LANSA Integrator Features

Middleware to Connect Applications and Businesses

Hero Image Integrator

Data Integration Software

Simplify the exchange of data between applications and the transferring of files/documents between businesses.

LANSA Integrator Details Features

  • APIs and built-in functions for Visual LANSA and RPG developers
  • Ready-made services for application-to-application integration
  • Services for enabling business-to-business integration
  • Multiple data transformations
  • Extensible service catalog—extend supplied services with customer-built services
  • XML and EDI document parsing, generation, and transformation
  • Real-time and batch data integration and document exchange
  • Real-time and batch file transfer
  • Event monitoring and trigger capabilities
  • Deployable file transfer utility (User Agent) for uploading files to remote servers

LANSA Integrator Architecture

  • Integrator's Java Service Manager manages interfaces and marshals services
  • Fast and scalable multithreading in a single Java Virtual Machine
  • Integrator Studio (property editor and management tools)
  • Secure communications (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP, TLS, and SSL)
  • Extensive tracing and logging for debug and audit
  • LANSA Repository for metadata management

Document and File Services

  • File management (move, copy, delete)
  • PDF service to create text and graphical PDF documents
  • ZIP service to create and extract archive files and directories

Data Access Services

  • Access data using SQL from ODBC or JDBC databases including DB2 on IBM i, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, and
  • MySQL
  • File formats include CSV, TSV, and TXT
  • Microsoft Excel workbooks
  • LANSA working list services
  • Remote function invocation for Java developers
  • Supports ASC X12 and UN/EDIFACT EDI file formats and Standard Exchange Format Editor
  • Handles data encoding Unicode, ASCII, and EBCDIC
  • Manages multiple clients with different encoding and locale information simultaneously

Email Services

  • Send and receive email messages (POP3 and SMTP)
  • Email attachments

Message Services

  • Messaging interfaces support ActiveMQ (Apache), SonicMQ (Progress Software), Rendezvous (Tibco), WebLogic JMS
  • (Oracle), and WebSphere MQ (IBM)
  • Supports Java Message Services API
  • Send SMS text messages via SMTP or HTTP

Web Services

  • REST, SOAP, and XML web services
  • Supports JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

XML Services

  • Automatically generates XSL style sheets for data transformation (XSLT)
  • Embedded XML parser with XML editor
  • Visual XML Wizard maps XML schemas and XML documents to LANSA and 3GL program data structures
  • Read, write, and parse XML
  • Supports streamed XML
  • Validate XML documents using DTD and XML schema grammars

Transport Services

  • Transport services include HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, SMTP, POP3, and messaging software
  • JSM Direct HTTP service extension for web services
  • EDIINT AS2, AS3, and EDI
  • Secure SMTP email
  • TCP/IP versions 4 and 6

Database Services

  • DB2 on IBM i (System i, iSeries, AS/400) servers
  • Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and Sybase on Windows servers
  • Oracle on Linux servers
  • JDBC accessible databases

IBM i Specific Services

  • Native services support data queues, message queues, and user space communications
  • Read and write documents stored in the Integrated File System

Additional Features

Integrator’s services for transforming and transporting data make it the “Swiss Army Knife” of data integration. When developers confront a situation requiring data exchange and/or transformation there is an Integrator service that can simplify the task, and they can extend Integrator’s functionality by developing their own services or requesting LANSA to build services.

Here’s an explanatory list of all the services Integrator provides.

Business documents: EDI and AS 2, 3

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

EDI is a set of standards for structuring business documents exchanged between businesses, organizations and government entities.Integrator’s EDI services can:

  • Send and receive EDI documents using FTP, SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS and AS2/AS3.
  • Parse and validate EDI documents.
  • Transform an EDI document into a data set, or a data set into an EDI document.
  • Update a database with data from an EDI document or create an EDI document from data in a database.
  • Collate multiple documents into a single EDI document.
Applicability Statement (AS2 and AS3)

The AS2/AS3 specification defines how to transport data securely over the Internet using digital certificates and data encryption.

