SIR and ODBC

Introduction
Setting up ODBC sources
ODBC import
ODBC pql
ODBC members
Using sirweb.cgi
ODBC and the sirweb.cgi
ODBC and the PQLServer
Conclusion

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Introduction
For years the only easy way to exchange data between SIR and other systems was through files.
SIR procedures could be used to write files for specific systems i.e. SPSS,SAS dbase etc.

• SIR PQL can be written to create scripts and files to build databases in other systems such as Oracle and MySql
• SIR batch data input could be used to import data into SIR from other systems provided they could write fixed column data.
• SIR PQL can be written to read other data formats.
• With the advent of ODBC life becomes a lot easier for all ODBC enabled systems.
• Another system that has become very popular is the web. Getting data to and from that is now very easy.
• Cross platform access is now possible for these technologies as well.
• ODBC Open DataBase Connectivity
• This session will show you how to set up ODBC sources and use them from SIR.
• It will show the simplest way to go about this with PQL members available from SUG website.
• It will show how to access SIR data via ODBC from other packages.
• It will show how to exchange data using the web.

Setting up ODBC sources

• ODBC sources are set up using Data Sources from the Administrative Tools Menu
• Sources can be User, available to that user only or System, available to all users both are configured in exactly the same way but from different tabs
• There is another type of DSN labelled File DSN this is an alternative way of storing the ODBC parameters. User and System store the details in the registry, File stores them as the name implies in a file, it can point to the registry for parameters if desired.

• I shall show the steps in setting up  some System DSNs
• I have previously set them all up as User DSNs for use in the demonstrations

• Choose the source and click Finish.
• You will then get a configuration screen which will vary according to the source.
• The next screens will show various different types