Cloud Gateway Translating SQL to DL/I for IMS Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud-based applications face processing delays and increased costs when accessing legacy data stored in IBM IMS databases due to the lack of dedicated hardware and predefined environments for API calls, which are typically handled by middleware like IBM WebSphere and DataPower.
Innovation Solution
A system that translates SQL calls from cloud-based applications into DL/I calls and transmits them to IMS databases via IMS Connect, allowing direct access and reducing response time by eliminating the need for middleware intermediaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If middleware (IBM WebSphere, DataPower, IMS OTMA) is used to access IMS databases from cloud-based applications, then compatibility and data access capability are improved, but processing time increases (2 seconds or longer) and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the middleware layer from the data access path. By implementing a direct connection mechanism between cloud-based applications and IMS databases, it eliminates the intermediate processing steps through WebSphere, DataPower, or OTMA, thereby reducing processing time from 2 seconds or longer to a significantly faster direct access pathway while maintaining full data access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary component that sits between cloud-based applications and IMS databases. This intermediary provides the necessary protocol translation and environment emulation directly at the database interface level, allowing SQL-based cloud applications to access hierarchical IMS databases without the overhead of traditional middleware, thus resolving the time-cost contradiction
2Ease of operation
If middleware is used to facilitate API calls to IMS databases, then data access functionality is improved, but processing delays and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data access functionality and protocol translation capabilities directly into the database connection interface. By combining these functions at the IMS database level rather than through separate middleware components, it maintains ease of operation for cloud-based applications while significantly improving processing efficiency by eliminating redundant processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal access mechanism that handles multiple data access operations (API calls, SQL queries, hierarchical data access) through a single direct connection pathway. This multi-functional interface replaces the need for separate middleware components, maintaining operational ease while boosting overall processing efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If cloud-based applications use standard SQL calls, then ease of development is improved, but direct compatibility with hierarchical IMS databases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer at the database interface that performs protocol translation. This intermediary receives standard SQL calls from cloud-based applications and automatically translates them into the hierarchical data access protocols required by IMS databases, thereby maintaining ease of development with SQL while achieving full compatibility with the target database system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interface parameters and protocol specifications at the database connection level. By implementing parameter translation that converts SQL-based requests into hierarchical database commands, it allows cloud-based applications to use familiar SQL syntax while maintaining full compatibility with IMS database structures, resolving the contradiction between development ease and database adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway may allow for a cloud-based application to connect to a hierarchical type database. The gateway may identify a connection route between a cloud instance and the hierarchical type database. The gateway may translate a SQL call from the cloud-based application to a DL/I call to access data on the hierarchical type database.