November 19, 2008 at 6:09 am
Hi,
We are running a VSE operating system on an IBM mainframe. How can COBOL developers connect to SQL Server?
Thanks
November 19, 2008 at 5:33 pm
You need a driver from the source system. Is this stuff running on the mainframe?
Also, please post in the appropriate forum. I have moved this to 2005 development.
November 20, 2008 at 5:08 am
The applications are cobol based, running on a VSE OS. And our database is SQL Server 2005.
Thanks.
November 21, 2008 at 8:09 am
I doubt if it can be done. You might look into moving the application to PCs by using a PC based COBOL compiler. I'm sure this will take a lot of time and you are probably looking for a quick solution. You would have the advantage of being able to leave behind the cost of maintaining an IBM mainframe as a programming environment.
The only chance I see of anything working is having a database on the IBM side like Oracle or DB2 that is somehow linked to Sql-Server. I'm not sure if this will work and you are talking about a serious infusion of cash for a mainframe database if it does.
The only connection we have established from our Sql-Server to our MVS mainframe's VSAM files is by unloading information from either side into flat text files and sending it to the other enviornment with FTP. On the PC side, I am using Perl scripts (which I am currently converting to VB.net console applications) to do this . We use this to sync up the two environments nightly.
Steve
November 21, 2008 at 8:56 am
I have included several links that will give the information you need. if you need more help, you can drop me an e-mail.
first make sure you have the OLEDB/DDM
The OLEDB/DDM provider is an OLE DB data provider for IBM's Distributed Data Management (DDM) architecture. The OLEDB/DDM provider accesses by file, record, or stream I/O. The stream I/O interface is especially useful for accessing entire files or data set members at one time. The stream I/O interface accesses VSAM data set members as though they were files on a Windows NT Server local drive. This results in fast data transfers.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc163294.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/sna/deploy/starware.mspx?mfr=true
if you need my help, please let me know.
🙂
"We never plan to Fail, We just fail to plan":)
November 21, 2008 at 9:04 am
steve
Cobol Has Change and it's become more web base then you will think. Check it out do some reserch with the Cobol Group site. if you need the Site name drop me an email.
😉
"We never plan to Fail, We just fail to plan":)
November 21, 2008 at 9:18 am
Thanks for the responses. I'm looking to connect a mainframe, COBOL app to SQL Server. The mainframe OS is VSE (if it matters). It appears the links are to connect to a mainframe data source from .Net.
November 21, 2008 at 9:47 am
Thanks Irosales for the links. I will pass it on to our IT department. They currently have committed to moving off of the mainframe but it will probaly take up to 7 years to do it. This may help them with the transition. wcwarner is right, the links do not seem to address seeing Sql Server information from the IBM side.
wcwarner, why do you want to access Sql-Server from VSE? Do you have existing data on you mainframe and what form is it (VSAM, DB2)? I would say it's awful expensive to have a mainframe as a programming environment if there is no data residing there.
Steve
November 21, 2008 at 10:09 am
Having Worked in the World of MainFrames, both as an Operator and Applications developer, I am familiar with the problem you face that is not Unique. fact this is another link to the same issues
I have connected in many ways to the Mainframe, from 3270 emulation to FTP, Have supported cobol applications in Mainframe and PC.
connected using DSN and OLEDB. Give it a Try!!!!!! you have nothing to lose.
😉
"We never plan to Fail, We just fail to plan":)
November 23, 2008 at 11:20 pm
A couple options come to mind for accessing SQL Server, or any server based data from the mainframe:
1) Use Websphere-MQ (i.e. MQSeries) - will require installation of the MQ server software on both VSE and the SQL Server box. Its not a trivial undertaking to set up (including some programming on both ends), but it works flawlessly once in place;
2) Use CICS TS Web services - CICS TS is now a fully functional web server and client and is able to make HTTP calls (including the ability to act as both a web service consumer and provider). You would need to expose your SQL Server data as web services.
November 25, 2008 at 4:27 am
My mainframe experience does not cover VSE, but I notice you are getting some good advice from people who do have these skills. What you want to do is definitely achievable.
In addition to posting on a SQL Server forum, it is worth finding a good VSE forum and asking the same question. The VSE forum will have VSE specialists, and some of them will definitely have connected VSE to SQL Server before.
Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.
When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara
November 25, 2008 at 6:45 am
Thanks for your help!
January 20, 2011 at 4:21 am
HI all,
I appreciate this is an old post now but hopefully one of you might know if it's possible or not.
In a nut shell, we run cargo operation systems and I'd like to use SQL 2008's geospatial data capabilities to feed information to the operational system by way of calling from the COBOL server.
the COBOL server is HPUX-11 and we are running microfocus cobol.
I'd love to know if this is possible or if I'm simply dreaming!
_____________________________________________________________________________MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer (2005)
October 8, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Having Worked in the World of MainFrames, both as an Operator and Applications developer, I am familiar with the problem you face that is not Unique. fact this is another link to the same issues
http://www.ibm.com/customwriting/forums/message.jspa?messageID=13832925&q=%2BConnecting%2Bto%2BSQL%2BServer#13832925
I have connected in many ways to the Mainframe, from 3270 emulation to FTP, Have supported cobol applications in Mainframe and PC.
Your experience is speaking for you! I would give it a try as you suggested, thanks!
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