| > [Digital Equipment Corporation]
>
> [OpenVMS Products]
> [HR]
> [ISG Navigator]
>
> ISG-Navigator for OpenVMS now available
>
> 1. ISG Navigator Overview
> 2. ISG Navigator Product Description
> 3. Questions & Answers
> 4. Download ISG Software Kit (coming soon)
> 5. InFORM Article
> 6. Ordering Information (coming soon)
> 7. Documentation (coming soon)
> 8. Adventure Works Demo
>
> Overview
>
> Digital Equipment Corporation is pleased to announce a
> distribution agreement for a demo of International Software
> Group's ISG-Navigator. This demo software is on the net at
> ISG..
>
> Digital Equipment Corporation has also signed an agreement
> to distribute the fully licensed product. This product will
> be available from DIGITAL later this spring. Please check
> this site for more information.
>
> The demo package includes ISG-Navigator server with a
> single ODBC client license and a single OLE-DB client
> license. The package also includes drivers on the server
> for RMS, Oracle System 7.x, Oracle Rdb and Sybase. The
> server is initially enabled for OpenVMS 7.1 and OpenVMS 6.2
> on VAX and Alpha computers and will be updated for future
> releases of OpenVMS. The client is enabled for Windows-95,
> Alpha-NT and Intel-NT and will be updated for future
> releases of Windows and NT. The Query Processor on the
> Client does not include access to local databases on the
> Client.
>
> The demo package is fully functional. The license is valid
> until 01 August 1997. At the end of this period, if you
> wish to continue to use the product, an upgrade package
> will be available.
>
> Product Description
>
> ISG-Navigator is a database middleware product based on
> Microsoft's OLE-DB standard. This object-oriented
> middleware facilitates the writing of applications that
> transparently access a wide range of databases on OpenVMS
> platforms, including access to RMS files, as well as many
> others. ISG-Navigator also provides a ODBC interface that
> fully leverages this advanced data access technology.
>
> ISG-Navigator support includes Alpha/VMS, VAX/VMS,
> Alpha-NT, Windows-NT and Windows-95 among others. Databases
> supported on these platforms include RMS, Oracle System
> 7.x, Oracle Rdb, Sybase and SQL Server.
>
> ISG-Navigator Components
>
> ISG-Navigator components reside on a single system or
> distributed across a variety of platforms.
>
> The object manager processes ISG-Navigtor methods and
> invokes the implementation specified by the object.
> ISG-Navigator architecture is multi-tiered and handles
> distributed object managers across the network.
>
> The query processor and optimizer are central to the
> efficient operation of ISG-Navigator. The queries are
> parsed, analyzed and optimized, after whichan execution
> plan is formed. The query processor decides which joins
> will be executed where and performs local joins and other
> operations accordingly. The optimizer is cost-based and is
> oriented toward minimizing communication costs. The query
> processor also compensates for functionality not available
> in the native database systems, particularly in its ability
> to execute hierachical queries and in efficient cursor
> support.
>
> The local data store provides an indexed-table capability
> which implements the ISG-Navigator interfaces, thus
> providing a complete development environment without the
> need for a back-end database.
>
> The database drivers map the particular data source
> functionality into the ISG-Navigator model and interfaces.
> The ISG-Navigator model supports not only relational
> methods but also hierarchical and indexed methods thus
> allowing very efficient mapping of legacy databases.
>
> The Client Gateway with its remote counterpart Server
> Gateway together implement an intelligent RPC connection
> between remote ISG-Navigator object managers. This
> connection is optimized to reduce network traffic by
> utilizing caching strategies.
>
> ISG-Navigator supports portable triggers used for imposing
> business rules, performing security checks, providing
> default values for columns, and other functions. TRiggers
> may execute on the client or or on the server or on both as
> appropriate.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
>
>
>
> Q. Is OLE DB and Industry Standard?
