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Standard sql interface
IMAGE/SQL operates using the SQL Data Manipulation Language
(DML). This functionality is based upon the ANSI/SQL '92 (Entry
Level Compliance) DML standard. Most of the ALLBASE/SQL DML
commands are also supported. Operating within this standard
allows many 4GL tools, listed
below, to be used with IMAGE/SQL and ALLBASE/SQL.
Image/sql components
IMAGE/SQL consists of IMAGE system procedures and other specialized
procedures. Some components are specifically used in the client/server
environment. IMAGE/SQL components include:
- ODBCLink/SE from M.B. Foster Associates -- an application
programming interface, based on Microsoft's Open Database
Connectivity (ODBC) interface standard -- serves as the
client link for ODBC-compliant client/server tools
- HP ALLBASE/NET -- for database connectivity across servers
- ISQL -- allows interactive SQL
command processing with IMAGE/SQL and ALLBASE/SQL
Concurrency with existing applications
Your existing applications, whether developed internally or
purchased from a vendor, can operate concurrently with applications
developed using the SQL interface. You do not need to change
your existing applications.
ALLBASE/SQL coexistence
IMAGE/SQL operates using a Database Environment (DBE), just
like ALLBASE/SQL. This feature allows these databases to be
accessed in the same way. From an application point of view,
the databases are equivalent. In fact, a single DBE can manage
IMAGE/ SQL tables and ALLBASE/SQL tables, providing the ultimate
in coexistence
Because IMAGE/SQL and ALLBASE/SQL use the same SQL interface,
features such as stored procedures, triggers, and business
rules can also be used on IMAGE data.
Network sharing of data
Whether your network is of HP 3000 systems only, or a mix
of HP 3000 and HP 9000 systems, IMAGE/SQL is available to
all your users. Applications can access the HP 3000-resident
IMAGE/SQL database from ALLBASE/SQL on HP 9000 systems and
from IMAGE/SQL or ALLBASE/SQL on HP 3000 systems.
Administration utility
Included with IMAGE/SQL is a utility to assist in the administration
of IMAGE databases in the SQL environment. The utility, called
IMAGESQL, provides a variety of functions, including:
- Attachment of the IMAGE database to the DBE. This function
establishes the link between IMAGE and SQL.
- Data type mapping between IMAGE and SQL. IMAGE and SQL
data types are not entirely compatible. Data type mapping
provides default and custom map functions for the SQL interface.
- User security mapping between IMAGE
and SQL. The security schemes of IMAGE and SQL are not
entirely compatible. This utility provides a way to map
system users to IMAGE/SQL users.
Transaction integrity
The SQL standard defines commands for completing or rolling
back transactions. This transaction integrity is included
with IMAGE/SQL and is built on the existing IMAGE dynamic
transaction management functionality.
Deadlock detection
IMAGE/SQL includes the feature of deadlock detection for identifying
situations where IMAGE resource deadlocks might occur. When
deadlocks are detected, the lowest priority transactions will
be aborted and rolled back, ensuring application availability
and database logical integrity.
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