Optim - Overview I

Access Definition

An Access Definition specifies the Start Table, related tables, relationships, and selection criteria to define the data you want to archive, extract, edit, or compare.

Note: You can save and reuse Access Definitions, which are stored in the Optim™ Directory.

Use Access Definitions to

• Manage and maintain lists of tables and relationships that describe the data you want to archive, extract, or edit.
• Specify the selection criteria you want to use to archive or extract data.
• Specify variables and default values to use in your selection criteria.
• Select columns and sort options to display for Point and Shoot.
• Use Point and Shoot to narrow the focus for archiving or extracting data.

Because Access Definitions provide flexibility in managing your data, it is easy to:

• Create new Access Definitions and modify or reuse existing definitions.
• Share Access Definitions with other users.
Include a named or local (temporary) Access Definition with an Archive Request, Edit Definition, or Extract Request.

Column Map

A Column Map defines the specifications for mapping columns of compatible data between source and destination tables.

You can map columns that have different names, modify column data, or exclude columns from a process.

You can include one or more Column Maps in a Table Map when you create a request to compare, convert, insert, load, or restore data.

Note:

• If you define a Column Map in a Convert, Insert, Load, or Restore Request, you can specify the source column value, an explicit column name, NULL, constant, literal, function, expression, special register, or exit routine.
• If you define a Column Map in a Compare Request, you can map only explicit column names.

Column Map Procedure

A Column Map Procedure is a custom program that is referenced by a Column Map and is written and compiled using the Column Map Proc Editor.

These programs are used in a Convert, Insert, Load, or Restore Request for special processing and data manipulation that is beyond the scope of native Column Maps. You can use a Column Map Procedure by specifying the name of the procedure as the source column.

DB Alias

A DB Alias is a set of specifications used to identify, locate, and access a particular database.

The DB Alias serves as a high-level qualifier for names of database objects referenced, defined, or accessed using Optim™, for example, dbalias.creatorid.tablename.

The specifications for defining a DB Alias are usually provided by the database administrator.

About DB Aliases

A DB Alias is a user-defined object associated with a database.

When you define a DB Alias, you provide parameters that Optim™ uses to communicate with that database. These parameters include the type and version of the database management system (DBMS) and any required connection specifications.

Note: DB Aliases are defined using the Configuration Program and are stored in the Optim Directory. You must be authorized to define a DB Alias. See the Installation and Configuration Guide for additional information.

A DB Alias name serves as a high-level qualifier that allows you to access a specific database to perform requested functions. For example, in an Access Definition, you must qualify the name of a table with a DB Alias name. The referenced DB Alias supplies the parameters needed to connect to the database in which the table resides.

Databases

A DB Alias identifies a specific database and serves as a prefix in the fully qualified names of primary keys, database tables, and relationships. DB Aliases are essential elements in managing your databases. Keep in mind that each:

• Database can have only one DB Alias.
• DB Alias name must be unique.

Also, objects in the Optim Directory cannot have the same name as a DB Alias.

Ref: IBM Guide and Materials (www.ibm.com)

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