Graphical database management solutions for HP NonStop SQL/MX

Technical white paper

Graphical database management solutions for HP NonStop SQL/MX Table of contents

Introduction 2

Graphical database management solutions overview 3

Graphical database management solutions for database administration tasks 3

HP-provided database management solutions 3 Third-party database management solutions 7

Use cases 9 NSM/web 10 MXDM 12 SQLXPress 14

Database management solutions comparison table 19

Conclusion 22

Appendix A: Access and installation instructions 23 NSM/web 23 MXDM 25 SQLXPress 27

Appendix B: HP special-purpose tools for database management 30

Learn more 34

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Introduction The job of database administration has become increasingly complex. Database administrators (DBAs) must manage rapidly advancing database technology, an increased number of mission-critical applications, and rapidly expanding data volumes. To manage increasingly complex systems, DBAs need graphical, feature-rich database management solutions that automate and replace ad-hoc tools and manual tasks.

This paper provides HP technicians and NonStop customers with comprehensive information concerning HP-provided graphical database management solutions and the best-of-breed third-party graphical database management solution for HP NonStop SQL/MX. This information is especially important to database administrators who are considering moving to SQL/MX from SQL/MP or an alternative database platform such as Oracle or DB2. The database management solutions discussed in this paper helps existing customers increase efficiencies and can significantly lesson the learning curve involved in making a transition to SQL/MX.

Topics covered in this paper include: product overviews, use cases, a comparison matrix, and pointers to access installation instructions.

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Graphical database management solutions overview The two HP-provided solutions discussed in this paper are HP NonStop Web Manager (NSM/web) and HP NonStop SQL/MX Database Manager (MXDM). The third-party solution addressed is SQLXPress by Merlon Software. Although many third-party database management solutions can access NonStop SQL/MX through the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) framework, Merlon Software is currently the only third-party database management solution that is fully compatible with NonStop SQL/MX.

This paper addresses how these solutions provide DBAs, developers, database testers, and end-users with a graphical means of performing job-related functions. However, topics related to database design, system security, system performance, code generation, and debugging as well as data extract, transform, and load (ETL) tasks are not covered in this paper.

Planning is currently underway to incorporate various HP special purpose tools into MXDM. A list of special-purpose tools available for managing NonStop databases is provided in Appendix B: HP special-purpose tools for database management.

Graphical database management solutions for database administration tasks

HP-provided database management solutions Two HP provided, graphical solutions are available for managing NonStop SQL/MX database administration tasks: NSM/web and MXDM. Both products are bundled with SQL/MX at no additional cost.

NSM/web can be used to access and manage all versions of SQL/MX databases, while MXDM is only intended for use with SQL/MX version 3.2 and higher. No further development is planned for NSM/web. Instead, all future investment will be focused on expanding the functionality of MXDM. This decision was made because MXDM uses ODBC, which is an extensible architectural framework.

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NSM/web

NSM/web is a graphical database management solution that enables users to connect to and manage a SQL/MX database. Using NSM/web, users can create and browse database and connectivity objects, execute data definition language (DDL) statements, and launch a telnet session. Telnet provides access to command line interface (CLI) mxci, running on the NonStop server, which enables users to perform administrative and database management tasks by running SQL statements interactively or by executing scripts.

NSM/web can be used to manage databases on a NonStop server from a client workstation. NSM/web components are installed on the NonStop server and NSM/web is accessed from the client workstation using a web browser and a Java plug-in.

Figure 1. Main console of NSM/web interface

Number label

1. NSM/web banner

2. Selected tab

3. Subsystems available

4. Navigation tree pane

5. Selected area

6. Status bar

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MXDM

MXDM is a graphical database management solution that enables users to connect and manage multiple NonStop SQL/MX databases on one or more NonStop systems. Using MXDM, users can browse database and connectivity objects, create connectivity objects, access SQL Whiteboard, and launch the HP NonStop Remote SQL/MX Conversational Interface (RMXCI). SQL Whiteboard enables users to execute and store SQL statements which include parameters. RMXCI, running on a workstation, enables users to perform administrative and database management tasks by running SQL statements interactively or by executing scripts. Users can also execute SQL statements to RMXCI from a Perl or Python script.

MXDM interfaces with a NonStop server using an ODBC/MX driver. RMXCI interfaces with the NonStop server using the Java Type 4 driver.

