Wokingham, Berkshire-based consultancy firm Enterprise Computer Services Ltd is to distribute what it says is the world’s first development environment for providing transparent SQL access to disparate non-relational databases. The system was designed for IBM back in 1989-90 by Santa Clara, California-based Cross Action Inc. It acts as an interface between client-server software, providing access to DB2, Focus, Model 204, Oracle VSAM and IMS databases. Other systems are being added to the list precise details are not available – and will be available in the first quarter of next year. Cross Action intends eventually to build support for all widely used databases into its eponymous system. The system is based around IBM’s Systems Application Architecture SQL language with DB2 extensions and provides access to information stored under IBM’s VM and MVS systems and Digital Equipment Corp’s VAX/VMS. It is compatible with IBM’s AIX Unix system and so can run on an RS/6000, but Cross Action has yet to add support for DEC’s Ultrix. It comprises a number of modules, designed for each specific system, which reside on all the hosts and satellite machines the user wishes to connect. Communication is via TCP/IP and LU6.2 protocols. As Cross Action is compatible with DB2 SQL and Cobol commands, Enterprise says developers will need little or no extra training to use it. Applications can be developed on the user’s preferred system and data will be accessible regardless of where it resides. Enterprise says the system is ideal for large companies wishing to organise their data management systems into a more coherent whole while preserving their current hardware and application investments. Cost depends on application, but it ranges, on average, from around UKP100,000 to UKP500,000. The system is available now in the UK, and follows in the first quarter next year in Germany, through Enterprise.
