StarSQL v5.3

Fast, reliable access to IBM DB2 Databases

StarSQL v5.3 is a software driver that provides fast, direct access to IBM’s DB2 relational databases from any ODBC-based Windows or UNIX application. The StarSQL driver is compliant with the IBM CLI Version 2, the ODBC v3 standard, and DRDA Level 3.

With the StarSQL driver, users can access DB2 data seamlessly from spreadsheets, reporting applications, Visual Basic applications, and many other applications and development tools.

Benefits of Using the StarSQL Driver

Leverage your existing hardware and network connections, as StarSQL runs on legacy systems as well as with the latest operating and database management systems. The StarSQL driver runs on a client computer, with no host software or proprietary gateway required, and uses existing TCP/IP or SNA connections to the host database. Connectivity to SNA networks is provided with StarQuest's, StarPipes product.

Flexible, Affordable Licensing

StarSQL is offered with flexible packaging and licensing options. Licenses are priced according to the maximum number of StarSQL concurrent connections that are needed. This allows customers to deploy the StarSQL driver on any number of Java, Linux, UNIX, or Windows client computers, and pay only for the number of connections that are needed at the same time. StarSQL licenses are suitable for Web servers and traditional client-server applications, with attractive entry-level pricing and volume-purchase discounts.

Easy-to-Implement and Easy-to-Use

A Data Source Configuration Wizard steps users through the steps of configuring StarSQL to access a particular data source. You also can install custom, pre-defined Data Source Name definitions as StarSQL is deployed throughout an organization. StarSQL is compatible with most applications, providing users with immediate access to DB2 data.

Robust Implementation and Performance

StarSQL uses open industry standards to deliver rapid access to DB2. It implements unique, built-in memory management, collapsed protocol layers, and minimal data transfer, to provide the industry’s fastest remote data access.

Support for All Major Languages

StarSQL includes conversion support for all major language groups, including legacy hosts that use Extended EBCDIC for East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). StarSQL also supports modern applications and hosts that take advantage of UNICODE encoding.

Support for Two-Phase Commit Transactions

StarSQL supports two-phase commit transactions over both TCP-IP and SNA networks to IBM mainframe, mid-range, and workstation-based hosts. StarSQL’s two-phase commit support provides high transaction throughput rates, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft’s Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC.)

Support for LOB Data Types

StarSQL provides efficient, high speed, access to LOB data types—Binary Large Objects (BLOB) and Character Large Objects (CLOB). LOB data is increasingly important for storing and retrieving rich content such as video, audio, and XML-based data.

Secure Data Access

StarSQL encrypts user IDs and passwords to provide greater security and data access control. The StarSQL driver respects the security protocols of the host and client computers, allowing users to access only the data they have permission to access.

Enhanced Static SQL

Enhanced static SQL support provides performance gains and improved control over data access. Users and developers can reuse the most frequently executed queries simply by using predefined static SQL packages stored on the DB2 host. Because the query is prepared in advance, dramatic performance improvements can be realized.

.NET, ADO, and RDO Interface Support

StarSQL implements Microsoft's most advanced ODBC application programming interface so it works with the most advanced tools, such as Microsoft Transaction Server and Internet Information Server. StarSQL supports all ODBC calls that users demand when working with the parameter marker features of PowerBuilder or Microsoft’s advanced access methods, including .NET, Active Data Objects (ADO) and Remote Data Objects (RDO).

Java, Linux, UNIX, and Windows Support

StarSQL provides the same fast, reliable data access solution for all popular computing platforms. The StarSQL for UNIX driver software is currently available for FreeBSD, HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, and Sun Solaris. StarSQL for Windows can run on all the latest Windows systems, including Vista. StarSQL for Java uses JDBC to extend access from platforms such as Apple Macintosh.

Seamless Connection with Flexibility

StarSQL is completely thread-safe, so you can use StarSQL with Web servers, transaction processors, and data replication tools.

Administration Utilities

StarSQL includes time-saving tools for system administrators and software developers. The StarAdmin and StarScribe utilities provide a graphical interface for easy administration of DB2 access and creation of static SQL.

StarSQL System Requirements

The StarSQL driver can be installed on client computers that are running any of the following operating systems:

• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows 2003 Server
• Windows Vista
• FreeBSD v6.1 and later
• HP-UX 11i and later (PA-RISC)
• IBM AIX v4.3.3 and later
• Red Hat Linux 9 and later (x86)
• Sun Solaris 8 and later (SPARC)
• SuSE Linux 9 and later (x86)

StarSQL can connect to any of the following host databases:

• DB2 for OS/390 and z/OS v5.1 and later
• DB2 Server for VSE & VM (formerly known as SQL/DS) v3.3 and later
• DB2/400 (DB2 UDB for iSeries) OS/400 v3r2 and later, including i5/OS V5R3 and V5R4
• DB2 Universal Database (UDB) v6.x and later for UNIX and Windows

Compatible ODBC Applications and Languages

StarSQL is designed and developed to interoperate with the Microsoft ODBC Driver Manager and the unixODBC open-source Driver Manager. Following are a few of the popular client software packages that have been verified to work with StarSQL:

• Actuate e.Reporting Suite 6
• Business Objects Crystal Reports
• Cognos Impromptu
• Informatica PowerCenter V7
• Informatica PowerExchange

• Information Builder iWay
• JDBC-ODBC Bridge
• Macromedia Coldfusion
• Microsoft Access, Excel, Query, and SQL Server
• Perl language
• PHP scripting language
• Sun Microsystems StarOffice 8 or OpenOffice.org 2.2
• Sybase PowerBuilder

Try It Today!

For additional information, questions, and pricing, please contact contact@starquest.com or call (415) 669-9619. Supplying the following information will help us provide you with the best solution for your needs:

• Your name, email address, company, mailing address, phone, and fax numbers.
• Host system (OS/390, OS/400, DB2 DBMS)
• Client platforms (Java, Linux, UNIX, Windows)