>
>
>
> A. OLE DB 1.0 and ActiveX have been submitted to the OMG
> for Industry Standard designation/certification. The
> current de facto standard for database access is ODBC
> (Open DataBase Connectivity), ODBC was originally
> developed by Microsoft and due to the needs at the
> time, was limited to SQL databases and local data
> sources, and a single data source per query. The OLE
> DB specification was based on the proven power of OLE
> (now ActiveX), OLE DB overcomes the design limitations
> of ODBC. OLE DB accommodates SQL databases and a broad
> range of other data sources including; indexed files,
> tables, images, datastreams, multi-dimensional
> databases, and spatial data. OLE DB is designed for
> distributed heterogeneous access and joins.
>
>
>
> Q. What does OLE DB/ISG Navigator give me that ODBC
> doesn't?
>
>
>
> A. A typical ODBC connection accesses one source of data.
> ISG navigator uses one connection to access several
> sources of data. An ISG Navigator query for example
> could access Sybase tables on the PC, RMS and Rdb
> tables on a VAX/OpenVMS and Oracle tables on an Alpha
> AXP/VMS. Joins are performed in multiple places, each
> closet to the data, thus providing letter performance.
> With ISG Navigator, a developer can work with object
> oriented ADO (ActiveX Data Object) interface, or with
> ODBC.
>
>
>
> Q. Why shouldn't I just wait and see for 12-18 months.
> Isn't ODBC okay for now?
>
>
>
> A. Microsoft has announced that ADO-OLE DB is the native
> interface shipping with its suite of development
> tools, such as Visual Basic, Active Server
> Pages/IIS3.0, Visual JAVA, C++ and C. OLE DB is their
> standard interface now.
>
>
>
> Q. Are ISG's OLE DB drivers standard ones or will I have
> to replace them when, for example, Oracle and Informix
> release their OLE DB interfaces?
>
>
>
> A. OLE DB is OLE DB! ISG Navigator adheres to that
> standard. ISG has the advantage of being in direct,
> frequent contact with Microsoft as the standard
> evolves with additional "methods." ISG Navigator will
> continue to conform to the standard. When, for
> example, Informix provides their native OLE DB
> interface, ISG Navigator will work with it.
>
>
>
> Q. Can I use ISG Navigator as is or will I need to write
> at OLE DB interface for my application or tool set?
>
>
>
> A. If your application already has an ODBC interface, ISG
> Navigator can be used "out of the box." If you are
> writing a new web server application with ASP or a
> client/server program with Visual Basic, or other
> ActiveX supporting tools, ISG Navigator is currently
> the only native ADO (ActiveX Data Object) enabled
> middleware so interface is automatic.
>
>
>
> Q. Is my application going to perform faster with ISG
> Navigator?
>
>
>
> A. ISG Navigator/OLE DB is designed to access data is a
> distributed environment. ISG Navigators optimizers
> focus on multiple servers and Intranet server access.
> For those, it will be faster. Otherwise, performance
> will be similar.
>
>
>
> Q. Do I need to throw away my current ODBC database
> drivers and replace them with ISG Navigator OLE DB
> drivers?
>
>
>
> A. No. ODBC database drivers that are in use can be
> called concurrently with OLE DB drivers. However,
> users will find it beneficial eventually to convert to
> gain performance and simplicity.
>
>
>
> Q. Can I use Visual basic, Active Server Pages/ISG, and
> Visual C with ISG Navigator? What about Delphi or
> PowerBuilder?
>
>
>
> A. Yes! Microsoft's software tools all provide native ADO
> to directly interface calls to ISG Navigator.
>
>
>
> Q. Does ISG Navigator use standard SQL? Am I going to
> have to learn a new language?
>
>
>
> A. ISG Navigator generated database access is standard
> ANSI SQL92 with SQL3 extensions. However, your typical
> end-user interface requires only point and click with
> ActiveX controls.
>
>
>
> Q. Does ISG Navigator provide a driver for Microsoft SQL
> Server?
>
>
>
> A. Yes. On WindowsNT.
>
>
>
> Q. Can I connect Microsoft Access/Query to an OpenVMS
> server through ISG Navigator?
