DataDirect Sequelink - Overview

DataDirect SequeLink is an end-to-end data connectivity solution, which is designed for superior middleware functionality. SequeLink speeds development and deployment by providing applications with broad access to multiple data stores with a single client component for ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET or ADO/OLE DB. This architecture allows you to configure and manage data access across a virtually unlimited amount of different data stores, interfaces, and operating systems in the enterprise. SequeLink adds value beyond data connectivity with sophisticated security, distributed transaction support, and a centralized console for management and administration.

Deployment Across Broader Environments

SequeLink supports the latest ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET and ADO/OLE DB data access standards and can be deployed in client/server and web/application server environments, across heterogeneous desktops, servers and major database platforms, including DB2 on z/OS. It integrates seamlessly into network-centric distributed frameworks such as Sun’s Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE), and Microsoft .NET. With SequeLink, you can be assured of a flexible architecture to consistently reach additional databases and platforms (including 64-bit), stay current with the latest technology, and be compatible with future requirements.

Simplified Support

SequeLink provides a single, universal interface for data access, which is easy to install and requires "near-zero" client administration. The SequeLink universal client is database independent, so if you decide to incorporate additional data stores, you do not need to update or install a new SequeLink client. This thin client architecture drastically reduces the amount of initial configuration time and subsequent time spent reconfiguring data access when something changes.

Enterprise Value Beyond Data Connectivity

In addition to data connectivity, SequeLink adds multi-level, enterprise-class security for transaction-intensive applications. SequeLink also supports SSL encryption and Kerberos-based Operating System authentication, which allows organizations to create a Single Sign-On environment. (See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.)

In addition, SequeLink allows you to configure and manage your data access environment from a single point of control. Capabilities such as remote configuration and live monitoring of users streamline administration, maximize information efficiency, and improve predictability and control of application deployment.

Enterprise-Level Services

Data Connectivity - SequeLink delivers enterprise-strength data connectivity through its unique Common Server Architecture. SequeLink’s universal ODBC, JDBC, .NET and ADO Clients on the desktop or web/application server use the SequeLink Common Server DBMS interface to access multiple databases concurrently. This eliminates the inconvenience and expense of installing and maintaining multiple drivers and multiple vendor-specific middleware for each database brand, potentially across thousands of users.

"Near Zero" Client Administration - Reduces configuration errors and administration overhead. One thin universal client is installed and configured on the desktop or application server, regardless of the brands of databases to be accessed. Installation is streamlined and configuration across clients can be remotely managed through server-side data sources.

Centralized Configuration, Monitoring, and Management - Control your data access environment through a GUI console on Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista, ISPF panels on z/OS, or through command line. Centralized management allows for streamlined administration, faster development, monitoring of users at runtime and event traceability. These capabilities reduce costs, improve productivity and provide higher Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS).

Maximum Scalability & Performance - Supports high-performance use of server shared resources (threads) while increasing the number of concurrent and connected users for large-scale demands. SequeLink ensures support for increased loads, avoiding poor performance and downtime issues often associated demanding environments such as e-business.

Advanced Security - Provides multiple levels of security to allow secure transport of data within your enterprise and over the Internet. The advanced security features - perfected for high-security environments such as banking and government - include DBMS, host and application level authentication, enforceable ReadOnly, and data privacy with SSL encryption for ODBC, JDBC, and ADO/OLE DB applications. (See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.)

Flexible Deployment - Can be deployed across heterogeneous desktops, servers and major database platforms. Can be configured in a 2-tier architecture or, for maximum flexibility or centralized access, it can be deployed in an n-tier architecture to gain access to additional databases and platforms. SequeLink also integrates with LDAP-based Directory Services to centrally store configuration information.

Kerberos Authentication (aka Single Sign-ON) – Kerberos-based authentication allows organizations to create a Single Sign-On environment that bolsters security, eliminates the need for users to log in separately for each application, and reduces the costs associated with managing user accounts. DataDirect's authentication features allow the SequeLink Clients to integrate seamlessly into that environment. (See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.)

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption Support – SSL is an industry-standard protocol for sending encrypted data over database connections. SSL secures the integrity of your data by encrypting information and providing client/server authentication. SequeLink ODBC, JDBC, and ADO Clients support SSL encryption (DES, 3DES, AES) to protect critical data that is transmitted between the database and the application, data that could otherwise be compromised. (See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.)

