IBM UniData® is an extended relational data server designed for embedding in vertical applications. UniData simplifies data management and query logic, providing more power for online high-transaction applications.

Can be accessed by tools such as Visual Interdev, VB, VC++, Delphi or any ODBC, ActiveX or OLEDB tool and any Java®-based integrated development environment (IDE).

Includes UniQuery -- an easy-to-use, English-like query language -- which provides the ability to create meaningful ad hoc data server queries without having to understand underlying data server structures.

Includes UniBasic -- a unique application development environment -- which enables developers to create powerful, transaction-intensive applications.

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Highlights

IBM UniData® is a best-of-breed, extended relational data server for embedding in vertical solutions -- ideal for markets which target small- to medium-businesses.

• Highly scalable, low-cost data management system.
• Support for Web services protocols including XML and SOAP.
• Includes UniObjects for .NET -- a native, high performance API for developing in the Microsoft® .NET framework.
• Robust features for high availability, failover and data replication available.
• Includes innovative features for achieving optimum response times, ease of management and low total-cost-of-ownership (TCO).
• Standards-based SQL interfaces such as JDBC, OLEDB and ODBC that support the full nesting capability of the data server engine.

Benefits

• Extended relational architecture requires fewer tables whose size is dynamically managed by the data server. UniData sites require list data server administration with smaller sites having zero or part-time resources allocated.
• Shortened development cycles due to ease of data server design along with tightly integrated development environment.
• UniData supports a broad range of information management applications with excellent performance and reliability. As a result, a large number of industry solution providers use UniData to support their applications. This allows the customer to more quickly satisfy their requirements by buying, rather than building, solutions.

Features

• Connection Pooling (CP) enables developers to design and deploy applications that do not use persistent connections to the data server, such as in a Web environment. Connection Pools are authorised separately and do not consume data server licenses.
• Device Licensing for Server Edition offers the ability to customise the number of connections per device such as a user's PC. This provides greater flexibility when fewer than 10 connections per device are required and the additional value of Enterprise Edition is not an alternative.
• External Data server Access (EDA) provides the ability to store one or more UniData files on an external data server such as IBM DB2® Universal Data server, in a manner that is transparent to the application.
• Network File Architecture (NFA) offers local access to data on remote UniData servers.
• Recoverable File System (RFS) provides recoverability in case of system or media failures.
• Transaction Processing (TP) semantics provide atomicity, consistency, isolation and durability (ACID) properties for the data server.

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UniData 7.1

IBM UniData® 7.1 — delivers enhanced interoperability, security, performance, manageability, and high availability, as well as additional enhancements.

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Interoperability

UniData 7.1 adds External Data server Access (EDA) capabilities with external data servers such as IBM DB2® Universal Database (UDB). EDA provides the flexibility to store some or all of your data in either UniData files or external tables, and provides the ability to transparently access and update data from an existing UniData application.

A new graphical tool, EDA Schema Manager, is provided to simplify the process of mapping UniData file structures to DB2 UDB. Using this intuitive visual interface, table relationships can be created with ease using familiar drag-and-drop facilities, and logically viewed as relational schemas.

UniData 7.1 extends the data server connectivity options with the addition of Connection Pooling. This optional feature permits Web applications to connect to UniData without consuming regular data server licenses. Load balancing and monitoring capabilities are supported.

UniData 7.1 introduces new XML classes for UniObjects for .NET and UniObjects for Java®. These new classes allow developers to expand client-server and Web application capabilities by utilising the extensive XML support available in UniData.

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Security and encryption

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) support for UniData Windows® clients extends the ability to create secure communication channels using encryption and end-point authentication to this protocol via UniObjects, UniOLEDB, ODBC, InterCall, and the UniCall Interface (UCI).

A new graphical tool, the U2 SSL Configuration editor, is provided to simplify the management of SSL property lists, which contain such information as certificates, private keys, certificate revocation lists and more.

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Performance

UniData 7.1 delivers improved SQL optimisation of virtual fields, providing performance gains with certain types of queries.

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High Availability

An ONLINE option has been added to the ECL command BUILD.INDEX. This permits the building of indices without the need for system downtime or making the file unavailable to user applications.

UniData 7.1 adds Recoverable File System (RFS) capability for the Windows platform. In addition, Transaction Processing (TP) semantics are now available without the requirement for RFS.

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Manageability

The XML/DB Mapping Tool has been enhanced to include additional capabilities, such as automatic creation of DTD files when creating map files and the ability to generate XML documents from within the tool.

UniData 7.1 provides automatic cleanup of temporary files used by UniBasic, SELECT lists and others. Additionally, UniData will automatically remove temporary files left behind after a system failure.

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Additional Enhancements

• New in UniData 7.1 is an enhancement to the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) client API that uses SSL to enable creating secure SOAP requests.
• UniData 7.1 includes Dynamic IP Address support for Data Replication, enabling UNIX® and Windows to replicate data in environments where IP addresses can change.
• UniData 7.1 has received GB18030 certification from the Chinese government and may be sold in the People's Republic of China. GB18030 certification deals with the ability to handle Simplified Chinese characters; it does not imply translation of the product.

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UniData Early Adopter Programme

U2 Early Adopter Programs currently available:

If you would like to participate in either a current or future U2 Early Adopter Program (EAP), please send a note to U2AskUs@us.ibm.com indicating your area of interest. Please include the term "U2 EAP/Beta " in your subject line along with your area of interest (e.g. UniData, UniVerse, .NET). When an EAP or Beta cycle is being planned we will make sure we contact you with specific details.

The U2 Early Adopter and Beta programs are run on the IBM Early programs for Information Management website at https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/iwm/web/preLogin.do?lang=en_US&source=swerpdb2

To access this website, you must have a universal IBM user ID; you can register at: https://www.ibm.com/account/profile/us

In addition to your IBM ID, you will need an authorisation key to access a specific early program. Once you have been accepted into a U2 early adopter or beta program, you will receive the authorisation key which will enable you to enter into a confidential download site where the code and any early documentation can be accessed. You will also be invited to participate in a series of early adopter/beta conference calls to talk with developers, product management, support and other EAP participants.

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UniData 7.2 Early Adoption Program

As part of the development cycle of UniData 7.2, we are pleased to announce the UniData 7.2 Early Adopter Program (EAP). The UniData 7.2 EAP provides key customers with access to Product Management, Development, Support and, most importantly, early access to UniData 7.2 itself as major projects are completed. EAP participants will be able to discuss project schedules, influence design decisions and provide feedback early in the product cycle when such input will have the most impact.

Major projects slated for UniData 7.2 include encryption of data at rest for security, a programming API for External Database Access (EDA), On-line resize for high availability, performance and functionality enhancements for data replication, a customer extensible administration console, a graphical IDE for Basic and MORE. In June, we will be initiating regular conference calls with EAP participants discussing project roll-outs and soliciting feedback.

If you are a U2 customer interested in participating in the UniData 7.2 EAP, please email U2AskUs@us.ibm.com and nominate yourself today!