Re: Is informix a client-server DBMS?

Faisal Siddiqi (fs@usceast.cs.scarolina.edu) wrote: : I'm interested in connecting informix running on a UNIX server to : powerbuilder running on a PC. Can this be done? Some one told me that : it could not -- because Informix was not a client server DBMS... : Any input would be appreciated. : Thanks - faisal Hi Faisal. Yes, Informix can be run in a client/server architecture. However, 3rd party vendors do not put a high priority on Informix and therefore 3rd party tool support is rather anemic. I am not sure how well PowerBuilder supports Informix but seeing as most of PowerBuilder's user base is either Sybase or Oracle, I would guess that PowerBuilder does not put in as much effort in optimizing its Informix driver as it does its Sybase and Oracle drivers. Optimization would affect areas such as result set scrolling, SQL command generation, stored procedure usage, trigger handling, message handling, data type conversion, etc. This is sometimes referred to as data orchestration. In a recent poll of large organizations, 42% reported that they intend to use Sybase for client/server work, 28% reported that they will use Oracle, 10% said IBM, and about 3% said Informix. This concurs with what I see in the marketplace. Because of this Informix continues to get weak 3rd party support though it appears to be getting a little better. The Informix engine is strong and I do recommend the product for non-client/server environments. But I think it still has a way to go before I am comfortable recommending it for client/server work. The primary exception would be if you are satisfied with using Informix/4GL as your development tool. I think this makes for a fine client/server environment - albeit a bit limiting. -- Rich -- Richard Finkelstein Voice: 312-549-8325 Performance Computing, Inc. Fax: 312-549-4824 Chicago, IL Mail: rfinkel@infochi.com