The OpenEdge DataServer for ODBC allows you to access your ODBC data source with the OpenEdge ABL and develop applications within the OpenEdge Studio. The OpenEdge Studio is a set of tools that helps you to maintain data sources and develop applications with graphical user interfaces. When you develop applications with the OpenEdge Studio, you can design a separation of your user interface, business logic, and data sources. OpenEdge Studio provides user interface independence, whether you need a character UI, a Graphical Windows UI, or a Web interface. When you incorporate a DataServer with OpenEdge Studio, you are enabling the use of your OpenEdge ABL business logic to access a foreign data source.
OpenEdge provides you the tools for the development, deployment, management, and integration of your application. The DataServer allows you to implement the OpenEdge features and OpenEdge ABL expansions in applications that run with the supported data sources. Some of these tools and features are:
OpenEdge® Application Server — Use an application server to partition your application across multiple servers
Progress Dynamics®— Use Progress Dynamics to design and develop a repository-based application
Data Dictionary — Use the Data Dictionary to modify database schema; create indexes; and define database triggers, validation expressions, and help messages
Data Administration — Use Data Administration to manage database data and perform DataServer tasks
Database triggers — Use a trigger to fire a block of ABL code whenever a specific data source event occurs; for example, when creating or deleting a record or assigning a value to a field
Note that using the DataServer to access an ODBC data source does not provide you with access to all OpenEdge ABL, WebSpeed, and database features. For details, see Programming Considerations
The OpenEdge DataServer for ODBC is a fully featured DataServer with a wide range of deployment flexibility and scalability. The following are some of the features:
It is available for use by multiple users.
It can be configured on remote servers.
The ODBC drivers for the supported data sources are bundled with the product.
It is available only on Professional Windows platforms. For specific versions supported, see the OpenEdge Release Notes and OpenEdge Getting Started: Installation and Configuration.
Note: To install and use an ODBC driver successfully, your system must meet the driver system requirements for connecting to data sources. For more information, see the appropriate DataDirect product documentation available at http://www.datadirect.com.
OpenEdge® Application Server — Use an application server to partition your application across multiple servers