Figure 2. Main console of MXDM interface

Number label

1. MXDM banner

2. Menu bar

3. Tool bar

4. Selected tab

5. Selected area

6. My favorites pane

7. Navigation tree pane

8. Right pane

9. Areas available

10. Status bar

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SQL Whiteboard

SQL Whiteboard is a component of MXDM which can be accessed from the main MXDM console. It enables users to enter and execute SQL statements that can include parameters.

To access the SQL Whiteboard from the MXDM console do one of the following:

• Click SQL Whiteboard on the MXDM toolbar

• Select Tools, SQL Whiteboard

SQL/MX Remote Conversational Interface

RMXCI is a component of MXDM, which can be accessed from the main MXDM console. It enables users to enter SQL statements interactively, or execute scripts from a CLI.

To access RMXCI from the MXDM console do one of the following:

Click SQL RMXCI on the MXDM toolbar.

• Select Tools, SQL/MX Remote Conversational Interface

Before RMXCI can be accessed it needs to be installed. For more information see the access and installation section of this paper.

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Third-party database management solutions NonStop SQL/MX is an ANSI SQL-compliant database that can be accessed using ODBC and JDBC Type 4 interfaces from Microsoft® Windows®, Linux platforms, and an on-platform JDBC Type 2 driver and Open System Services (OSS) ODBC/MX driver.

With a variety of standard interfaces available, NonStop SQL/MX databases can be accessed by many third-party database management solutions. Third-party solutions that have been used to manage NonStop databases using the ODBC or JDBC framework include: DbVisualizer by DbVis Software, RazorSQL from Richardson Software, and Squirrel SQL an open source solution. Currently, not all features built-into these database management solutions work seamlessly on the NonStop SQL/MX platform.

The third-party database management solution that is fully compatible with NonStop is SQLXPress by Merlon Software. SQLXPress is tightly integrated into the NonStop operating system software stack and it provides superior support for NonStop SQL specific features not readily available from generic ODBC or JDBC tools. In addition, Merlon Software provides support for both SQL/MP and SQL/MX databases.

Merlon Software

Merlon software is a Toronto-based software company founded in 1994. It comprises a team of NonStop developers that continue to align their database management solutions with each new release of SQL/MX. Their suite of database management products are specifically designed for the NonStop platform and run only on NonStop servers.

Merlon offers the following database management solutions for NonStop:

• SQLXPress supports comprehensive database management facilities for installations with SQL/MX databases, using either SQL/MP or SQL/MX tables.

• Discover is a comprehensive, easy-to-use, disk storage management tool for HP Nonstop systems.

• MARS is a tool that automatically monitors and manages Enscribe, SQL/MP, and SQL/MX reloads.

Currently these solutions are accessed separately, but plans are in place to integrate these tools, so they can be accessed from a single interface.

SQLXPress

SQLXPress is a graphical database management solution that enables users to connect and manage a NonStop database. With SQLXPress, users have access to a range of database management features and functions available in industry-leading management solutions. SQLXPress is a fully automated solution which means users do not have to write SQL or run scripts in order to manage a NonStop database. However, many SQL operations such as populating an index or repartitioning tables can take a long time. For this reason SQLXPress can be used to generate scripts that can be submitted to the batch scheduler called NetBatch. In addition scripts can be created for special purpose jobs that run on a regular basis, such as updating statistics.

SQLXPress is a Windows client-based tool, which comprises a NonStop server component and a client component. SQLXPress connects to a NonStop database using a native TCP/IP connection and it uses the NonStop system LISTNER or Merlon’s LISTEN process to listen on a well-known port.

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Figure 3. Main console of SQLXPress interface

Number label

1. SQLXPress banner

2. Menu bar

3. Tool bar

4. Welcome tab

5. Navigation pane

6. Status bar

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Use cases The database management solution selected to manage a NonStop database, depends on the version of the NonStop database being managed, and it also depends on the job functions the tool is intended to facilitate. The next section describes the types of users who use database management tools and addresses which NonStop solutions have the features and functions necessary to assist users who perform discrete job functions.

The database administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, upgrading, administrating, monitoring, and maintaining the NonStop database. The role consists of many job functions, including:

• Create database objects

• Browse SQL database object definitions

• Manage table and index partitions

• Rebuild tables and indexes

• Collect statistics

• Manage data sources

The database developer designs and maintains software applications related to database functionality. The role consists of many job functions, including:

• Build, test, and optimize queries

• Build scripts

• Create test data

• Explore database dependencies

General users often perform tasks related to viewing and managing data stored in tables. General users may perform the following database-related tasks:

• Browse data

• Run queries designed by a DBA

The database tester generally runs tests to verify data accuracy and performs other tasks related to data validation. Database testers may perform the following database related tasks:

• Create and manage test environments

• Compare schemas

• Evaluate data

• Generate test data

A detailed comparison of the features and functions available through NSM/web, MXDM, and Merlon’s suite of products are listed in the Database management and solutions comparison table.

