Introduction

DataFlex developers have been creating enterprise level software since the 80’s. However, due to the proprietary nature of the DataFlex database, integration of their application at an enterprise level was very difficult, if not impossible. As the demand for databases from Oracle, Microsoft, IBM and others grew, DataFlex developers were confined to smaller market segments.

All this changed when Mertech introduced the first ISAM to SQL Database Connectivity (ISDBC) drivers for DataFlex in 1997. Mertech’s Oracle and MS SQL Server drivers for DataFlex allowed DataFlex developers to offer their solution on the two industry-leading database platforms. This was followed by drivers for MySQL, and PostgreSQL, allowing developers to offer their solutions from the desktop all the way up to mainframe class computers.

Mertech’s products were designed with an integration philosophy in mind that allowed developers to not only easily migrate their database to SQL backends, but also to seamlessly integrate their application with existing non-DataFlex files. Mertech’s products have helped DataFlex developers expand their business significantly, opening doors to new business!

All Drivers are not Created EQUAL!

Are drivers from two different companies the same? The answer is no. Writing SQL drivers requires a thorough understanding of the underlying database and optimization schemes. In addition, the driver must handle all DataFlex situations. A driver either works or it doesn’t. There is no middle ground. All data in the system goes through a driver, and even a minor bug renders a driver useless for mission critical applications.

Key Features of the Mertech Drivers

  • Seamless integration between DataFlex applications and their target database (without source code changes).

  • Seamless integration of non-DataFlex tables into DataFlex applications. All necessary files like .FD and .INT files are generated automatically and the file name is entered into the filelist automatically.

  • Access to existing data stored in non-DataFlex database systems.

  • Full support for DataFlex file relationships.

  • Full support for overlapped/underlapped fields.

  • Support for record locking instead of file locking.

  • Use of native database transaction logging and rollback capabilities for disaster recovery.

  • Support for alias files.

  • Support for database restructuring using Database Builder and restructuring commands.

  • Preservation of RECNUM values during data migration.

  • A full index maintenance tool that allows addition and deletion of indexes and verification of indexes on the backend.

  • A sophisticated file creation and restructuring tool that allows you to commit changes directly to the backend or to generate DataFlex restructure code for distribution to remote sites.

  • A complete migration report that shows you at a glance the creation of tables, indexes, and the number of records migrated.

  • High-speed data migration using native tools like SQL*Loader and Bulk Copy.

  • Storage analysis tool that allows you to evaluate storage availability before migration.