What is UDBC (Universal Database Connectivity) Driver?
UDBC is an ODBC/SAG CLI Compatibility Layer enabling the migration or development of ODBC/SAG CLI compliant client applications using operating systems such as UNIX, OS/2, and VMS. UDBC ensures source code compatibility of ODBC/SAG Data Access API calls across Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, OS/2, and VMS.
According to
OpenLink Software's President, Kingsley Idehen:
"It has always been an innate desire within our
no lock in at
the
Communications or Operating System organization to
deliver Open Database Connectivity, with level. Our
Database Independent Communications ODBC Driver
implementations,
UDBC is
championing a similar campaign at the innovative ODBC Drivers have very
successfully championed the concept of Technology as an
integral part of Operating System level".
Who Makes Up The UDBC Constituency ?
In response
to the above question Kingsley had this to say:
"The UDBC constituency consists of Hardware
Manufacturers, Operating System, 4GL, 3GL, Object
Oriented Language & Development Environment, Vertical
& Horizontal Application vendors, seeking to access,
grow or consolidate markets, by leveraging off the ever
increasing desire on the parts of End-users and
Developers alike for unrestricted Database Independence
at all levels with the hierarchy of technologies that
make up the Client-Server Computing Model".
Implications For Application Developers ?
UDBC provides source code compatibility to Developers of Windows based ODBC compliant applications seeking to migrate their ODBC compliant applications to non Microsoft Windows based operating systems, It also enables non Microsoft Windows based application developers to write to the ODBC/SAG CLI without a compromise in Operating Environment mentality. Thus in the UNIX world a UNIX developer writes ODBC/SAG CLI compliant code with a UNIX rather than Windows mentality.
Is UDBC an Alternative API ?
UDBC is strictly a compatibility layer (header files, object libraries, and example code), you must write applications based on the ODBC or X/OPEN & SAG CLI specification.
Are User/Developers locked into OpenLink Data Access Drivers?
Writing a driver for UDBC is no different to writing a Driver for ODBC, as Driver developers only have to deal with the operating environment differences rather than the ODBC/SAG API itself. The SAG CLI specification has always been Operating System independent.
How Many UNIX flavors will be supported ?
UDBC will be available for SCO UNIX, LINUX, HP-UX, AIX, AT&T UNIX 5.4, DG-UX, IRIX, SUNOS, SOLARIS (Intel & Sparc), DYNIX/PTX, SINIX, ULTRIX, OSF/1, OS/2, and VMS.
What About Database Engine Support ?
OpenLink Software's High Performance ODBC Drivers are UDBC ready today, thus developers can write UDBC based applications with immediate support for ORACLE 6 & 7, SYBASE 4.x & 10.x, INFORMIX 5.x & 6.x, INGRES 6.4.x, MS SQL Server, PROGRESS 6.x & 7.3.x, and UNIFY 2000 2.4.x Database Engines. The OpenLink UDBC Drivers are equipped with the much acclaimed "Session Rules Book" and Database Independent Communications Technology, currently associated with the OpenLink ODBC (MT) Drivers.
Configuration Examples
UDBC will allow UNIX, OS/2, VMS client applications access local or remote Database Engines residing on UNIX, OS/2, Windows NT, and VMS servers.
Product Features
ODBC Core + Level 1 and Level 2 Compliance
Full Transaction Support
High Performance Database Independent Communication Technology, that delivers Blistering Performance !!!!
Concurrent access to different Database Engines
Client Operating Environments - Windows, Windows NT, Macintosh, UNIX, OS/2
Server Operating Environments - UNIX, Windows NT, OS/2 VMS, and Novell
"Rule Book" approach to Client-Server infrastructure management
Supports Synchronous or Asynchronous mode of operation in Networked Environments.
Product Benefits
Cost Effective Solution based on Concurrent Workstation/PC pricing
High Performance Network Solution
Provides the ability to mix and match "Best of Class" Client-Server products
Enables the development of robust, enterprise-wide client-server solutions
