home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce
/
16-Announce.zip
/
295488.zip
/
295488.ANN
Wrap
Text File
|
1995-12-03
|
19KB
|
447 lines
Availability: IBM DB2 World Wide Web Connection Version 1 for OS/2 and AIX Delivers Internet Gateway to DB2
Announced on November 28, 1995
Software Announcement 295488
In Brief . . .
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1, a member of the IBM Internet Connection
Family of Products, provides an Internet-standard Common Gateway
Interface (CGI) from the Web to any DB2 database.
DB2 Accessability from the Internet
o Access from any HTML-standard Web browser client
o CGI gateway access to the DB2 family
o Support of SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE on DB2 data
o Web interface to corporate data for marketing and for secure data
delivery
Increased User Productivity
o Allows access to DB2 data from anywhere on the world's largest
computer network
o Allows applications to be built with native HTML and SQL languages
Flexibility
o Supports data linking between queries
o Supports DB2 Version 2 large objects
o Provides access to non-IBM and non-relational data, using IBM's
DataJoiner
IBM Internet Connection Family Member
o Works with firewall and encryption products for enterprise and
data security
o IBM support and service
----------------------------------------
Thousands of businesses, both large and small, have established a
Home Page on the Internet World Wide Web and now want a gateway from
the Web to their company data. DB2(R) World Wide Web (WWW)
Connection Version 1 for OS/2(R) and for AIX(R) now deliver a Web
gateway and application development tool that can make your company's
information available to your customers and employees on the Web.
Web applications for DB2 built with DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for
OS/2 or AIX allow any Internet user with an HTML-conforming Web
browser to access your DB2 data without your having to make any
changes to the existing data structure. Using standard hypertext
markup language (HTML) and structured query language (SQL), you can
build applications that query your DB2 data with standard SQL
statements.
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 delivers a flexible way to develop DB2
applications that will look and feel familiar to your customers while
shielding them from the complexities of Internet traffic and
relational database transactions. Your application developer can use
the templates provided to create query applications tailored to your
customer set, database design, and market activity needs. Your
customers and staff interact with a DB2 WWW Connection Version 1
application that has the same look and feel as a typical Web page
with fields that allow input and selection and buttons to start
transactions. The DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 run-time engine
receives the user input, directs the query to DB2, and returns the
results to the user in a Web page report.
In a two-tier client/server environment (local Internet server with
one or more Web browser clients), DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 lets
you build an application that can access DB2 for OS/2 or AIX data on
your Internet server. In a three-tier environment (local Internet
server with one or more Web browser clients, plus access to remote
servers), your new application can access DB2 data on the Internet
server and data on servers connected to the Internet server with
Distributed Database Connection Services (DDCS), Client Application
Enabler (CAE), or DataJoiner(TM). If the three-tier environment
includes DataJoiner, the DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 application can
also access ORACLE**, Sybase**, Microsoft** SQL Server**, and other
relational and non-relational data sources.
For information and to download DBW WWW Connection Version 1, visit
the IBM Software Home Page at:
http://www.software.ibm.com
Availability Date: November 28, 1995
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation
** Company, product, or service name may be a trademark or service
mark of others.
DESCRIPTION
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 Version 1 and DB2 WWW
Connection for AIX Version 1 deliver open Internet access to DB2
data, a simple yet powerful development environment, and the
capability of fitting into a two-tier and three-tier Internet-to-DB2
client/server environment.
The key feature of DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 is a CGI runtime
engine, which processes the input from HTML forms on the Web and
sends SQL commands to a DB2 system specified in a DB2 WWW Connection
Version 1 application. This application consists of a macro file
containing HTML input and report form definitions, SQL commands, and
variable definitions. DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 uses the Web page
paradigm for application development, which means that the
application user on the World Wide Web sees only a familiar Web page
form that may prompt for user input and then kickoff the application
transaction, returning the DB2 query results in another
familiar-looking Web page report.
In the short time that the runtime engine takes to process the query,
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 uses the embedded variables in the macro
file to link the HTML form definitions with the SQL commands. It
then sends the SQL commands to DB2, links the data returned by the
SQL query back to HTML report definitions, and returns the data to
the user in the form of a Web page that is actually an HTML report.
At all times, the user is shielded from the details of Internet
communications and SQL application programming, yet benefits from the
reliability and availability of DB2 data.
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 applications use native HTML and SQL,
exploiting the expressive power of those languages without
proprietary limitations. Both HTML input and report forms can
support various designs. The runtime engine supports SQL commands
for SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. DB2 WWW Connection
applications can use data linking, the capability to use data
returned by an SQL query as input to one or more subsequent SQL
commands that can drill down further into DB2 data.
