Xbridge Host Data Connect Now Integrates SQL Server and Mainframe Data, Extending Support for Enterprise Information Integration.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2003

Xbridge Host Data Connect from Xbridge Systems now supports SQL Server as a data source. This means that the mainframe data-access product can integrate mainframe and SQL Server data in one report, enhancing the software's Enterprise Information Integration (EII) capabilities. Additionally, a new Results Cache enables users to easily store fixed mainframe data in SQL Server, balancing out operational demands on the mainframe.

Xbridge Host Data Connect enables Windows, Web and mobile applications to quickly and securely access virtually all OS/390 and z/OS mainframe data (VSAM, QSAM, DB2 and IMS DB) and to see the data in the format of the requesting application (e.g., Excel), all in real time. SQL Server is a Relational DataBase Management System (RDBMS) from Microsoft.

With its new capability, Host Data Connect can store the mainframe metadata in SQL Server, providing tighter integration with Windows. The Xbridge product provides the mechanism for expressing the metadata associated with the VSAM, QSAM and IMS DB data in a manner similar to that provided by traditional RDMS environments (DB2 and SQL Server). This new feature improves product performance and data management, while providing greater scalability and reliability. A limited license version of SQL Server with this storage capability is standard with the base product, at no extra charge.

The SQL Server data-access add-on module adds even more capability, enabling OS/390 and z/OS data to be integrated with SQL Server data. With this capability, users can access, view and analyze heterogeneous data types in a single file, through familiar Windows and Web-based applications.

"The SQL Server add-on module solves a major hurdle facing enterprise organizations today, integration of disparate data types," said Ron Hankison, president and CEO of Xbridge Systems. "Many organizations have their critical data split between their networks and their mainframes. That data is organized in basically incompatible formats, yet workers need to see the data in one format in order to make important decisions," he added.

Additionally, Host Data Connect's new Results Cache add-on module enables users to download and store mainframe data in SQL Server, giving users access to needed information while offloading operational demands on the mainframe. Users can determine the frequency and time of the download.

This capability is particularly appropriate for situations that do not require real-time data. For example, an insurance company could run a batch report and download information on a given line of business at a specific time each night. Users would then directly access that fixed data throughout the day, without having to connect with the mainframe again.

Pricing and Availability

Purchase options for Host Data Connect begin at US$20,000 for a single-seat, single-system environment. Annual licensing options are available for approximately one-third the one-time charge.

The limited license version of the SQL Server capability is standard with the base product. The SQL Server add-on module is US$10,000. The Results Cache add-on module is US$10,000.

About Xbridge Systems

Xbridge Systems develops and markets high-performance software that enables critical corporate data to be shared instantaneously between OS/390 and z/OS mainframes and desktop open-systems environments. More information on the Los Gatos, California-based company is available by calling 866-356-1515, emailing [e-mail] or going online to www.xbridgesystems.com.

Xbridge Host Data Connect is a trademark of Xbridge Systems, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.