OptiLink DataBlade Module

OptiLink DataBlade provides optical storage and retrieval for Informix's Universal Server (IUS). OptiLink DataBlade extends the available data types by adding a new OPTICAL data type. This data type and the OptiLink DataBlade functions which support it are all available at the SQL layer from either a client workstation or the server running INFORMIX Universal Server. The OptiLink DataBlade can work in conjunction with other INFORMIX DataBlades thus providing them with online optical media access.

The OptiLink DataBlade module provides:

• Storage functions to place large data objects onto optical media
• Retrieval functions recall large objects from optical media
• Administrative functions enable explicit control of optical devices
• Access to optical subsystem content
• Unified system view, for your applications.
• Full access to OptiLink metadata through DataBlade functions

Storing and Retrieving Optical Data with the OptiLink DataBlade

Using the OptiLink DataBlade, users can copy data from non-optical storage formats to optical storage and vice versa from within an SQL query. The following storage and retrieval functions are used to access and move data objects:

• Optical creates an optical object by copying data from a binary large object (BLOB) or a file to optical storage. It can also copy an optical object from one location to another location in the optical sub-system.
• OptToFile retrieves data from optical storage and copies it to a local server or workstation file.
• OptToBlob retrieves data from optical storage and copies it to a BLOB in the database

Administering Optical Media with the OptiLink DataBlade

The OptiLink DataBlade provides administrative functions that enable you to control the optical environment and to monitor optical resources. Administrative functions enable the user to perform the following operations:

• OptLabel labels platters with optical families and volumes
• OptImport brings a volume into an optical library making it known to the optical system
• OptInfo obtains information about a volume such as the family name, available space, and number of objects stored
• OptInventory obtains information about your entire optical inventory
• OptFamily obtains the family name of a specified optical object
• OptVolume obtains the volume number of a specified optical object
• OptSize obtains the available space remaining on a specified volume
• OptExport removes a volume from an optical library placing it on the Shelf

Copyright © 1997 Consistency Point Technologies, Inc.