Re: Comment On OpenLink and/vs OpenPath ODBC

Jeff Stevens wrote: > > I am researching a project using ODBC for an Informix > database. I have come upon two drivers (OpenLink and OpenPath) that > include a service running on the server to expedite the transactions. > Is there anyone out there using either of these products and > be willing to share some comments? We are currently switching to Openlink after a fairly lengthy spell of "mixing and matching" ODBC drivers. We found the performance of Openlink comparable to server-based queries, and 6-10 times faster than traditional ODBC (including INet). Also, it requires much less middleware. The downside may be cost. With older (vn5 and earlier) Informix versions you had to buy server I-Net (for SE) or I-Star (for online) as separate products. This, combined with the cost of client-side I-Net, was quite steep. However, vn7 has the server-side connection software built in - albeit that the price reflects this bundling! - and you might consider the additional cost of acquiring another server-side product as unjustified. We have concluded that it is worth the extra. It may be worth noting that the client-side Openlink software is (or was?) free. You pay per user on the server-side. Tim Kelly.