Transcript
Newsletter 02 10 / 2010
Editorial CONTENTS
Dear TABEX user,
Editorial
our second newsletter is all about our new TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0.
TABEX/4 Browser Interface TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 MS EXCEL import/export SSO - Login PDF Print Enhancement z/OS Installation Dialog SQL Tables JAVA Interface Selection List Linux 64-bit & Shared M. SQL Tables New Views AI Tables Summary Database Utilities Online Announcements Administration Tasks Icon Customization TABEX Mail Releasing Procedures Dynamic Table Help Hierarchical Table Management PDF Print Dialog
At BOI we work continuously to further develop TABEX/4. We are proud to inform you about new innovations and significant functional enhancements in our new release. We will provide it for download on our website on October 10th, 2010. In this newsletter we present the new Browser Interface in order to give you a general idea of its design and its available features. In the section TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0, we summarize the innovations awaiting you in our new release. These include an import / export functionality for working with MS EXCEL, login procedure via Single Sign On (SSO), enhancement of the JAVA interface, new views, utilities online and many more. The section Announcements shows what we plan for the next release autumn 2011. Our BOI TABEX/4 experts give you valuable advice on selected TABEX/4 features in the section TABEX/4 Expert Advice. In compliance with your requests we describe how to export TABEX/4 data in MS EXCEL and import data from MS EXCEL into TABEX/4 and explain the features of the TABEX/4 instance concept.
TABEX/4 Expert Advice MS EXCEL import/export Instance Concept How to archive logs
In addition to that, we introduce our TABEX/4 Migration Packages for efficient and successful substitution of other table maintenance systems.
Migration Packages TABSYS, VTAS, SPITAB
We hope you enjoy the newsletter!
Legal Notice BOI - Newsletter 02
Hans Haiböck CEO BOI Software GmbH 1
10/2010
TABEX/4 Browser Interface The view of the new TABEX/4 browser interface is divided into the following sections: • navigation bar • login / logout area • explorer menu • icon bar and selection list “more actions” • area for system messages • dialog area for table view • optionally table maintenance area or modification formula for mass changes
In the dialog area lines with the symbol
are used to enter search criteria.
Via the selection list “more actions” additional actions for which no icons are available can be started, e.g “import from CSV file (add)”. The icon operations.
shows the icon group
to perform table row
The icon shows the icon group to perform table column operations. The icon shows the icon group maintenance area or the modification formula.
which allows you to use the table
You can save the open status of your selected icon group. BOI - Newsletter 02
2
10/2010
TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 The new TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 will be available for download at our website on 2010/10/10. The following products are available: 1. TABEX/4 Basic System and Table Maintenance System 2. TABEX/4 Basic System with DB2-ODBC Access and Table Maintenance System 3. TABEX/4 for Windows C/S System Please request your login for the download area by e-mail. General information about Release 4.1.0: New TABEX/4 program From this release on, the access routines are separated from the load library for z/OS table maintenance system. Because we want to save our customers the expensive testing of application programs, we decided to provide a separate program load library (called APPCALL), containing the programs for the table access functions only. It is planned to leave the APPCALL library unchanged for future releases of TABEX/4. Online Help
The help system has been redesigned. Now we maintain the help contents using a content management system. The help system is exported into static HTML format so you do not need to install the content management. The file path can be configured to integrate the help system into your intranet environment.
What's new in Release 4.1.0?
We plan to describe the enhancements of the Release 4.1.0 in the document “What is new in Release 4_1_0.pdf”. This document describes all changes in detail and gives you a comprehensive overview of the new features of TABEX/4. This document will be available at our website in November 2010. It will be announced separately. The change log and the upgrade manual will be published at the website with the TABEX release as usual.
