How Open is OpenInsight?

Connecting our Database to Other Technologies

Introduction

• Extending OpenInsight • Connecting to Other Databases • Using OpenInsight from Other Applications

Extending OpenInsight

• DLLs • COM Objects • OLE/ActiveX Controls • .NET

DLLs

• Access third party utilities and libraries • Utilize the Win32 API • Improve Performance – Write performance critical modules in C++ • DLL Hell • Examples: – SRP Mail, SRP Array, SRP Buffer

COM Objects

• Access third party utilities and libraries – Commercial – Propriety • OLE Automation Objects – Microsoft Office • Demo: Automating MS Word • COM Objects must be registered – Increases deployment difficulty

OLE/ActiveX Controls

• Extends the User Interface – Advanced versions existing controls – Provide unique data visualization • Demos – Scheduling Interface – SRP OLE Controls • Not all third party controls are compatible • Must be Registered

.NET

• Splaver’s OIdotNET • .NET Controls use ActiveX technology • .NET Components use COM Object support • Demo

Connecting to Other Databases

• ODBC • Universe/Unidata Bond • XML • CTO / AREV32

ODBC

• Connect to existing databases – Database provides ODBC compliant driver • Read and Write Support • Ideal for: – Migrations – Inter-Database Communication • Example – BOBWare

Universe/Unidata Bond

• Treats Universe tables like OpenInsight tables • Uses COM support – OpenInsight 7.1 or greater • Useful for – Migrations – Modernizing Graphical Use Interface

XML

• Simple • Database Independent • Standards Bases • Ready for Web – Soap • XML is Multi-valued – Delimiters = Tags

CTO / AREV32

• CTO – Embedded Green Screens • AREV32 – Based on CTO – Executes AREV applications within OI windows • Excellent for Migrations • Tables Imported into OpenInsight

Using OpenInsight from Other Applications

• OpenInsight ODBC Driver • RevCAPI / RevShell DLLs • XRev COM Object • EngineServer / OECGI

OpenInsight ODBC Driver

• Read Only • Export Data into ODBC Client Applications – MS Excel – MS Access • Useful for sending OpenInsight data to client databases

RevCAPI / RevShell DLLs

• Supported by Most Languages • Low Level – Manual Memory Management • More Complicated

XRev COM Object

• More Object Oriented • Supported by Higher Level Languages – Visual Basic – .NET

• Useful for Integrating Modern GUIs – .NET Forms – ASP.NET

• Demo

EngineServer / OECGI

• Manage Remote Engines • OECGI / OECGI2 – Internet • EngineServer – Great for Servers – Emulate Threading

Conclusion

• Extending OpenInsight – Enhance GUI – Added Functionality • Connecting to Other Databases – Simpler Migration – Communication • Using OpenInsight from Other Applications – Export to Other Applications – Provide Alternative GUI

Thank You

Any Questions?