Connection Failover and Client-Side Load Balancing – With Connection Failover the SequeLink Client continues to retry SequeLink Servers until they connect. You can define a list of available servers in a connection option and specify how many retries to attempt. Client-Side Load Balancing allows the SequeLink Client to randomly connect to one of the SequeLink Servers in the servers list to balance the load on the servers. This prevents the Client from always connecting to the first server in the fail-over list and distributes the load more evenly. Connection Failover and Client-Side Load Balancing are supported by all SequeLink Clients—ODBC, JDBC, .NET, and ADO, for all SequeLink Servers.

Internet/Intranet Enablement - Includes e-business-ready features such as SSL support; 100% pure Java; J2EE CTS (Compatibility Test Suite) certified for JDBC 3.0; highly scalable connection pooling; support for the latest ODBC and ADO specifications for Active Server Pages; and IIOP enablement.

Universal Clients for ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET and ADO/OLE DB

DataDirect SequeLink’s universal client components, based on the ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET and ADO/OLE DB standard interfaces, provide connectivity to multiple databases for commercial and custom applications. SequeLink’s thin-client design means only one universal component needs to be installed on client workstations or on a shared web/application server for consistent access to one or more data stores. All universal clients use the SequeLink Common Server DBMS interface for data access, which is typically installed on the database server.

SequeLink Client for ODBC or ADO - A complete, end-to-end solution for connecting applications, platforms and data across the enterprise. SequeLink allows you to configure and manage data access for all your standards-based applications across multiple data stores, operating systems and deployment options, ranging from client/server to web/application servers to distributed frameworks. It provides enterprise-class features such as SSL encryption and Kerberos authentication, support for distributed transactions, LDAP support, and centralized management.

SequeLink Client for JDBC - A complete, end-to-end solution for connecting Java applications to all major data stores. SequeLink Client for JDBC is a Type 3 JDBC driver, which is designed for superior middleware functionality. It provides enterprise-class features such as SSL encryption and Kerberos authentication, support for distributed transactions, LDAP/JNDI support, and centralized management. SequeLink Client for JDBC is J2EE CTS certified.

SequeLink Client for JDBC is JDBC 3.0 compliant, allowing you to take advantage of new capabilities in the spec that introduce more flexibility and control for developers and better performance for your Java applications, such as Savepoints, ParameterMetaData, updated and new DatabaseMetaData methods and configurable properties for Connection Pooling.

New components for streamlining JDBC development - These new components are available for use with SequeLink Client for JDBC to simplify JDBC application development:

  • DataDirect Spy - A utility for tracing JDBC calls in running programs.
  • DataDirect Test - A graphical, menu-driven program that helps you debug JDBC applications.

SequeLink Client for .NET - Offers access to any of the databases supported by a SequeLink Server - Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, Sybase, Informix or any other database accessible via an ODBC or JDBC driver. 100% Managed code means the client works entirely within the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). Using a data provider with unmanaged code (which reaches outside the CLR) will negatively impact application performance and puts enterprise security at risk.

Features & Services

SequeLink Manager

  • Creation/management of SequeLink services and server-side data sources
  • Live, configurable monitoring and persistent event tracing
  • Control functions to start and stop SequeLink services
  • Ability to abort active sessions; and capacity to view details about active services and sessions

Universal SequeLink Client

  • Client installs and configures easily and prevents DLL conflicts and multiple DBMS vendor network stacks
  • Server data sources and support for LDAP and JNDI further centralizes configuration information and simplifies administration
  • Provides quick install images for easy deployment of client configurations across workstations

Performance Architecture

  • Direct, native access on the DBMS server for maximum performance
  • Thread pool engine within the SequeLink Server for more efficient use of server shared resources
  • Fetch ahead/record caching, packet chaining and deferred execution minimize network hits

Advanced Security and Control

  • Enhanced data encryption with SSL ensures privacy of data over the wire
  • Tight integration with Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista Integrated Security
  • Kerberos authentication to create a Single Sign-On environment
  • Multi-level authentication, including database, application, and host levels
  • TCP/IP network services and IIOP enablement allow communication through the firewall for Internet, intranet, and extranet deployment
  • Optional enablement of user groups to better tailor security
  • Enforceable ReadOnly option secures data against accidental change

JDBC Productivity Components

  • DataDirect Spy - A utility for tracing JDBC calls in running programs.
  • DataDirect Test - A graphical, menu-driven program that helps you debug JDBC applications.

Feature-Rich DBMS support

  • Distributed transaction support for MTS/DTC and JTS/JTA
  • Dynamic SQL and full SQL passthrough for accessing database-specific grammar and functions
  • “Zero-gateway” access to DB2 on IBM z/OS