Integrator’s AS2 and AS3 file transfer services can:

  • Receive and send AS2/AS3 transactions.
  • Send message disposition notifications.
  • Manage X.509 certificates.

Documents and files

Excel service

The Excel service reads and/or creates Microsoft Excel workbooks.

Use case: Many companies distribute information in spreadsheet format as a convenient way to exchange data between suppliers and partners.Developers can use the service to create an Excel workbook including data extracted from a corporate database or line-of-business application, and then use the SMTP mail service to send the workbook to users on a distribution list.

PDF service for documents

The PDF service provides developers with the tools to generate PDF documents including text, images, bar codes and QR codes.

Use case: An application can merge data and images into PDF documents and optionally add password protection
to distribute information in read-only mode.

PDF service for IBM i spooled files

This service generates PDF documents from IBM i spooled files.

Use case: Using this PDF service, developers can write applications that automatically convert reports (spool files) to PDF documents and send them to nominated recipients via email using Integrator’s email services.

Zip service

The zip service accepts one or more files and creates a single compressed (or zipped) file.

Use case: Use the zip service in an online banking application that includes the option to download copies
of statements. When a user selects 10 statements, the zip service sends an email containing a single zipped attachment including
all 10 statements instead of sending 10 emails or 1 email with 10 attachments.

Data Access

SQL service

The SQL service allows IBM i applications developed using LANSA or RPG to access data in databases that reside on other IBM i, Windows, or Linux servers. Any database with a JDBC driver is accessible, including DB2, MySQL, Oracle and SQL Server.

Use case: Developers can use the SQL service to include data from multiple databases in an application. For example, combine product item data from a DB2 database (IBM i server), customer data from a SQL Server database (Windows server), and logistics data from an Oracle database (Linux server).

File system managementThe file system management service allows applications to manipulate objects in a server’s file system, such as the Integrated File System (IFS) on an IBM i server. Applications can perform actions including copy, rename and delete.
LDAP serviceThe Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) service provides developers with the tools to access and retrieve information from LDAP directories. Examples are accessing telephone numbers, email addresses and network devices such as printers.

Email

POP3 mail service

The POP3 service enables applications to receive email messages and examine their content including sender details, subject, message text and attachments.

Use case: Use the mail service for task management in Human Resources (HR) processes. Employees can send email messages to a HR email address and an application can examine the message content and then create a workflow task for a person or group in HR.

SMTP mail service

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) mail service enables applications to send email messages. Applications can set property values such as recipient addresses, subject and message text, content type and character encoding, and also include one or more attachments.The service also supports a variety of encryption techniques.

Use case: Use this service to distribute PDF copies of month-end reports, or automatically respond to data in incoming email messages.

File transfer

File transfer

Integrator provides multiple options for sending and receiving files:

  • File transfer using FTP or FTPS.
  • Secure file transfer using Secure Shell network protocol (SSH).
  • Secure document transfer using EDIINT AS2 and AS3.
  • File transfer using HTTP or HTTPS.

Messaging

Message services

Message services enable programs to send messages and files to message management software such as IBM WebSphere MQ.Programs create messages, pass them to Integrator using commands such as send and receive, and Integrator provides the interfaces to the messaging software. The messaging software transports messages and files to their destinations.

LANSA Integrator Message Service

Use case: Using the message services and WebSphere MQ, an RPG application can receive an order on an IBM i server in Chicago, send the order to a Windows server in London and fulfil the inventory from a German warehouse managed by software running on an AIX server in Berlin.

SMS service

The SMS service allows an application to send Short Message Service (SMS) text messages to mobile devices.

Use case: A typical use of the SMS service is to automate sending messages to on-call employees when events
occur, for example sending messages to engineers when a failure occurs in a production process, or to data centre staff
to indicate the status of long-running jobs.

Web services

SOAP

The Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) services provide tools to consume or publish web services using the Web Services Description Language (WSDL).

Applications can use a web service to retrieve product information from a manufacturer, or publish a web service that accepts orders and updates an ERP system.

Use case: A web service that accepts orders can receive an order from a customer, call a distributor’s web service to determine stock availability, then call the UPS web service to calculate shipping price, and finally send back an order confirmation.

