together,
DataGuide/2 and DataGuide/MVS can address a wide variety of needs for
users and their configurations, including:
o Use DataGuide/2 on a single LAN for a workgroup.
o Use DataGuide/2 on a LAN which is connected with other LANs in an
enterprise network. End users may use the DataGuide/2 Knowledge
Worker functions to access the Information Catalog from across
the network.
o Use DataGuide/2 as a client, providing a graphical front end to
DataGuide/MVS.
o Use DataGuide/MVS for 3270-based users, with DataGuide/2 for the
administrator.
o With DataGuide/2 and DataGuide/MVS fully implemented, use
import/export functions to exchange metadata between the
Information Catalogs.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL DIRECTION
IBM intends to provide the Windows client support for DataGuide/2.
TECHINFO TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: DataGuide/2 will operate on hardware
configurations supported by the software listed in the Programming
Requirements section. The minimum configuration would be a 386,
20MHz processor, with a minimum of 12MB memory. Highly recommended
would be a 386, 25MHz processor, with a minimum of 12MB memory.
RAM and fixed disk estimates for the DataGuide/2 knowledge
worker and knowledge administrator workstations are listed below.
RAM and fixed disk requirements for the DataGuide database are
dependent on the amount of information stored in the DataGuide.
o Knowledge worker
- RAM -- 2.5MB
- DISK -- 2.0MB
o Knowledge administrator (including the Knowledge Worker function)
- RAM -- 3.0MB
- DISK -- 2.5MB
When DataGuide/2 is installed in a LAN file server, the disk
space on the individual workstation would be reduced to 0.5MB for
both the knowledge worker and the knowledge administrator.
For additional requirements for DataGuide/MVS, please refer to
Software Announcement 293-592, dated October 12, 1993.
PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: DataGuide/2 is a database application of
DB2/2 Version 1. Software requirements will depend on the
configuration:
o Stand-alone configuration
- IBM OS/2 2.1
- IBM DB2/2 Version 1 (Single-User)
o Client/Server configuration
- For the database server
-- IBM OS/2 2.1 or IBM OS/2 2.0 with ServicePac (TM) level
XR06055
-- IBM DB2/2 Version 1 (Client/Server)
- For the client
-- IBM OS/2 2.1
-- Database Client-Enabling Distributed Feature support for
OS/2
In addition, IBM SAA (TM) Distributed Database Connection
Services/2 (TM) -- Version 2 (DDCS/2 V2) is required when the
metadata extract function is invoked on OS/2 against the catalogs on
DB2 on MVS, or on OS/400.
NOTE: That DataGuide/2 also provides a sample COBOL source program
for extracting DB2 catalogs. The sample program can be customized by
an installation for extracting DB2 catalogs in an environment where
DRDA (TM) connections are not available.
For additional requirements for DataGuide/MVS, please refer to
Software Announcement 293-592, dated October 12, 1993.
SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL
DataGuide/2 maintains and supports access to a set of
metadata, that is, description about data and information, which is
managed under a DB2/2 database. End users (knowledge workers) must
be authorized to access DB2/2 which has its own security,
auditability, and control mechanisms. DataGuide/2 does not directly
access the described data and information objects, which are under
the control of various database managers and/or application programs
outside of DataGuide/2.
Depending on the management policies and data sensitivity,
organizations can choose to permit end users to have access to all
metadata maintained with DataGuide/2, or create different DataGuide
data stores within a DB2/2 to control the access to different sets of
metadata.
ORDERING ORDERING INFORMATION
Ordering instructions and order processing availability will
be provided when IBM announces general availability of this product.
The following advance publications are available now. To
order, contact your IBM representative.
ORDER
TITLE NUMBER
DataGuide/2 Introduction GC26-3361
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms and Conditions will be provided when IBM announces
general availability of this product.
CHARGES
Charges will be provided when IBM announces general
availability of this product.