BOI - Newsletter 02
3
10/2010
TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 In this section we present a subset of enhancements of the new TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0. MS EXCEL import / export
Many TABEX/4 users use the benefits of MS EXCEL for generating diagrams, statistical analysis, presentations and reports. There is a great demand to use this program also for data stored in TABEX or DB2 tables. With the new release, table data from data bases can be exported to MS EXCEL and imported from MS EXCEL via the browser interface. The export of tables or of the active table maintenance area into CSV format enables the transfer of table data from data bases into programs such as MS EXCEL. Data formatted as CSV (e.g. MS EXCEL data saved as CSV file) can be imported into a TABEX table. The data must meet the following requirements for a successful import: The CSV file must have the same table structure (table columns) as the table where the data shall be imported. The CSV formatted data can either replace a whole table or add new rows to the existing table. When the table is saved, all imported data are checked (using check tables and the referential integrity rules). To learn more about how to work with these new functions please refer to section “expert advice” in this newsletter.
SSO – Login
The new release includes interfaces for integrating the TABEX application into existing Single Sign On solutions. If SSO login is activated and configured for the user, the user only needs to log in to the operating system. There is no need to extra log in to TABEX, the typing of user name and password is no longer necessary. You are able to define a customer-specific filter which provides the TABEX SSO interface with all needed registration information.
PDF Print Enhancement
Table contents can be printed in PDF format during an online session: • whole tables • parts of tables • selected table rows or table fields The selection criteria are printed at the front page of the PDF document.
z/OS Installation Dialog
The new installation dialog for z/OS adapts the installation procedures and examples in the SAMPLE library according to the user input during the installation process. All installation steps and sample calls of TABEX applications can now be executed without any further adaptations by the administrator.
BOI - Newsletter 02
4
10/2010
TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 In this section we present a subset of enhancements of the new TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0.
JAVA Interface
The JAVA interface has been extended and the following methods were added: • insertRow (add table row) • saveToDB (save modified data to database) • deleteRow (delete table row) • deleteRows (delete several rows that match a search criterion).
Selection List
As announced in our last newsletter, you can now replace the lookup panel (hot key F2) by the new selection list. The look-up panel showed the possible values of a field. Now the set of available values can be displayed in a pop-up window as is typical for Windows applications. This allows the selection of a value out of a collection of possible values. If a value has been entered in the field, the cursor is automatically placed at this value in the pop-up menu.
Linux 64-bit Version & Our customers already use the TABEX/4 Linux 64-bit version. The Shared Memory Tables platform independent kernel of TABEX – the so-called virtual machine – has been ported to Linux 64-bit. All platform independent parts of the software run on the virtual machine so these parts remained unchanged. Now the feature of the high performance memory tables in shared memory can be used for a high amount of tables, and the limit of the 32-bit addressing was eliminated. SQL Tables
Tables with SQL connection (type SQLT) can be generated within the browser interface. Functions for displaying and changing the definitions for these tables are available.
New Views
By using a SELECT statement TABEX table data can be retrieved or saved as views or new tables. The syntax corresponds to the SQL-standard and has some TABEX specific enhancements. Example combining the TABEX tables PRODUKT, PRODNAME and PRODGRP in a view: SELECT PRODNR,PRODNAME.TEXT,PRODGRP.TEXT,PRODPRICE FROM PRODUCT,PRODNAME,PRODGRP, WHERE PRODUCT.PRODNR = PRODNAME.ID AND PRODUCT.PRODGRP = PRODGRP.ID
BOI - Newsletter 02
5
10/2010
TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0 In this section we present a subset of enhancements of the new TABEX/4 Release 4.1.0.
AI Tables
Using the browser interface alternate index tables (AI tables) can be defined and the directory of all AI tables available in the TABEX database can be displayed.
Summary Database
You can combine several databases to one single logical database, a so-called summary database. Two types of summary databases are available: • Standard Summary Database • Chain Summary Database In a Standard Summary Database, entries of the different databases are interpreted as if they were in one single database. This enables the user to put together several application databases from different projects into one single logical database. In a Chain Summary Database, the order of the physical databases determines the entries in the Summary Database Index. The Summary Database always uses the table of the first physical database, and ignore all tables with the same name which might be in the following databases. This enables users to put together tables of several test environments.