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NSM/web NSM/web offers graphical support for database administration tasks such as creating and altering database objects and browsing database object definitions.

DBA

The following diagrams show that NSM/web provides DBAs with a graphical method for carrying out common tasks which include:


• Modify database objects



Figure 4. Manage tables

This screen shot shows that by right clicking on a table in the navigation tree pane, the user is prompted to perform various DDL tasks related to table management.

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Figure 5. Manage data sources

This screen shot shows the window that appears when the MX Connectivity Services (MXCS) tab is selected from the subsystems tab. This window allows users to view various data source attributes which include: data source names, the maximum number of servers configured for each data source, the number of servers that are available to accept a connection, the number of MXCS servers that MXCS starts for the data source when the data source is started, timeouts, and start modes.

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MXDM MXDM offers graphical support for database administration tasks and automation of features and functions to be used by DBAs and general users.

DBA

The following diagrams show that MXDM provides DBAs with a graphical method of carrying out common tasks such as:



Figure 6. View table properties

This screen shot shows that by selecting a table in the navigation tree pane, the user can view various elements of the table’s definition which include the primary key column identifier and the table’s columns and associated data types.

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Figure 7. Manage data sources

This screen shot shows the window that appears when the CONNECTIVITY tab is selected. This window allows users to view various data source attributes which include: data source names, the maximum number of servers configured for each data source, the number of MXCS servers that MXCS starts for the data source when the data source is started, and the number of servers that are available to accept a connection.

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SQLXPress The suite of database management tools available through Merlon Software offer a wide range of features and functions used by DBAs, developers, general users, and data testers.

DBA

The following diagrams show that SQLXPress provides DBAs with a graphical method of carrying out common tasks such as:


• View database metadata


• Manage table and index partitions

• Rebuild tables and indexes

• Collect statistics

Figure 8. Select a database administration task

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The following diagram shows that SQLXPress provides built-in reports used for viewing database metadata.

Figure 9. View SQL/MX metadata

This screen shot shows a list of reports that are available after installing SQLXPress. These reports display information related to various categories of metadata. This information is very useful for understanding the current state of a NonStop database.

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Developer

The following diagram shows that SQLXPress provides graphical assistance to aid developers in building and tuning queries.

Figure 10. Build a query

This screen shot shows the main window for building and executing queries using SQLXPress. Writing and executing queries can be completed by selecting options from SQLXPress toolbars and menus.

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General user

The following diagram shows that SQLXPress provides graphical assistance to aid general users in carrying out tasks which include browsing data and running reports.

Figure 11. Browse data

This screen shot shows the first ten rows in table SAMDBCAT.PERSNL.EMPLOYEE.

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Tester/QA analyst

The following diagram shows that SQLXPress provides graphical assistance to database testers to carry-out tasks such as comparing database object definitions.

Figure 12. Compare SQL object definitions

This screen shot shows that SQLXPress provides a mechanism for easily comparing the definitions of two tables, each of which can reside in any catalog or schema on the NonStop system.

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Database management solutions comparison table The following chart lists the features available through NSM/web, MXDM, and the Merlon product suite, for managing SQL/MX 3.2 databases. New features will be added in future releases of MXDM and the Merlon product suite. The following chart reflects the features available for each solution for the product release shown.

Table 1. Feature comparison chart

Legend Y (yes): The feature is available and users are graphically guided through steps to carry-out a given task N (no): Graphical support is not provided for the feature

Features

HP internal tools Third-party tools

NSM/web For SQL/MX 3.2

MXDM Release 1

Merlon Database Management Suite/v. 3.2

Create and browse objects

Create catalogs and schemas Y N Y

Create, alter, and drop database objects Y N Y

Browse SQL database object definitions Y Y Y

Add table columns and constraints Y N Y

Browse table content N N Y

Modify table content N N Y

Interface available for issuing SQL statements Y Y Y

Interface for issuing and storing SQL statements for reuse N Y Y

Database object maintenance

Manage table and index partitions (add, split, and merge table and index partitions)

N N Y

Rename SQL objects and partitions N N Y

Reload tables and indexes N N Y

Detect tables and indexes that require reload automatically N N Y

Schedule reloads to run during specified off-peak times N N Y

Suspend and resume reloads automatically based on reload window, system load, audit trail capacity, and more

