Connect to a database on Unix AIX 4.3

[rvesco]

Hello, i have a problem i need help with. i have an old Unix aix server that i need to retrieve data from. first i am not sure of the database platform, second i need to connect to the database with crystal reports XI. can any one help me?

 

[johnherman]

First, are you sure it's a database? AIX supports sequential files and various types of ISAM files. If it is a database, you need to determine what it is. You'll need privileges to do that, or need to work with a Unix admin. Start looking for certain keywords like (duh) oracle, sybase, db2, ibm, informix, cincom, supra, datacom, ingres, etc. After you find the type of database, you need to determine if the database is currently running. Then you can start thinking about access.

Stupid questions - Have you asked the questions you've asked us to anyone else at the job? Is there a central repository for documentation? Are there any ODBC or Data Sources connections on your PC, or anyone else's PC?

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Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because there is more manure there - original.

 

[rvesco]

Thanks John for the reply. i do have root privileges but i am not sure where to look or what to look for. unfortunately our unix administrator left abruptly.

 

[johnherman]

I suggest you hire a contractor unix admin to help you. You can do a ps (process status) to find out what processes are running. Maybe the database initiates at system startup and is running and you can identify the database type by the process executables. Another way might be to search the directory structure looking for keywords as I've noted. If the database does not start running at system startup, that's another situation you'll need to deal with. You have a situation that requires considerable analysis and I can't give you any specific instructions from 1 to n. You really need to get a consultant to help you. Or hire someone.

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Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because there is more manure there - original.