>
>
>
> A. Yes. ISG Navigator provides transparent access over
> the network to OpenVMS data sources such as RMS,
> Oracle, Rdb and Sybase.
>
>
>
> Q. How does ISG Navigator support database access on my
> Alta Vista Web Server driving MS Explorer browsers in
> our Intranet environment?
>
>
>
> A. ISG Navigator supports web server database access in
> the same way as ODBC, except that with the additional
> benefit of support for distributed platforms and
> heterogeneous databases. Microsofts web server
> software IIS with ASP exposes OLE DB as its interface
> through the ActiveX data object (ADO). ISG Navigator
> is compatible with ADO.
>
>
>
> Q. Does ISG Navigator work in my already running CORBA
> environment?
>
>
>
> A. ISG Navigator is built around the DCOM architecture.
> Although the OMG is defining a standard for CORBA/DCOM
> bridges, there are currently several such products
> commercially available.
>
>
>
> Q. How do I get an evaluation copy of ISG Navigator?
>
>
>
> A. Evaluation copies are included in the Enterprise
> Integration Package. In addition, the evaluation kit
> will also be available over the internet from the ISG
> Website.
>
>
>
> Q. What data sources are available in the evaluation kit?
>
>
>
> A. RMS, Oracle 7, Rdb 6 and 7, and Sybase 10 and 11 are
> supported in the OpenVMS ISG Navigator evaluation kit.
>
>
>
> Q. How do I purchase an ISG Navigator License
> (permanent)?
>
>
>
> A. Digital and ISG have finalized a distribution and
> service agreement. ISG Navigator is available now from
> ISG (Burlington, MA : [email protected]) and is
> expected to be available directly from Digital in the
> Spring timeframe.
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> [Text View]
>
> [HR]
> [Navigation Bar]
>
> Updated: 16 April 1997
> Legal
|
| [First! for the Web]
ISG Delivers First Web-Enabled Link Between Digital UNIX and Windows NT
Databases Premiere OLE DB Middleware Provider Joins Digital's AllConnect
for UNIX Program
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 1997
Source: PR Newswire
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BURLINGTON, Mass., April 21 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. --
International Software Group (Nasdaq-NMS: SISGF) today announced
participation in Digital Equipment Corporation's AllConnect for UNIX
Program. With ISG Navigator, the premiere OLE DB middleware, Digital's UNIX
customers can extend the value of technology investments through the
integration of UNIX and Windows NT environments, and access data sources on
any Digital UNIX platform from Windows 95 or Windows NT clients. OLE DB is
Microsoft's robust successor to its ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)
standard.
"The increasing popularity of Windows 95 and NT as client/server and
Intranet server applications creates a demand for comprehensive data access
solutions. ISG Navigator is the solution for integrating NT and UNIX
environments, providing uniform, industry-standard OLE DB access to
relational, non-relational and multimedia data sources and distributed
optimized query processing," said ISG CEO Arie Gonen. "The product is ideal
for Digital's UNIX customers -- there is nothing comparable. This
announcement is a natural extension of ISG's participation in Digital's
OpenVMS Affinity Partners' program."
"ISG Navigator provides an excellent way to access both relational and
non-relational data," said Tim Yeaton, Vice President of Digital's UNIX
Business Segment, "and with Digital's investment in DCOM for Digital UNIX
and OpenVMS, ISG Navigator's support of OLE/DB provides a natural extension
to this environment."
ISG Navigator provides access to more data sources on more platforms with
better performance and lower cost than any alternative middleware. By
supporting Microsoft's OLE DB interfaces through ActiveX Data Objects (ADO)
and ODBC, ISG Navigator provides access to and integration with data
sources that were previously inaccessible because of format or location.
The product accesses both local and remote data on different platforms and
across networks. In addition to relational databases, ISG Navigator
accesses data sources such as hierarchical databases, spreadsheets,
personal databases, mail folders and indexed sequential files.