N N Y

Update statistics N N Y

Backup and restore statistics N N Y

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Features


NSM/web for SQL/MX 3.2

MXDM Release 1


Space and capacity management

View available disk space N N Y

Predict file full condition for tables and indexes N N Y

Predict disk volume full condition N N Y

Increase maximum table and index size based on growth predictions

N N Y

Pre-allocate disk space to growing tables and indexes N N Y

Free unused space in tables and indexes that are not growing N N Y

Detect and report unwanted table and index attribute changes

N N Y

Identify and report broken, corrupt, and crash open tables and indexes

N N Y

Detect and correct disk volume fragmentation automatically N N Y

Access worksheets for management and reporting of database problems

N N Y

Maintain history of file growth for tables and indexes N N Y

Maintain history of disk volume capacity N N Y

Modify system and session parameters

View and modify Control Query Defaults (CQDs) N Y Y

View and modify system defaults N Y Y

Create database environments

Create environments in order to view a defined subset of system objects

N N Y

Database security

Grant and revoke object privileges Y N Y

Manage SQL object ownership N N Y

Backup and recovery

Duplicate SQL tables and related objects Y N Y

Backup and recover files N N N

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Features


NSM/web For SQL/MX 3.2

MXDM Release 1


Build and tune queries

Create and store queries N Y Y

Support for run time parameters N Y Y

Display and iteratively tune execution plans N N Y

Compare saved query plans N N Y

Select plans based on a wide range of criteria (application version, cost, table, and more)

N N Y

Script and report generation

Generate scripts to recreate the database or specific database objects

N Y Y

Scripts can include: embedded SQL, host variables, and mxci commands, procedures, and functions

N Y Y

Browse objects and produce corresponding reports N Y Y

Job scheduling and batch processing

Access to a job scheduling tool N N Y

Run resource-intensive jobs as background tasks N N Y

Data source management

Create, view, and drop data sources Y Y N

Code generation and management

Create and modify triggers Y N Y

Create and modify stored procedures N N Y

Extract and analyze SQL from source code N N Y

Import and export functionality

Extract, transform, and load data N N Y

Direct connectivity between SQL/MX, and Oracle N N Y

International character support

Manages western and eastern character sets Y Y Y

Provides Unicode (UTF-16) support Y Y Y

Provides character set mappings Y Y Y

Display and edit data in HEX format N N Y

Comprehensive help

Online help Y Y Y

Access to expert-level support Y Y Y

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Conclusion The HP NonStop Enterprise Division (NED) recognizes that the role of database administrator has become increasingly complex. Database administrators need graphical, feature-rich database management solutions that can automate and replace ad-hoc tools and manual tasks. For these reasons database management solutions have been developed for the NonStop SQL/MX platform. Two HP provided database management solutions are available for managing SQL/MX databases: NSM/web and MXDM. The third-party solution recommended by NonStop is SQLXPress by Merlon Software. This paper has addressed how these solutions provide DBAs, developers, database testers and end-users with a graphical, user-friendly means of performing job-related functions. These solutions can help existing customers increase efficiencies and can significantly lessen the learning curve involved in moving new customers to SQL/MX.

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Appendix A: Access and installation instructions

NSM/web Architectural overview

NSM/web runs on a NonStop server as a small, independent Pathway environment. Many NSM/web files are stored in the HP NonStop OSS directory hierarchy, and all NSM/web executables run as OSS processes. NSM/web can run under a traditional TCP/IP or parallel TCP/IP environment and NSM/web uses common object request broker architecture (CORBA) for Applet communication to the NonStop system.

System requirements:

Client workstation components: • Nominal memory and disk space is required

• Microsoft Windows® XP, 32-bit or 64-bit Microsoft Windows Vista®, or 32-bit or 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7

• Browsers Internet Explorer (IE) or Firefox

• Java Run Time Environment (JRE) versions 1.5 or higher

NonStop system components: • NonStop SQL/MX (2.x or later)

Reference material

To learn more about NSM/web, access the following manual: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02128607/c02128607.pdf

Software installation

For information on installing NSM/web on the server and client, access the following link: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02128607/c02128607.pdf

The operations team of the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is generally tasked with the job of server-side setup for internal use of NSM/web. Technical Services (TS) or Solution Development and Implementation (SDI) can perform NSM/web server-side setup at a customer’s request.

Installation notes

Some users find that NSM/web cannot be automatically accessed from their client workstation after server-side installation is complete. The following information addresses the most common issues related to accessing and running NSM/web from a client workstation.

