DAL server for Informix DBs?

I'm currently running INFORMIX Online 4.0 on a DECsystem 5000/200. The menu system of the application using the online engine is extremely cumbersome and I would like to see if I can extract, update, and insert new information directly from online on my Mcaintoshes. The best solution would be to have a DAL server running on the DEC with client software (written in 4D, Hypercard, or some other Hyperscript/Database software). I have spoken to informix and they seem to think that the only solution is to run I-NET, I-STAR and use Datalink & Wingz. Does anyone know if there is a general purpose (non-dependent on client software) DAL server available that runs on a DECsystem running Ultrix 4.2? If not are there many folks running the configuration as suggested above by informix? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Please post followups or reply to ffang@grover.printing.uiowa.edu (I compiled the news reader I use with an incorrect reply to parameter).