Utilities Online
BOI - Newsletter 02
Utility procedures can now be configured as menu items in the browser interface. (Formerly they were only executed in batch jobs.) These online-utility procedures are executed immediately in the online session. In case of successful completion a system message is displayed. In case of error the utility protocol is displayed.
6
10/2010
Announcements We plan a new TABEX/4 release for autumn 2011. We will keep you informed about our plans for further enhancements of TABEX/4 in our newsletters. In the following months we will work on the following projects: Administration Tasks
The highlights of the 2011 release will be a new administration interface. Administration functions will be realized as a GUI. Please have a look at the screen shot below for further information on our planned administration tasks.
The configuration of ODBC data sources for relational databases has already been integrated in the new Release 4.1.0. Icon Customization
The icon bar can be customized and adapted to the individual requirements of the user.
TABEX Mail
We integrate a mail interface into TABEX/4 to e-mail generated PDFs, CSV files or logs from batch jobs etc.
Extended Releasing Procedures
By classifying release orders release dates can be configured, e.g. type M for releases in the morning, type E for releases in the evening. The customer can configure his own classifications of release orders. A special release order class for deleting tables (deletion release) is available. Additionally the release rules for databases per TABEX instance can be configured. For example tables belonging to an instance in productive environment must run through the release procedure though the same tables belonging to the TABEX test instance need not.
BOI - Newsletter 02
7
10/2010
Announcements Dynamic Table Help
Help texts for tables can be maintained in a TABEX table. A HTML file will be generated. Pressing the icon “Table Help” displays its content.
Hierarchical Table Management
Tables which are linked by referential integrity can be maintained in one screen form. Thus the maintenance of related tables becomes easier.
PDF Print Dialog
To change the print settings a new PDF print dialog will be implemented. The following settings can be configured: paper format portrait / landscape, contents of the front page etc.
TABEX/4 Expert Advice Export in MS EXCEL
The icon starts the procedure "Export as CSV file (replace)" which saves the currently active table in CSV format: The names of the columns appear in the first row, separated by ; . Below, the records of the table are listed. Strings are between “quotation marks”. Columns are separated by ; Example: "PERSONALNUMBER";"LASTNAME";"FIRSTNAME";"ADDRESS";"PLZ";"ORT" "4001";"Mayer ";"Fritz ";"Grünwaldstraße 5 "4444";"Mustermonster ";"Heinrich ";"Hausweg 87 "4511";"Schröder ";"Cornelius ";"Stadtplatz 14 "4623";"Schenker ";"Eva ";"St. Georgen 37
";"1234 ";"1342 ";"1423 ";"1313
";"Walddorf ";"Weggen ";"Hambach ";"Steinhausen
" " " "
The Browser displays the following message: INF0100(I) PDF document of PERSONS-99999999($NEWT) has been created click here for download of the created document
By clicking the provided link (underlined part of the message) the program attached to the CSV file extension (e.g. MS EXCEL) is opened and data of the CSV file are displayed (e.g. as a MS EXCEL table). Depending on the browser settings a new window is displayed and the question “Do you want to open the created document?” is displayed. Pressing the OK button is an alternative to clicking on the link: the program attached to the CSV file (e.g. MS EXCEL) is opened and the data are displayed.
BOI - Newsletter 02
8
10/2010
TABEX/4 Expert Advice Import from MS EXCEL
If you want to import data from MS EXCEL or other spreadsheet applications or editors into TABEX, you have to save them in CSV format. There are two options for such an import: The first option replaces all table data by the imported data. This replacing import is started by clicking the icon . The data checked immediately. If no errors are found, existing table rows replaced by the new rows. In the same step, the replaced rows checked for delete rule violations and the transfer might rejected.
are are are be
The second option adds the imported records to the table. This adding import is started by choosing the action “import from CSV file (add)” in the selection list “more actions”. The old records remain unchanged. New table rows will be added and marked for later checking. When the table is saved the checks using check tables, referential integrity and delete rules are performed. Instance Concept
Beside the general configuration of TABEX/4 at company level you can configure so-called instances as sub-systems e.g. at department level or for a group of selected users. An instance is a predefined “configuration-set” to restrict the contents and the available features of TABEX. Thus, the configuration-set “instance” might for example define •
Which menu will be displayed?