Compatibility issues NSM/web does not work out-of-the-box for all JRE and IE configurations.

• For Java JRE 1.5.0_XX or later, the Java policy file on the client needs to be manually modified for NSM/web to work.

• For IE versions 8.0 or higher, the browser needs to be placed in compatibility mode.

Configuring the Java policy file Open program file \Java\JRE<version>\lib\security\java.policy file, where <version> is the particular version running on the client workstation. Open the file in WordPad, not Notepad, since the file has UNIX®-style line terminators. Also, ensure the file is edited in text-only mode.

Add the following lines to the end of the file:

// Added to enable NSM/web to work with JRE 1.5.0_XX grant { permission java.lang.RuntimePermission "modifyThreadGroup"; permission java.lang.RuntimePermission "modifyThread"; };

The Java policy file issue is due to a defect in the CORBA implementation of Java 1.5.0_XX, NSM/web, which fails with a security exception. To learn more, go to: http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=6203567.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02128607/c02128607.pdf


http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=6203567

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If the policy file is not updated, NSM/web can hang after sending the logon credentials as shown in the following screenshot.

Compatibility with IE version 8.0 and higher To access a NonStop server using NSM/web with IE version 8.0 or higher, the browser needs to be placed in compatibility mode. If the browser is not placed in compatibility mode an error appears when a user tries to logon to a NonStop server.

For example, to access NSM/web from a web browser, a user types a URL containing the IP address of a NonStop Server. The following is an example: htt p://15.178.195.53/NSMweb/NSMweb.

To place IE in compatibility mode click on the button shown in the following diagram.

The COMPATIBILITY VIEW button is displayed in blue when compatibility mode is turned on.

Once a user sees the initial logon screen the user clicks on the “Log On” button as shown

The following error appears

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Other issues: • NSM/web uses CORBA technology, which requires dynamic ports. If a firewall is used between the browser and the

server, dynamic ports are likely to be blocked. To address this issue, starting with version 3.1, SQL/MX allows requests to be tunneled through two dedicated ports that can be manually configured.

The softdoc description of the new feature is as follows:

1. [H31]

NSM/web now uses two dedicated TCP/IP port numbers for client-server communication.

These port numbers, configured at the time of installation, must be open in the firewall configuration. This configuration enables NSM/web to be used with the firewall.

Note: If a user still encounters problems accessing a NonStop server after modifying the java.policy file and browsing in compatibility mode, the user should contact the Global NonStop Solution Center (GNSC) for additional support.

MXDM Architectural overview

MXDM is a graphical database management solution that resides on a client’s workstation and uses an ODBC driver to access SQL/MX databases. The ODBC driver accesses SQL/MX databases using MXCS.

The following diagram provides an example of how MXDM uses the common ODBC framework to communicate with a NonStop SQL/MX 3.2 database:

Figure 13. MXDM architecture overview

The steps involved in accessing a NonStop server via MXDM are typical of other ODBC/MX clients. The sequence of events involved in establishing a connection between MXDM and its server components include:

1. MXDM sends a connection request to the MXCS service using an ODBC/MX driver. The connection request includes an IP address or the NonStop server’s DNS name and port number. The port number is defined when the association server is started. The default port number for the association server is 18650.

2. The ODBC driver accesses an MXCS association server on the NonStop system. When connecting to a SQL/MX database using ODBC/MX, the association server is the listener, listening for client connection requests. The job of this listener is to pass the client connection to a server process.

3. The association server grants the connection request and associates the client application with a data source specified when the connection request is made; otherwise the client is passed to a server process in the default data source (TDM_Default_DataSource).

4. MXDM sends a connection request to the MXCS SQL server that was assigned by the association server. After user information is validated, a connection between MXDM and the SQL/MX database is established. Subsequently, users can view and administer the database and connectivity objects on the system.

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System requirements

Client workstation components: • 512 MB memory

• 10 MB disk space for installation and 64 MB free space

• Microsoft Windows XP, 32-bit or 64-bit Microsoft Windows Vista, or 32-bit or 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7

• MXDM (32-bit version or 64-bit version)

• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

– If .NET 3.5 runtime is not available on your system, running setup.exe, used to install MXDM, automatically detects and installs the .NET 3.5 runtime.

