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From: pgt@crosfield.co.uk (paul titcomb)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps
Subject: Mac as front-end to DB
Keywords: Wingz, 4D
Message-ID: <9293@sun3.crosfield.co.uk>
Date: 27 Mar 91 19:00:41 GMT
Organization: Crosfield Electronics, Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom.
Lines: 34

Hello !

I am investigating using a Mac to provide a front-end to various (unknown)
mainframe/mini databases using a SQL-like interface.

The application will involve extracting user-specified data from the down-
line DB and storing it locally, where it can be manipulated using various
tools provided for the user (to produce graphs, statistical analyses etc).

To try and avoid 're-inventing the wheel' as much as possible, some form
of 'hyperscript-like' language seems most suitable. Possible candidates
include Wingz and 4th Dimension.

Has anyone had any experience producing similar packages with these (or
other) products ? In particular, I'm interested in the following :

	Which DBs and target machines do these packages support ?

	What intermediary s/w is required on the target and/or Mac
	(e.g. DAL, SequeLink etc) ?

	What sort of performance could be expected ?

If people are interested, I'll summarise any responses I get. Replies to
this group or Email (if it works !) are fine.

Thanks very much,

Paul
-- 
Paul Titcomb            +----------------------------------------------------+
Crosfield Electronics   | Disclaimer: Crosfield are not responsible for me ! |
Hemel Hempstead, UK     +----------------------------------------------------+
0442-230000 (x3267)     Email: pgt@crosfield.co.uk / pgt@cel.uucp