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 supports two types of user
authentication to protect access to DB2 data. First, DB2 for
OS/2 and DB2 for AIX support a userid login and password
authentication mechanism, which can be used to restrict access by
certain users. Two special variables, login and password, can be
defined in the DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 macro file that links to
the authentication mechanism of DB2. Second, the Internet server on
which DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 resides typically can be
configured to protect certain directories on the DB2 server. The
Internet Server Administrator's Guide typically provides instructions
on how to enable this configuration. When the configuration is in
place and a protected directory is accessed, popup windows requesting
login and password authentication will appear in the end user's Web
browser.
Why do businesses want a product like DB2 WWW Connection Version 1?
"Doing business on the Internet" requires making enterprise data
accessible to customers and users on the Internet. DB2 WWW
Connection Version 1 provides an Internet gateway to DB2 data. It
makes it possible to develop an application that allows an end user,
looking at the World Wide Web from a standard Web browser, to query a
DB2 database without being logged on either remotely or locally to
the enterprise network that supports the DB2 system.
What is the World Wide Web? The World Wide Web is that portion of
the Internet that supports the presentation of information with the
look-and-feel of pages containing words and pictures. These Web
pages also support hypertext linking, the ability to point and click
on a word or picture to link to another location on the Web. Any
individual or company can establish a "presence" on the Web by
posting a "Home Page," typically one or more linked Web pages of
information. Such a page can be reached by anyone with access to the
Web and the identifying Universal Resource Locator (URL) for the Web
page.
How does a business use the Web? Enterprises most often use Web
pages to present marketing-type information. To really leverage
enterprise information, however, means giving customers and support
staff access to the breadth and depth of information that is stored
in databases. DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 makes this possible by
providing an Internet-standard CGI that acts as a gateway between the
Web and the DB2 system.
Why are hundreds of customers already downloading and using the beta
of DB2 WWW Connection Version 1? Companies want to give their
customers access to key information that will influence and enable
purchasing decisions. DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 provides a
simple, flexible tool that allows access to the DB2 data that drives
such decisions. The company can provide queries to DB2 from a
company Home Page, which means that users encounter a familiar Web
page scenario and are shielded from the complexities of the Internet.
Applications built with the DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 look and
"behave" like the forms that Web users are familiar with. DB2 WWW
Connection Version 1 is flexible, allowing the application developer
to design and modify applications to fit changing market conditions,
rather than tying the company to a pre-built custom application.
Can any DB2 be accessed with DB2 WWW Connection Version 1? Yes. DB2
WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 can access data stored locally in a
DB2 for OS/2 on the same system containing DB2 WWW Connection
Version 1 and the Internet server software. DB2 WWW Connection
Version 1 for AIX also can access data stored locally in a DB2 for
AIX on the same system containing DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 and
the Internet server software. DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for
OS/2 and AIX can remotely access backend servers: DB2 for OS/2, AIX
and PE, OS/400(R), MVS(R), and VM/VSE. DB2 WWW Connection Version 1
for AIX also can access non-DB2 data when DataJoiner is resident on
the same system containing DB2 WWW Connection for Version 1 AIX and
the Internet server software.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL DIRECTION
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 Version 1 and DB2 WWW
Connection Version 1 for AIX Version 1 are part of a strategy to
increase open access to DB2 data. Based on the Internet-standard
Common Gateway Interface, the DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 runtime
engine is readily portable to multiple other platforms. IBM's
strategy includes porting this runtime engine and application
development technology to other DB2 platforms as Internet servers
become available on those platforms, enabling more Internet access to
DB2 data.
OPEN BLUEPRINT(TM)
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 provides support for building
distributed or client/server applications. Its implementation is
consistent with the Development Tools function described in IBM's
Open Blueprint. It supports the building of applications and
solutions that use the standard interfaces associated with the
various components and resource managers of the Open Blueprint. The
applications and solutions can be distributed across the various
parts of the network to facilitate open, distributed, multivendor
interoperability.
PUBLICATIONS
A DB2 WWW Connection Application Developer's Guide is downloadable
from the Internet with the product from the IBM Software Home Page.
Start at this URL location and follow the path to the download site
at:
http://www.software.ibm.com
EDUCATION SUPPORT
The appropriate curriculum will be updated, as necessary, to include
the enhancements described in this announcement.
Call IBM Education and Training at 800-IBM-TEACH (426-8322) for
education catalogs, schedules, and enrollments.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
This product introduces no new software programming interface.
Specified Operating Environment
Hardware Requirements for DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2
o Processor
- An Intel** 80386, 80486, or Pentium** processor-based IBM
workstation or equivalent is required.
o Main Memory
- A minimum of 16 megabytes (16MB) is recommended.
- At installation time, 0.5MB of available RAM is recommended.
o Hard Disk Storage
- A minimum of 600K of free disk space is needed.
- 6.5 megabytes (6.5MB) is recommended.