• NonStop ODBC/MX 3.2 driver for Windows to connect to SQL/MX systems

– 32-bit version of MXDM requires the 32-bit ODBC driver

– 64-bit version of MXDM requires the 64-bit ODBC driver

• RMXCI

– To use RMXCI, the JDBC type 4 driver v3.1 must be installed

NonStop system components: • NonStop SQL/MX 3.2 or later

Reference material

To learn more about MXDM please access the following web location: hp.com/go/nonstop-docs. From this site users can search for MXDM.

Accessing MXDM and related software

• MXDM

• ODBC driver (TDMODBC.exe)

• RMXCI

• Java T4 Driver

The software needed to install MXDM can be found in the SQL/MX 3.2 installation CD.


All software components need to be installed in order to fully utilize MXDM. For information on installing MXDM please search for MXDM from hp.com/go/nonstop-docs. For information on installing RMXCI please search for RMXCI from hp.com/go/nonstop-docs.

http://www.hp.com/go/nonstop-docs

http://www.hp.com/go/nonstop-docs

http://hp.com/go/nonstop-docs

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SQLXPress Architectural overview

Setting-up SQLXPress is a straightforward process and users are guided through this process via a GUI. SQLXPress connects to a NonStop database using a native TCP/IP connection and it uses the NonStop system LISTNER or Merlon’s LISTEN process to listen on a well-known port. If Merlon’s LISTEN process is used, several product specific features, such as limiting the number of simultaneous users, can be specified. Each connection to a NonStop server starts an instance of the SQLXPress process that runs on the NonStop server, and handles requests from the client running on a Windows PC. SQLXPress connects to an Oracle database using Object Linking and Embedding Database (OLE DB) technology.

The following diagram shows the SQLXPress functional flow.

Figure 14. SQLXPress architecture overview

1. SQLXPress sends a connection request to the NonStop or SQLXPress listener, on the NonStop server, using a native TCP/IP connection.

2. The listener passes the client connection to a SQLXPress server process.

3. SQLXPress (SQLX) Server acts as the proxy for the SQLXPress client, it provides an interface to the other services on the NonStop server.

Data exchange for SQL/MX (DXMX) is the database driver for SQL/MX. All client and server components of SQLXPress access SQL/MX via this driver.

Data exchange for SQL/MP (DXMP) is the database driver for SQL/MP. All client and server components of SQLXPress access SQL/MP via this driver.

System services represents access to facilities which include: NetBatch, Measure, and Guardian.

Merlon scripting language (MSCRIPT) is a host-based program that provides support for executing scripts written in MSCRIPT. Many background tasks submitted from the client use MSCRIPT to execute scripts generated by the client, for example, to populate an index, split a partition, duplicate tables and so on. It uses DXMX and DXMP to access NonStop SQL databases.

Execution plan trawler (PTRAWL) is a host-based program that extracts execution plans for static SQL statements in MX and MP programs, and stores them in a SQLXPress database.

There are various other PC and host-based programs that are part of SQLXPress but these programs have been omitted for clarity.

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System requirements:

Client workstation components: • Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

• Internet Explorer version 4 or later

• A TCP/IP connection to a NonStop system

NonStop system components: • NonStop SQL/MX (2.3 or later)

• NonStop SQL/MP (350 or later) for NonStop SQL/MP table support

• TCP/IP

Reference material:

Documentation can be accessed through SQLXPress’ online help.

Accessing Merlon Software

Download SQLXPress from www.merlon.com. Users have to contact Merlon customer support for a temporary or permanent license.


Once the setup program is installed on a client workstation, users are guided through the client-side and server-side software installation process.

Note: SQLXPress can be installed by any NonStop system user provided the user has the ability to create a catalog.

Installation notes:

There are two steps in the installation process whereby the user may not wish to select default options.

In Step 3 the user installing SQLXPress is asked to provide connection and logon information. In this step the user also provides an IP address corresponding to the NonStop server on which SQLXPress is being installed.

http://www.merlon.com/

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The port number corresponds to Merlon’s listener process. The user installing SQLXPress, however, may wish to use Merlon’s default listener or NonStop’s default listener process.

If the standard HP-provided LISTNER process is used, the LISTNER process must be stopped for a short time so that the PORTCONF file can be edited to add an entry for SQLXPress. During this time, connections to other applications using the standard LISTNER will not be available.

Using the Merlon LISTEN process has a number of advantages over the standard LISTNER process, which include:

• Users can limit the number of concurrent SQLXPress sessions

• Users can specify a subset of CPUs on the system where SQLXPress sessions are started

• Users can specify the process priority for SQLXPress sessions

• Users do not need to interrupt access to other applications in order to change the SQLXPress LISTEN configuration file

In Step 13 the user installing SQLXPress is asked to verify which batch monitor is to be used by SQLXPress.

