AS/400 - access database records from the Web

[SWmiller]

I need to create a tracking a tracing system on my company's web site that pulls specific records from a database on the AS/400.

My initial idea was to pull the database records into an MS Access database and use ASP and ADO to manipulate the database. But I run into a few road blocks (i.e. can't dynamically link the .mdb to the AS/400 database).

Then I did some research on Domino which seems very ideal for Web based applications in collaboration with the AS/400. So my questions is, would it be easier and more efficient to use Domino to create the tracking and tracing system instead of ASP-ADO? Also, is it even possible to do this using Domino?

I need all the suggestions and information I can get.

One last thing, do you know anything about WebSphere? Would that be helpful.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

First a couple more questions. Do you know RPG? Do you have a webserver set up on the system? Or can you have one set up? What OS release are you on?

If you do use RPG. Take a look at "eRPG" written by Brad Stone. He takes a simple approach to creating RPG CGI programs.

If you want to use java and have release V4R5 and above you could set up a tomcat server instead of buying websphere. Which a certain group of PTFs you can install an Apache powered web server and tomcat 3.2.x.

I would suggest a more native approach rathar than mirroring the data. It just makes more sense IMO. Mike Wills
AS400 Programmer


Please, if you find my post useful, let me know.

 

[SWmiller]

You were just the kind of person I was hoping would see this post. To answer you questions:

No, I am not familiar with RPG. Should I be to accomplish this task?

No, I don't have a web server set up on the system. We use a ISP to host our web site. Is it essential to have one for this?

What do you mean by OS release?

So you now see how new to this system I am. I've done minimal client/server programming before, but not at this level. You seem to know your stuff. What should my next approach be?

Thanks for information.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

Is this for internal company use or external (all of the internet) use?

What languages are you familiar with? This is important for me to know. What I am suggesting is not really client/server, but web programming. The two languages I have stated are the easiest methods to get started IMO.

As far as OS release, what version of the OS are you running? I don't know what the easiest way to tell is. I am still pretty new to the AS400 myself (about 2 years expirience). Mike Wills
AS400 Programmer


Please, if you find my post useful, let me know.

 

[SWmiller]

It's going to be for external support.

I am mostly familiar with VB and SQL that I have used for ASP and ADO programming. That's why that I am using it as my initial approach--just because I am more comfortable with it.

I am not sure what version of the OS I have, but I can let you know once I find out. I appreciate you working with me on this. I am still open to any suggestions and advice you can give.

Thank you.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

I have heard that there is a product available that will allow the AS400 to do ASP. But I am not sure about anything else beyond that.

If you really want some expert advise. Go to

http://www.ignite400.com

or

http://www.midrange.com.

They have email lists with many professionals that will know more than I do. Mike Wills
AS400 Programmer


Please, if you find my post useful, let me know.

 

[PGO]

Hi there...

I didn't know about eRPG (looks like an interesting clue there )
But i know that if you are using Domino (and notes clients), you probably may use DECS (Domino Enterprise Connection Services(TM))
This system allow DB2 and others DB systems to connect with Notes databases for statistics and so on, graphical reports and such... then, once there is a link with a .nsf (Note Store File), you can populate it onto the internet...
But i must tell that the DECS is pretty heavy to set... For more information about it, try opening DECSDOC.NSF on the domino server through one Notes client... Maybe this could help you...

Regards,

GOFz

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

The only problem I have with that is that it requires you to have Domino. If they don't own Domino, that can be an expensive venture. If they already do, then that could be a good path to take. Mike Wills
AS400 Programmer


Please, if you find my post useful, let me know.

 

[SWmiller]

I appreciate the feedback. I finally decided that I was going to setup the AS/400 as a web server and use RPG (at least attempt it). Pros from other message boards were also recommending that route despite my lack of experience in it. They said it would be the easiest and most efficient way, plus we don't have to invest in Domino and learn that platform.

However, upper management is in a rush to get the project started and finished, and unfortunately, decided to hire a contractor to do the project.

Oh well, at least I learned some of the different options I had to approach this project. It also allowed me to become more familiar with AS/400 itself and the programming environments associated with it.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

Just think of the AS400 (or iSeries as IBM now calls it) as just another server. Like NT, Unix, Novell, and Linux, there are limitations as to what it can do. But for the most part if a unix or linux can do it, so can the iSeries.

IBM is trying harder and harder to make it as open of a system as possible when it comes to standards. They are trying to appeal to the 20-somethings, not just the 40-somethings. Mike Wills
AS400 Programmer


Please, if you find my post useful, let me know.

 

[Guest_imported]

You may want to look at NetPhantom (

http://www.esaigroup.com)

to integrate AS/400 with with web.