We're considering whether it would be a good idea to install our Webfocus reporting server and client on our iSeries instead of dedicating a Windows server to the task.

We have been running on Win 2003 Server for many years, and haven't had any real trouble, but we figure the iSeries is a more expensive machine so likely faster.

Do any of you run Webfocus on an iSeries running OS400? What are your thoughts compared to Windows, have you had any trouble with it on the iSeries with configuration?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kerry,

Yes we are.

The client with whom am working right now, is Running the WebFOCUS server instance(basically 2, one for Dev and One for TEST) as part of the OS 400 server. And performance wise, it is too good, as the DB2 DB server also reside in the same OS400 machine. As far as I see configuration Files ODIN, ADMIN and edaserve dont show much difference between the usual windows/Unix one and OS400 one.

We initally had few issues in executing DB2 stored procs from webFOCUS in this Env. But sorted out with IbI and created CLI adapters to resolve the same.

Otherwise perfomance is really the point to be mentioned here.

IBM has a product called DB2 Web Query that is their version of the Webfocus products for iSeries & OS/400 OS.

We've been running sucessfully for 2+ years now. Integrates well with all DB2 tables and views and stored procedures. Has options for running the reports on web pages via a URL calls. Can pull in data from SQL Servers as well.

Hope this helps.

Bob

Ramkumar brings up an interesting point. Is the performance of running Webfocus on the iSeries improved over connecting to a database through ODBC or through a CLI adapter?

rdmcnally: Are you running DB2 Web Query? Have you had much luck with it? Is it exactly the same as webfocus?

Yes - we are running DB2 Web Query.
Yes - we have had a lot of success with it.
No - it is not exactly the same as webfocus. IBM has modified it to work with the DB2 Data Base and iSeries OS. I dont have a feature by feature comparison of the two products. A good place to start is here:

http://www.ibm.com/developerwo...um.jspa?forumID=1289

Both the ways Jason. CLI adapters were created only to resolve issues in executing DB2 Stored Procedures.

Other than that, performance was really good in(webfocus running on iSeries OS400 and DB2 db) data fetching part - either through webFocus Synonyms or through SQL pass throughs. I mean to faster when Compared to connect to MS SQL Server or Oracle which resides in a different Server.

Situation here is quite simple.

Basic rule,
If WebFOCUS is installed on the same machine as the data source the performance is going to be better,
simply because you remove the network transfer element.

iSeries machines generally have faster processors and more memory than Windows server machines,
if you are going 100% at DB2 data it's got to be a better option.

However if you need to access none DB2 data on a remote source you will take a hit.

Installation and configuration is a bit more complex but should not be an issue.

Remeber if you use any opsys calls they all need to be changed, same for filedefs etc.

Best advice, if you are seriously thinking about this, is to contact your local IBI branch
and talk with them.

I would suggest a POC, because you will have to pay to change platforms and you need proof that the investment is worth it.

quote:

If WebFOCUS is installed on the same machine as the data source the performance is going to be better,
simply because you remove the network transfer element.

Yes.. Latency plays the role there...