The Merlon batch monitor can efficiently co-exist with NetBatch. If a user elects to use the Merlon batch monitor, there is no impact on NetBatch.

If the Merlon Batch Monitor is used, the super id has to configure it to be able to use PRIV log on, so that it can start batch jobs on behalf of any user. The PRIV log on is required only for the Merlon Batch Monitor, allowing it to start background processes under user IDs other than the user ID which started the batch monitor. No additional configuration steps are required to use NetBatch.

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Appendix B: HP special-purpose tools for database management Backup and Restore 2 BACKUP and RESTORE 2 enables users to backup and restore OSS and SQL/MX files.

For more information, see: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02128424/c02128424.pdf

DataLoader/MX DataLoader/MX is a software product that is used to load and maintain NonStop SQL/MP, SQL/MX, and Enscribe databases.

For more information, check out: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02117528/c02117528.pdf

Design Advisor NonStop Design Advisor is a tool that makes recommendations for the physical database design of SQL/MX databases. It analyzes data and workloads to obtain the profiles that are relevant for the selection of the following physical database design components: primary key columns and column ordering, partition key and key boundaries, and secondary and cover indexes.

DUP The duplicate utility or DUP is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. The DUP utility copies SQL/MX tables and optionally their indexes and constraints.

For more information see: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c03058401/c03058401.pdf

FASTCOPY FASTCOPY is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci or from a program using dynamic SQL. The FASTCOPY TABLE command copies all the rows from one table to an existing equivalent table. RECOVER support is available for the FASTCOPY utility.


FUP commands The File Utility Program (FUP) helps users manage disk files, non-disk devices (printers, terminals, and tape drives), and processes (running programs) on a NonStop system. FUP can be used to create, display, and duplicate files, load data into files, alter file characteristics, and purge files.

The following commands can be issued using FUP:

RELOAD is used to reload or reorganize tables and indexes.

CREATE is used to create a disk file.

INFO displays disk file characteristics of various files or tables.

RELOAD reorganizes an existing file online.

LISTLOCKS displays information on all locks for a specified file set.


Import The IMPORT utility imports data from an input file in ASCII or UCS-2 format into an SQL/MX table. This utility supports OSS large files (files greater than 2 GB) as input files.


LoadRunner LoadRunner is used to create scenarios in which a user defines the events that occur during a performance testing session. LoadRunner replaces human users at physical machines with virtual users (Vusers). These Vusers create load on a system by emulating actions of typical users in a repeatable and predictable manner.

For more information see: http://support.openview.hp.com/selfsolve/manuals







http://support.openview.hp.com/selfsolve/manuals

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Modify: Online and offline MODIFY is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. It enables database administrators to perform partition operations on range and hash partitions of SQL/MX tables and indexes. Depending on the type of operation being performed, MODIFY can be run as an online or offline operation.


MXEXPORTDDL MXEXPORTDDL is an OSS command-line utility that captures the metadata and statistics of SQL/MX objects and saves them in the XML format. This utility supports OSS large files (files greater than 2 GB) as output files. It is used to export SQL/MX object metadata to an extensible markup language (XML) file for DDL replication, and SQL/MX table statistics to an XML file for statistics replication.


MXIMPORTDDL MXIMPORTDDL is an OSS command-line utility that replicates the DDL definition and statistics of SQL/MX objects. It is used to import SQL/MX object metadata from an XML file for DDL replication and SQL/MX table statistics from an XML file for statistics replication.


MXTOOL MXTOOL is an OSS command-line utility that performs various utility functions.

The following commands can be issued using MXTOOL:

FIXUP repairs problems in the SQL/MX database that cannot be repaired by normal operations.

GOAWAY removes Guardian files associated with an SQL/MX object.

VERIFY is used to detect and display inconsistencies in the database.

INFO provides information about SQL/MX files. INFO displays the Guardian file name, the ANSI name, the ANSI namespace, and the object schema version.

HELP displays helpful information about the mxtool command-line options.

FIXRCB performs a Record Control Block (RCB) fix-up for all the required database objects in catalogs that have an automatic reference on the local system. The command must be executed by the local super ID.


MXGNAMES utility MXGNAMES is a Guardian program that is run from a Tandem Advanced Command Language (TACL) prompt or an OBEY command file. It converts one or more ANSI table names into a list of corresponding Guardian file names, appropriately formatted for transaction management facility (TMF) or BACKUP/RESTORE 2.


