What is unique to StarSQL ODBC connectivity?

 StarSQL is a database driver designed to facilitate connectivity between client applications and IBM DB2 databases. Specifically, StarSQL acts as an ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) driver, enabling seamless access to DB2 databases from various platforms and applications.

It essentially serves as a bridge, allowing users to query and interact with DB2 databases without requiring additional middleware or proprietary gateways.

How different is it from a generic driver like MSODBC?

StarSQL

Advantages:

• Optimized for IBM DB2: StarSQL is specifically designed to work seamlessly with DB2, offering better performance and compatibility.

• Advanced Features: Includes proprietary enhancements for DB2, such as support for DB2-specific SQL functions and features.

• Security: Provides robust encryption options like SSL for secure data transfer.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Scope: StarSQL is tailored for DB2, so it may not be as versatile for other database systems.

• Cost: It might be a paid solution, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious projects.

MSODBC

Advantages:

• Versatility: MSODBC is a general-purpose driver that supports a wide range of databases, including DB2.

• Cost-Effective: Often included with Microsoft environments, making it a budget-friendly option.

• Familiarity: Many developers are already familiar with ODBC, reducing the learning curve.

Disadvantages:

• Performance: May not be as optimized for DB2 as StarSQL, potentially leading to slower data transfer.

• Limited DB2-Specific Features: Lacks the advanced DB2-specific functionalities that StarSQL offers.

Which is Better, StarSQl or MS ODBC?

If your project heavily relies on DB2 and you need advanced DB2-specific features, StarSQL is likely the better choice.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more general-purpose, cost-effective solution and can compromise on DB2-specific optimizations, MSODBC might suffice.

Happy migration!

jTDS -SQL Server and Sybase JDBC driver

Accessing SQL Server using a JDBC driver is implemented in the package RSQLServer which appears to have been archived. Assuming we can get to RSQLServer package we still need jTDS driver.

jTDS driver can be downloaded from here:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/jtds/files/jtds/1.3.1/

The driver description as found on Sourceforge is as follows:

"Open source JDBC 3.0 type 4 driver for Microsoft SQL Server (6.5 up to 2012) and Sybase ASE. jTDS is a complete implementation of the JDBC 3.0 spec and the fastest JDBC driver for MS SQL Server. For more information see http://jtds.sourceforge.net/"

There are other options such as ODBC-JDBC Bridge and Microsoft's JDBC driver which are not totally free.

The latest version is jtds-1.3.1-dist.zip (551.2KB)

Progress DataDirect delivers open connectivity to cater to all of your needs

Progress DataDirect uses leading industry standards ODBC, ADO.NET, OLE DB, JDBC or OData. It connects to database; to an application or to your cloud data.

DataDirect_01

Here is a schematic of DataDirect Connectivity.

DataDirect_02

In its own words,
"Deliver your own fully branded open connectors built on a codebase that is certified across third party applications such as Tableau, Excel, Qlik, Spotfire, Alteryx, SSIS, IBM Cognos, SAP Business Objects, Informatica PowerCenter, Salesforce and more. You can also get run-time installers with our SDK for easy distribution to your customers
"
Looks like nothing is left out!

These are in more details for each of connectivity categories:
Connectivity to databases:
NoSQL, NewSQL, Graph, Object, Document
Multi-dimensional, OLAP
Data Pipelines
Modelling Multi tenant databases
Private DB clouds

Connectivity with Applications/Business Logic:
logic layer for ERP, CRM, marketing or finance systems
Data service layers (expose a common data model)
4GL languages such as ABL
Web Services (SOAP/REST)
In-memory analytics model

File based data stores:
C-ISAM, COBOL, BTree, CTree, XML, JSON
Data archives
Financial transaction message files
Log files
EDI messages

Download a trial and experience the thrill from here:
https://www.progress.com/trial-datadirect

New SQL Database ODBC driver from devart

Here are some quick facts about this driver;

Direct connection requiring just TCP / IP and there is no need for SQL Azure Client software. This mode of access implies better performance, reliability and improved deployment process. Packaging of your software lighter.

The current version supports many platforms, Windows, Linux, Mac OS X for both architectures 32bit and 64bit.

Common ODBC interfaces for Data Types and ODBC API functions are supported.

The author has not received any compensation from devart.


More info and download details here.

phpBB brings interoperability with SQL Servers on Windows OS

One of the bastions of LAMP has arrived at Windows OS with full regalia . This highlights two facts, firstly Microsoft's increasing willingness to accept PHP despite the rich flora and fauna of .NET technology; secondly the world got that much larger with ability to fork out in other directions. It is not just because Microsoft is nice, but because PHP user-base is large and sky is the limit for the cloud. Most importantly it is free.

There are a number of databases including SQL Server 2000 and abvee that this driver can configure connections. The list of databases that is supported is in the read me file.
Where to get phpBB3?
It may be downloaded from here.[http://www.phpbb.com/]

Installation basic steps:
1. Unpack the zip file and place it in the root directory of your web server or a directory accessible by the web server. In my case (Windows 7), I have used C:\inetpub\wwwroot. Make sure you make the config.php altered to have write permission.

2. After you have done this, assuming your IIS7 is working, browse to the index.php in the web folder from within the IIS 7 console as shown.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

You should see the following web page:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Now click on Install button and on the displayed page click Proceed to next. In the displayed page scroll down on the right to see if you have a game waiting. Looks like I have both MySQl and SQLServers. Actually I have at least 3 or 4 SQL Servers on this machine. Too bad it did not recognisze by SQL Anywhere server.
 

Well you can also use an ODBC connection.
I believe this can connect to SQL Azure on Windows Azure as well.