Database Connectivity

Introduction

This topic describes database connectivity in 3B2, how it can be used and the benefits it provides. 3B2 supports all the industry standard text and graphics formats and the API (Applications Programming Interface) with OCX allows the user to fully integrate 3B2 with external database applications. Support is also provided for SQL via ODBC.

What is 3B2's database connectivity?

A database is a collection of data arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval.

3B2 supports the following standard database functions:

ODBC - Open Database Connectivity enables programs to communicate with a database using a standard set of instructions, known as an API (Application Programming Interface). ODBC is a standard protocol for database servers providing a common language for Windows applications to gain access to a database. It is possible to install ODBC drivers for various databases that enable you to connect to the databases and access their data.
SQL - Structured Query Language is used in conjunction with ODBC to communicate with relational databases. Using SQL syntax you can construct a statement that extracts records according to the criteria you specify, for example you can define, query, modify and control the data.
OCX - OCX is a custom control that provides functionality that can be utilised by other programs. The OCX (ActiveX) technology is only available under Microsoft's Windows systems. ActiveX is a set of technologies that enables software components to interact with one another regardless of the language in which they were created.

Why database connectivity in 3B2?

Databases consist of large amounts of data stored in a computer system. 3B2 enables you to utilise and publish this information. 3B2 communicates with the database using the ODBC protocol. The access to the database takes place using an SQL syntax. The results of the SQL instructions are read into an internal table in 3B2. The data in this internal table can be processed using the ODBC instruction and be written back, if required, into the database.

Because 3B2 is ODBC compliant it is possible to:

Access a database.
Search for information in a database.
Extract information from a database.
Modify and place data back into the database.
Publish information from a database for a variety of formats (electronic and print).
Place information from a database into variables. These variables can be manipulated by 3B2 to create scripts and automated solutions.
OCX enables you to use 3B2 functionality within a custom application.
OCX allows the user to integrate 3B2 with external applications.

Support for database connectivity in 3B2 means that you can find the information you want and use it with ease.

Database connectivity in 3B2 offers the following:

Integration with 3B2 - ODBC is supported by 3B2.
Control & customisation - Using 3B2 to manipulate and publish information contained in a database enables you to customise your work. For example you can get the most up to date information straight from the database without the need for specific database extracts which are limited to a fixed point in time. For more information see Customisation
Automation - It is possible to automate many tasks using 3B2 in conjunction with databases. For example 3B2 can automatically extract the most up to date information from a database, paginate and produce the information for a number of different formats. For more information see Automation

Overall Benefits

Using 3B2 you can easily reuse your data and publish it in forms other than just paper, for example electronically via Intranet or Internet, or for the purposes of archiving and database publishing.

While 3B2 is a particularly strong publishing and printing system, it can also be used in conjunction with databases. For example, 3B2 can automatically convert a database for a variety of electronic and paper formats.

3B2 allows instant, direct access to a database so you can have a single data storage point for all your applications. This data can then be published directly, without the need for time consuming, intermediate steps, ensuring the data is always current, up to date and therefore correct.

Further Information and References

Microsoft SQL homepage

Microsoft ODBC homepage