ISG Navigator supports a broad base of platforms including Windows 95 and
NT, HP/UX, Sun Solaris, IBM AIX, Digital Unix and OpenVMS. ISG Navigator
also supports a wide range of databases including Oracle, Informix, Sybase,
DB2, Ingres, Rdb, ADABAS, C-ISAM, MUMPS and DBMS. Pricing begins at $3995
for a basic server installation. The product is available now from ISG at
http://www.isgsoft.com, at Digital's OpenVMS Web site and from Microsoft at
http://www.microsoft.com/oledb/download/download.htm and at.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation (NYSE: DEC) is a world leader in open
client/server solutions from personal computing to integrated worldwide
information systems. Digital's scalable Alpha and Intel platforms, storage,
networking, software and services, together with industry-focused solutions
from business partners, help organizations compete and win in today's
global marketplace.
ISG
ISG is the leading provider of Universal Data Access middleware based on
Microsoft's new OLE DB standard and standards-based (OLE DB, ODBC and
ActiveX) development and integration tools. ISG products are available on
multiple platforms and provide simultaneous database-independent access to
many databases and file systems. The company's principal products are: ISG
Navigator; CorVision10; and APTuser. ISG has sales and support offices in
the United States, Israel, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia.
For more information, visit ISG's Web site at http://www.isgsoft.com.
Information contained in this document which refers to ISG's future
financial status is only management's best estimate at the present time and
actual results could differ from present assumptions. SEC reports contain
cautionary statements discussing various factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from management's present projections.
SOURCE International Software Group
/CONTACT: Larry Bouchie of LNS Communications, 617-577-9777 x225/ (SISGF
DEC)
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[Individual, Inc.]
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| [Digital Equipment Corporation]
Digital's Sales Update
ISG Navigator V1.0
Contacts:
For VARS, Resellers, and Systems Integrators, contact your distributor for
more information and ordering details
All others, contact the following:
Corporate: Ric Raymond (Product Manager), DTN 381-0279, (603) 881-0279, ZKO
Norma Oakes (Marketing Manager), DTN 381-2041, (603) 881-2041, ZKO
Highlights
* Delivers state-of-the-art OLE DB middleware connections to
applications that access distributed data
* Drivers for RMS, Oracle7, Oracle Rdb, and SYBASE are included
* Software is available only through the Web -- Licenses and PAKs are
available through regular channels
* Evaluation license with each download allows for immediate
installation while waiting for full license
Description
ISG Navigator, the first commercial implementation of the new Microsoft OLE
DB standard, is now available on DIGITAL OpenVMS. This distributed,
object-oriented data access middleware from International Software Group
allows access to data from multiple OpenVMS Alpha and VAX systems via
applications running on Windows NT, and imports that data right to the
desktop.
Unique in the industry, ISG Navigator lets developers write applications
that transparently access a wide range of databases on OpenVMS platforms,
including RMS files. ISG Navigator also provides an ODBC interface that
fully leverages this advanced data access technology.
These platforms support ISG Navigator:
* OpenVMS (Alpha and VAX)
* Windows NT (Alpha and Intel)
* Windows 95
Supported databases include:
* RMS
* Oracle System 7.x
* Oracle Rdb
* SYBASE
Because ISG Navigator is the premier tool to access information from a
variety of data sources, including data joins even across the Web, it
is part of DIGITAL's Enterprise Integration Package. See the "Using
ISG Navigator to Access OpenVMS Data Over the Web from Windows NT" and
"DIGITAL OpenVMS Data Mart" articles in this issue.
ISG Navigator Components
ISG Navigator components can reside both on a single system or distributed
across a variety of platforms. These components include:
* Object Manager
o Processes ISG Navigator methods and invokes the implementation
specified by the object
o Multi-tiered ISG Navigator architecture handles distributed
object managers across the network
* Query Processor and Optimizer
o Central to the efficient operation of ISG Navigator, queries are
parsed, analyzed, and optimized, to form an execution plan
o Query processor decides which joins will be executed and performs
local joins and other operations accordingly
o Optimizer is cost-based and minimizes communications costs
o Query processor also compensates for lacks in native database
system functionality, particularly in its ability to execute
hierarchical queries and in efficient cursor support
* Local Data Store
o Provides indexed table to implement ISG Navigator interfaces
o Provides complete development environment without the need for a
back-end database
* Database Drivers
o Maps particular data source functionality into the ISG Navigator
model and interfaces
o ISG Navigator model supports relational, hierarchical, and
indexed methods and allows very efficient mapping of legacy
databases
* Client Gateway
o Implements (with its remote counterpart, the Server Gateway) an
intelligent RPC connection between remote ISG Navigator object
managers, which use caching strategies to reduce network traffic
ISG Navigator supports portable triggers used for imposing business rules,
such as performing security checks, and providing default values for
columns. Triggers may execute on the client, the server, or both.
