SEQUEL now supports real-time data access for remote, multi-platform databases. This gives you unprecedented data analysis functions for DB2^®, Microsoft SQL Server^®, ORACLE^®, MySQL^® or any other database with a suitable SQL CLI or JDBC Type-4 driver. Powerful SEQUEL capabilities like drill-down data analysis, reporting and executive dashboards can now be deployed for cross-platform use. You can even drill-down from data results on one platform to data results on another.

Remote database access is enabled through SEQUEL software that runs on a central System i (below).

All remote database accesses are performed between this System i and the remote data server. A number of access types are available:

• SQL Call Level Interface (SQL CLI) - This is the standard approach for databases on a remote System i and DB2 / DRDA databases on other IBM platforms.

• JDBC Type-4 - Access to any database is available once a JDBC Type-4 driver has been installed on the central System i. Drivers for ORACLE^®, Microsoft SQL Server^® and MySQL^® are shipped with the SEQUEL software.

• FTP or Client Process – When data from other databases (including MS-Excel and MS-Access) is transferred to the System i through FTP or a client process, SEQUEL can be used to cleanse, summarize and reformat data into System i DB2 warehouse files which then may be used for interactive data analysis.

Setup for remote database access is straightforward. An administrator uses the SEQUEL Host List window (below) to define and test the remote server connections. This information is stored on the central System i (there is no need for setup on each client) and the connection paths are then available to all SEQUEL users.

SEQUEL Design View generates standard SQL for cross-platform usage. In addition, it provides contextual prompt assistance based upon the database in use. For example, the Expression Editor window (below) shows functions available for MySQL^®.

Having a single tool like SEQUEL that can be used across multiple databases and platforms is an obvious benefit. In addition, SEQUEL opens up the potential to use your System i as an enterprise-wide data server. As one of the most stable and secure systems available, the System i is well-suited for the role. Whether you use the System i as an access portal or a data repository, SEQUEL will play an integral part in the role.

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