Informix Online and Powerbuilder Enterprise

....................................................................... Powerbuilder Enterprise and Informix OnLine ....................................................................... I am evaluating client-server tools for implementing an instrumentation/equipment database application. The back-end relational database is Informix OnLine version 5.01, running on a UNIX server (Intergraph 6750 running CLIX version 7.x). The front- end has to run on two desktops, Windows 3.1/Windows NT and X- terminals. I am told that Powerbuilder for UNIX/X is in pre-beta right now, and is expected to ship sometime next year. It is quite acceptable for this application to be developed first on Windows, and then ported to X. I realize that it is highly unlikely that Powerbuilder will run on Intergraph CLIX. But I suppose we could port the Powerbuilder application to one of our HPs, and install Informix-Net on the HP. The Powerbuilder X app could then talk to the CLIX server running Informix-Star. I know this sounds complicated, but it's supposed to work in theory, and the alternative seems to be a character-based 4GL app. We are a heterogeneous shop (50% PCs, 50% X-terminals), and we have been asked to ensure that our development investment is viable across all our desktops. I like what I hear about Powerbuilder, and I'm told that it will boost the productivity of our developers quite a bit, compared to lower-level 4GL-type development tools. From those of you who have worked with Powerbuilder and Informix OnLine version 5.x, I'd like to hear about the following: 1] How well does the Powerbuilder-Powerbuilder Informix Driver- Informix-Net- Informix-Star architecture work in practice? I've been able to query my OnLine databases via MS-Access, MS-Excel etc. using Q+E's ODBC driver, I-net for Windows 5.01, and Informix-Star. I think Inet and IStar work fine, but the ODBC driver didn't quite seem to support the ANSI mode in Informix that we happen to use. However, I was able to find a workaround there. I'd like to know about the performance and reliability of the Powersoft Informix driver. 2] Could I use Informix OnLine version 5.x features like referential integrity, stored procedures, and triggers via a Powerbuilder application? If PB does not support these features, does it at least tolerate them? I think stored procedures and triggers would be great for embedding business rules. 3] Is there any other tool/approach that you could recommend for this application? Your input would be greatly appreciated. I shall be happy to answer any questions related to my experience in configuring a client-server arrangement from MS-Access and MS-Excel to Informix OnLine via ODBC. Please reply to aiyahv@sask.aecl.ca