Server License Package
Includes ISG Navigator server with a single ODBC client license, a single
OLE/DB connection license, and server drivers for RMS, Oracle System 7.x,
Oracle Rdb and SYBASE.
* Server is initially enabled for OpenVMS V7.1 and OpenVMS 6.2 for Alpha
and VAX and will be updated for future releases
* Client is enabled for Windows 95 and Windows NT Alpha and Intel
systems and will be updated for future releases
* Query Processor does not include access to local databases on the
client
Demo License Package
A fully functional demo package with a valid three-month license is
available on the DIGITAL Web site. To continue use of ISG Navigator at the
end of the trial period, an upgrade to a full product license must be
purchased.
A server license is required for each system or cluster accessed. Client
software may be loaded onto all of the systems connected to this server.
The number of concurrent connections is limited by the client connection
license on each server. Please note: For a single client making multiple
connections to the same database, multiple concurrent licenses must be
purchased.
Benefits
* Leading-edge OLE DB middleware connections to applications in the
OpenVMS environment
* Single application connection to data in a heterogeneous database
environment reduces development costs
* State-of-the-art access to data stored in RMS file systems allows full
use of legacy data without additional expense of migrating information
to a different file format
* Distributed data access allows users to access data where it resides,
and incurs no changes to current operations
* Distributed access to data across the Web reduces application and
infrastructure development costs and provides decision makers with the
latest information
* Reduces time to market for critical applications
Availability and Ordering
ISG Navigator V1.0 Licenses are available now from DIGITAL and its business
partners. The software may be downloaded from the DIGITAL Web site
(http://www.openvms.digital.com/database/isg). Licenses are required and
must be purchased through normal distribution channels.
Order No. Description U.S. List
ISG Navigator V1.0
QM-5QLAD-BA 1 Server License And 1 Client Connection $ 5,995
QM-5QLAD-BB 1 Server License And 10 Client Connections 9,750
QM-5QLAC-BA 1 ISG Navigator Client Connection License 500
QM-5QLAC-BB 10 ISG Navigator Client Connection Licenses 4,200
QM-5QLAC-BC 20 ISG Navigator Client Connection Licenses 7,000
QM-5QLAC-BD 50 ISG Navigator Client Connection Licenses 13,750
QM-5QLAC-BE 100 ISG Navigator Client Connection Licenses 20,000
QM-5QLAC-BF 500 ISG Navigator Client Connection Licenses 75,000
Services
International Software Group provides services for the fully licensed
version of ISG Navigator. For support information, please review ISG
documentation or the ISG Web site (http://www.isgsoft.com).
Resources
External
* For information on databases, middleware, and tools, see the DIGITAL
OpenVMS home page -- http://www.openvms.digital.com
* ISG Navigator Product brief -- EC-F7834-93
* DIGITAL U.S. Call Center -- 800-DIGITAL (800 344-4825)
* DIGITAL Business Link Web site -- http://www.businesslink.digital.com
__________
DIGITAL, the DIGITAL logo, Alpha, OpenVMS, and VAX are trademarks of
Digital Equipment Corporation.
Other trademarks are listed with their owners: Intel Corp. (Intel);
International Software Group (ISG Navigator); Microsoft Corp. (Windows NT);
Oracle Corp. (Oracle7, Rdb); Sybase (SYBASE). UNIX is a registered
trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively
through X/Open Company, Ltd.
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