MXCI show commands SHOW SESSION

The SHOW SESSION command displays attributes for the current mxci session.

SHOWSHAPE

The SET SHOWSHAPE command allows users to display access plans. The effect of SET SHOWSHAPE is to generate the output of the SHOWSHAPE command for multiple SQL statements.

SHOWCONTROL

The SHOWCONTROL command displays the access plan, controls, and system defaults currently in effect.






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SHOWDDL

The show data definition language SHOWDDL command displays the DDL syntax used to create a table, view, or stored procedure as it exists in metadata, including the object’s dependent objects. The output returned by SHOWDDL can be used as input to mxci to re-create the specified object, including its dependent objects.

SHOWLABEL

The SHOWLABEL command displays file-label information for SQL/MX objects. This information includes the object version, physical location, and other characteristics. Supported objects are tables, triggers, temporary tables, views, and indexes.

For more information, visit: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c03058401/c03058401.pdf

NSKBUSY NonStop System Kernel busy (NSKBUSY) is used to visualize some CPU-related performance activity on a NonStop system which include: % CPU busy, disc I/Os per second, cache hit rate per second, swaps per second, dispatches per second, remaining free memory, and CPU queue length. NSKBUSY allows a drill down on process activities of a specific CPU.

ODB ODBC database browser (ODB) is a platform independent, multi-threaded, ODBC command line tool that can be used as a query driver, data loader and extractor, and SQL interpreter.

PAK/UNPAK The PAK utility compresses NonStop files. PAK compresses Guardian files into a single unstructured archive file on any Expand-connected NonStop system. Users can create a self-extracting archive file or use UNPAK to decompress the archive file when needed. PAK efficiently and compactly collects data, which is useful in situations such as transferring large numbers of files to the Global NonStop Solution Center (GNSC) for analysis.

PAK and UNPAK work directly with BACKUP and RESTORE. For example, PAK uses BACKUP to read files so its syntax is identical to BACKUP syntax. UNPAK uses RESTORE to decompress files from an archive file.


Populate index The POPULATE INDEX utility is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. The POPULATE INDEX utility loads SQL/MX indexes.


PURGEDATA PURGEDATA is a syntax-based utility that is executed from mxci. It is used to delete data from a table and its related indexes or from specified partitions of a table that have no index.


Recover RECOVER is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. The RECOVER utility determines the state of a failed utility operation and executes its recovery procedure. RECOVER completes the failed utility operation by rolling back the entire operation or by completing the operation.


Remote Database Facility RDF monitors changes made to a production database on a local (primary) system and maintains a copy of that database on one or more remote (backup) systems. RDF enables failover to a backup location with no loss of data.

RDF also allows users to use backup databases as read-only resources to balance the overall workload and improve response times. Activities on a backup system can include querying the database, processing heavy batch-reporting loads, and consolidating data from multiple sites into one central site.








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TMFCOM TMF protects SQL/MX databases by managing database transactions, monitoring database activity through the use of audit trails, and enabling database recovery. TMF can be administered through the command line interface TMFCOM.

For more information, visit: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02186496/c02186496.pdf

Update statistics UPDATE STATISTICS is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. UPDATE STATISTICS generates physical statistics for partitions of SQL/MX tables and histograms for one or more groups of columns within a table. These statistics are used to devise optimized access plans.


Upgrade or downgrade UPGRADE is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. UPGRADE transforms all metadata that is visible on the local node, from its existing version, to the current schema version for the SQL/MX software version being used. This includes the schemas in the system catalog. The REPORTONLY option allows users to test if the operation can be executed without actually performing the operation.

DOWNGRADE is a syntax-based utility that can be executed from mxci. DOWNGRADE transforms all metadata that is visible on the local node from its existing version to the specified, lower schema version. This includes the schemas in the system catalog. The REPORTONLY option allows users to test if the operation can be executed without actually performing the operation.


VQP Visual Query Planner is a GUI tool used to extract and display execution plans generated by the SQL/MX optimizer for DML statements.

For more information see: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02732019/c02732019.pdf?HPBCMETA

Explain The EXPLAIN function is a table-valued stored function that returns information about execution plans for SQL data manipulation language (DML) statements. Output provided by EXPLAIN can be used to for the following purposes:

• Review the chosen execution plan

• Identify problems and tune queries

• Determine whether the optimizer chooses the optimal plan

For more information, see: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02732019/c02732019.pdf?HPBCMETA




http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02732019/c02732019.pdf?HPBCMETA

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