•
Which authorizations are valid?
•
Which data bases are used?
•
Which presettings are valid (e.g. SQL creator name)?
•
etc.
If instances are activated, the instance must be chosen before the explorer menu is displayed. The chosen instance will automatically be activated in subsequent sessions. To change the preset instance, the user has to choose “TABEX/4 table maintenance” in the navigation bar.
BOI - Newsletter 02
9
10/2010
TABEX/4 Expert Advice Instance Concept
How to configure an instance: The instance definition table is defined by parameter assignments (parameter=value). The administration menu provides the following administration tasks to configure instances, e.g. • edit instances text • edit instances menu • edit default instance • edit instance configuration • edit instance database Another way to generate instances is the use of the TABEX utility TBVW01. This batch job can generate several instances in one single step.
How to archive logs
Protocol databases (TABPRO and TABCMP) must NOT be reorganized using TABN03-SAVE and TABN01-LOADDB respectively, because all logs will get lost. In order to merge logs in tables please use the utility-function TBVW01-PROTPSUM. TBVW01-PROTARCH transfers all logs into an archiving database and reorganizes TABPRO and TABCMP.
TABEX/4 Migration Packages Do you have a table management system in use, and do you consider a change? TABEX/4 is THE standard software solution for high-speed access to table data. TABEX/4 offers outstanding performance coupled with maximum reliability. TABEX/4 works across platforms and with all databases and offers a modern, user-friendly, ergonomic browser interface. TABEX/4 is fully customizable to your specific needs and requirements. BOI GmbH offers three migration packages for successful and efficient migration from the following table management systems to TABEX: TABSYS
msg systems AG
VTAS
InSoft Software GmbH
SPITAB
Le Groupe TECHNOLOGIES
We have already carried out these migrations for our customers. Due to the comprehensive range of functions provided by TABEX/4 the migration from other table management systems is easy and smooth. TABEX/4 provides of a compatibility interface, thus no application programs have to be changed. So time and effort needed for migration is extremely small. Just to give you an idea: we succeeded to carry out the migration of table maintenance from TABSYS to TABEX in just one day of productive work. BOI - Newsletter 02
10
10/2010
BOI Company Profile BOI GmbH is the leading provider of high-speed table access and secure and comfortable table maintenance, optimally adapted to your specific requirements. For over 30 years BOI combines highest software quality with outstanding service. Notable and well-known TOP companies from different sectors (banks and financial services, insurance, industry and services) rely on the solutions of BOI for many years for their most demanding and mission-critical data management challenges. Our flagship product TABEX/4 offers • • •
high-speed table access with maximum performance - fast, reliable,and smooth audit-proof, easy-to-use and ergonomic table maintenance meeting highest security requirements - easy, secure and comfortable unlimited copy & move of table data - independent of platforms and data bases
We would be delighted to provide you with any further information you may need. Please contact the BOI team at
[email protected].
Legal Notice Our Newsletter 03 will be released in February 2011. You are receiving this newsletter as a BOI customer or because you indicated an interest in BOI's activities.
Spazgasse 4 A - 4020 Linz, Austria
You can subscribe to our newsletter on our website http://www.boi.at or download our newsletter as a PDF file. The web version of the newsletter is available at http://www.boi.at.
Phone: +43 (0) 732 / 736423 - 0 Fax: +43 (0) 732 / 736423 - 2 Email:
[email protected] Web: http://www.boi.at
You can unsubscribe to the newsletter anytime on our website http://www.boi.at.
FN 81632y Landesgericht Linz UID: ATU24421409
Editors: Daniele Haiböck-Sinner Gabriele Kasper
© BOI Linz, 2010
BOI - Newsletter 02
Please send feedback to
[email protected]!
11
10/2010