Software Requirements for DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2
o Operating System
- OS/2 2.11, or later
o Web Server
- A CGI-compatible Web server, such as IBM's Internet Connection
Server for OS/2 Warp. The IBM Internet Connection Server for
OS/2 Warp requires as its operating system OS/2 Warp
Version 3.0, or later, and IBM TCP/IP with the latest service.
o Corequisite Software
- Access to a local DB2 for OS/2 1.2, or later, or
- Access to any remote DB2 through DDCS for OS/2 2.3, or later,
or CAE for OS/2 2.1, or later
Hardware Requirements for DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for AIX: This
licensed program is designed to execute on RISC System/6000(R) family
processors running AIX Version 3.2.5, or later.
o Hard Disk Storage
- A minimum of 2.5 megabytes (2.5MB) on /usr/lpp partition is
needed.
- A minimum of 0.5 megabytes (0.5MB) on / partition is needed.
Software Requirements for DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for AIX
o Operating System
- AIX Version 3.2.5, or later
o Web Server
- A CGI-compatible Web server, such as IBM's Internet Connection
Server for AIX. The IBM Internet Connection Server for AIX
requires as its operating system AIX/6000 Version 4.1.3, or
later.
o Corequisite Software
- Access to a local DB2 for AIX Version 1.2, or later, or
- Access to any remote DB2 through DDCS for AIX Version 2.3, or
later, or CAE for AIX Version 2.1, or later, or DataJoiner 1.
Compatibility: DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for AIX has been tested
with the following Internet servers:
o IBM Internet Connection Server Version 1.0 for AIX
o NCSA Version 1.3 (with AIX Version 4.1.3)
o NCSA Version 1.4.2 (with AIX Version 3.2.5)
o CERN Version 1.0 (with AIX Version 3.2.5)
o Netscape Commerce Server 1.1 for UNIX(1)
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 has been tested with the
following Internet server:
o IBM Internet Connection Server Version 1.0 for OS/2 Warp
Performance Considerations: Response time in an Internet environment
depends on a variety of network and telecommunication factors, such
as line speeds and local network constraints, and, in the case of DB2
WWW Connection Version 1, available processing capacity on the DB2
system.
Customer Responsibilities
The customer must provide at least the minimum hardware and software
environment in which DB2 WWW Connection for OS/2 or AIX will operate.
For application development, the customer must assign an application
developer with responsibility for planning and implementing
applications requiring HTML and SQL skills.
Security, Auditability, Control
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 and for AIX use the security
and auditability features of the OS/2 and AIX operating systems.
User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
ORDERING INFORMATION
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 and for AIX are not priced and
are available only by downloading the program package from the
Internet World Wide Web. The customer will not be able to order the
product using GEMS or AAS ordering systems or configurators.
Customers will obtain DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2 or for
AIX by downloading the product from the IBM Software Home Page on the
World Wide Web at:
http://www.software.ibm.com
This product will not be stocked for distribution on a physical
medium such as diskette or CD-ROM.
Guarantee: IBM does not provide a warranty or a trial period with
this product.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Accessing Electronic Customer Support
Questions on download and installation should be directed to the
e-mail address shown at the Web page that serves as the download
location.
Other non-defect support will be provided through a CompuServe forum.
Call 800-848-8199 in the U.S. or Canada for CompuServe membership
information. Once membership has been obtained, follow these
directions to access the support forum:
Execute GO IBMDB2.
Use the DB2 WWW CONNECTION section for non-defect questions and
answers.
Accessing Direct Customer Support
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for OS/2: Technical support is provided
by the Personal Systems Support Family. For direct product service
support, call IBM Support Services at 800-237-5511.
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 for AIX: Technical support is provided
by the AIX Support Family. For direct product service support, call
IBM Support Services at 800-237-5511.
Accessing Technical Fixes
Program technical fixes (PTFs) will be available for download from an
anonymous FTP server. A customer using a Web browser can access the
server with the following URL:
ftp://service.software.ibm.com
A customer using an OS/2 command line can access the server by
entering the following command at the C: prompt:
ftp service.software.ibm.com
LICENSING
The DB2 WWW Connection Internet Offering License is supplied with the
program package.
The license is viewable at the download location when the customer
begins the process of downloading the product package. The customer
is prompted to review the license and to indicate acceptance of the
license. To indicate acceptance of the license, the customer must use
a Web browser's point-and-click technology to click on the "Accept"
button. If the customer does not indicate acceptance of the license
by clicking on the "Accept" button, the customer will not be allowed
to complete the download procedure and acquire the program package.
DB2 WWW Connection Version 1 is not License Management enabled. It is
not encrypted and does not require any key technology to complete the
installation procedure.
CHARGES
Contact your IBM representative for charges information for this
announcement.
(1) Registered trademark in the United States and other countries
licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited.
.