Suggestions for tranferring data

Looking for suggestions We have a strange setup here for the data we send out of San Marcos. Currently we are running Online 5.01 on a RS/6000, but the software is really a quasi batch system has "transactions" created on PC's running Informix SE on DOS(ooolllddddd) all over the US. Currently, using some C and 4GL, we are creating a file and using modem connections to send the file to San Marcos, TX. Overnight the files are processed on the RS/6000 and a file is created for each PC with the errors/new information to be sent out. All information is glued together into one file and is split out at the PC end. Due to more and more information being sent out to the PC's, the time to transfer and load the data has become unacceptable, over 4 hours for the PC's with larger databases. The modems already run a 14.4bps, and we are using Zmodem as a transfer protocol, so I don't think that can be sped up. We are looking for ways/suggestions to replace/improve our current method of loading the data into the PC's database, some possible suggestions follow. Comments would be appreciated. Remember the following limitations, the PC's have only a runtime version of 4GL and it DOES NOT support the load and unload commands. Due to hardware and money reasons, we are stuck with the current version of the software at the PC level and using modem connections. 1. Leave it, it's too slow, but it works. 2. Generate the equivalent of a dbexport and ship it down. Complicated to do and don't need to replace all of the data at the PC level 3. Is a cooked database from Online compatible with a standard engine? Generate a cooked database and then transfer straight to the PC, still need to worry about not replacing all of the data Any other suggestions/comments will be greatly appreciated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Watje SPAMIS Data Center paulw@spamis.jcdc.eta.gov Largest Informix Shop Voice: (800) 598-5008 in San Marcos, TX FAX: (512) 396-6600