esql on Suse Linux 6.4

I am trying patiently but despairingly to learn how to use esql on suse 6.4. I have the demo database SE and seem to be able to successfully compile the .ec source files. However, when I try to execute a.out the following message is genereated : "error in loading shared libraries: libifl.so : cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory" I have entered "esql -libs" and libifsql is listed as a default library. What shall I do ? Is there a demo freely/cheaply available for linux/Windows which might serve me better than my present combination of: Informix SE ver 7.3 and esql 9.16.UC1. Indeed are these compatible on a standalone linux machine ?