ViaSQL Gateway

The ViaSQL Gateway resides on a LAN server, and provides the connectivity between front-end tools and client applications, and OS/390 and VSE data sources like VSAM, IMS, DL/I, DB2, sequential disk, and sequential tape.

From the point of view of your applications, the ViaSQL Gateway appears to be a LAN-based DBMS system that accepts queries from any ODBC, DB-Library, or CT-Library client, and then directs the queries to the mainframe for execution.

Use of these standard APIs allows ViaSQL to provide connectivity for a wide range of end-user products, from power tools to point-and-click query tools to customized applications. The same programs that end-users depend upon for access to SQL Server, Oracle, or MS-Access databases can be used for access to z/OS and VSE data and applications, and the user need never know the difference. Additionally, use of these standard APIs means that client application programmers can work in the environment they're most familiar with, without extensive retraining.

When a request is received at the ViaSQL Gateway, the request is prepared for transmission to the mainframe. Preparation takes the form of communications protocol conversion, ASCII-EBCDIC conversion, and optional SQL translation. 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 Gateway. The ViaSQL Gateway 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 TRANSFER feature of the ViaSQL gateway allows PC clients or mainframe applications to seamlessly move data between the mainframe and any ODBC data source. Additionally, the ViaSQL Gateway may be be used as the target of SQL Server RPC calls, or as a target of the Sybase OmniConnect product.

The ViaSQL Gateway resides on a Windows NT, 2000, or 2003 platform. The ViaSQL Gateway is shipped with Sybase Open Client for client network connectivity, and with a 32-bit Windows ODBC driver. Also shipped with the ViaSQL Gateway is a utility called the Gateway Manager. This Windows-based application can optionally be used to remotely configure and start and stop ViaSQL Gateways.

View the system requirements.