ViaSQL Direct ODBC Driver

The ViaSQL Direct ODBC Driver resides on a client workstation or a web server and provides the connectivity between ODBC applications and mainframe data sources like VSAM, IMS, DL/I, DB2, and sequential disk and tape.

From the point of view of your ODBC applications, the ViaSQL system appears to be a LAN-based DBMS that directs SQL queries to the mainframe for execution. The same programs that end-users depend upon for access to SQL Server, Oracle, or MS-Access databases can be used to access mainframe data sources.

When the ViaSQL Direct ODBC Driver receives an SQL request from the ODBC application, the request is prepared for transmission to the mainframe. Preparation takes the form of communications protocol conversion, ASCII-EBCDIC conversion, etc. Either a TCP/IP or LU6.2 connection is automatically established, and the prepared request is passed to the mainframe for execution by the ViaSQL Access Server.

The ViaSQL Access Server executes the request, retrieves the result rows, status codes and error messages, and returns the information back to the ViaSQL Direct ODBC Driver. The driver formats the results as appropriate, including EBCDIC-ASCII conversion and S/390-to-client-datatype conversion, then returns the results to the requesting application.

The ViaSQL Direct ODBC Driver can also be used to execute Remote Stored Procedures and eXternal Stored Procedures on the mainframe.

View the system requirements.