Conference ulysse::rdb_vms_competition

191.0. "ADABAS, not using QIO nor Lock mgr?" by HGOVC::KEVINCHAN () Thu Sep 15 1988 06:11

    We got a letter from a customer asking about ADABAS's implementation
    and I/O security.  The customer is comparing Rdb, Ingres, Adabas,
    Ultra/Mantis, and Cullinet.  Oracle is already down and out.  We
    need your advice on how to answer this letter, which is listed as
    follows:
    
    "We are quite concerned about third party software implementation
    on the VAX VMS system, particular on the security aspect.  I was
    told that the ADABAS implement its own disks accessing mechanism,
    bypassing the VMS QIO System Services and the Lock Management System
    Services, etc.  This may create security problems on the VAX VMS.
    However, I cannot certify these comments.
    
    It would be much appreaciated that Digital, as an independent party,
    can give us some ideas, comments and advices on the ADABAS
    implementation on VMS pertaining to its files and I/O security
    aspects."
    
    It seems like the customer is asking for confirmation of knock-offs
    given by the other competitors.  But then we are in a delicate
    position.  We want to win, yet must be honest and truthful.
    
    
    Your help is greatly appreciated, Kevin.
    
    

    One of Adabas's major problems on the VAX is that Software AG has
    yet to implement any database security. On the IBM version, their
    security is all the way down to field by value. There is no
    corresponding security in their VAX implementation.
    
    Yes, Adabas does bypass many standard VMS functions in order to
    implement Adabas-specific routines. Typically, they say it's for
    "performance reasons." Nonetheless, their integration with VMS as
    well as DECnet is minimal. 
    
    I worked with a large Adabas account until I came up to NH. That
    account implemented security by writing their own security subsystem
    in Natural. It was a complicated system. But in their opinion it
    was the best way to get dependable security on the VAX using Adabas.
    
    I know that Adabas bypasses the VMS lock management system in both
    stand-alone and VAXcluster configurations.
    
    ---- Michael Booth

    Thanks for the answer.
    
    I like the part about not using lock manager.  The customer should
    be concerned about its performance in a cluster then.
    
    
    Kevin.