REST

REST (Representational State Transfer) defines a set of architectural principles for building HTTP-based web services.

Integrator’s REST services support these principles and developers can implement the example above using REST web services.

XML

XML service

The XML services provide tools for developer to use when working with XML files including reading, parsing, creating, sending and receiving the files.

Integrator can read and parse any XML document and map it into data structures in an application.

Use case: Integrator can receive AS2 encrypted documents via SOAP, map the XML documents into IBM i files, then create XML invoices.

Data transport

The data transport services provide multiple ways to send and receive data.
FTP service

The FTP service allows an application to send and receive files to or from servers and supports both standard and secure FTP. Service commands include connecting to a server, creating, deleting, renaming and navigating folders on the server, creating and deleting files, and transferring files to or from a server.

Developers can automate moving files from one server to another, regardless of platform or operating system.

Use case: Moving daily sales and/or customer data from several servers to a business intelligence server.

HTTP and HTTPSTransport data across the Internet.
FTP, FTPS and SFTP

Send and receive files to or from one computer to another.

  • FTP is the TCP/IP file transfer protocol.
  • FTPS is the TCP/IP file transfer over SSL.
  • SFTP (secure FTP) uses Secure Shell (SSH) to transfer files.
Messaging software and Java Message Services

Send and receive data via messages.

Integrator supports messaging software interfaces for ActiveMQ (Apache), WebSphere MQ (IBM), SonicMQ (Progress Software) and Tibco Rendezvous (Tibco).

Java Message Service (JMS) API is message middleware for sending messages between applications.

SMTP and POP3Send and receive email messages and attachments.

Remote function invocation

Remote Function Invocation (RFI) service

The Remote Function Invocation (RFI) service allows Java programs to interact with RPG or LANSA programs to access dataon IBM i servers without using JDBC. The data in a data structure on an IBM i server can be a row from a database table, a collection of data combined from multiple data sources, data from a file in the IFS, or even a single data item.

LANSA Integrator Remote Function Invocation Service

Java programs work with the data as if it is a local object and can send objects to, or receive objects from the RFI service as serialised, class-like objects. Data is available in read-only mode or Java programs can update the data. When a Java program updates data it can send a revised copy of the object to a program on a server via the RFI service.

For example, a distributor who requires real-time access to a manufacturer’s ERP system running on an IBM i server can use a Java program to access stock availability, pricing and shipping data on the server from a Linux server, Windows desktop computer or mobile device.

Advantages of the RFI service are:

  • Java programs do not need to know anything about where the data resides.
  • Accessing data is faster because the RFI service requires no remote database connections using JDBC or similar database access methods.
  • There is no need for an exchange of XML documents and the implicit overhead of creating and interpreting the XML.

Transport mechanism for moving the data is WebSockets over HTTP or HTTPs and the RFI service can operate via proxy servers.

Java programs can run on any server, computer or mobile device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), including IBM i, IBM AIX, IBM z/OS, Windows, Oracle Solaris, Linux, Apple iOS and Android.

Java programs can run on the same server as the RPG or LANSA programs or on a remote server, desktop computer or mobile device.

aXes terminal service

aXes Terminal Service

The aXes Terminal Service allows an application to connect to and interact with aXes Terminal Server to navigate, interrogate and/or edit 5250 application screens on IBM i servers. Applications can interact directly with 5250 applications running on the same or remote IBM i servers.

LANSA Integrator aXes Terminal Services

Applications can issue commands including:

  • Connect (and logon) and disconnect the 5250 session
  • Interrogate the values of current screen identifiers, labels and field values
  • Set or edit the values of fields on a screen
  • Send function keys such as ENTER and F3
  • Perform multiple operations with a single command by using aXes terminal operation scripts

This service allows developers to automate data entry tasks. For example, customers can place orders on a website and Integrator can automatically insert the orders into an ERP system .

Implemented Solutions Transport Data Formats
Accept customer orders in XML format from a global e-business platform. HTTP XML
Accept customer orders via multiple business-to-business channels using XML and text files (CSV). FTP, HTTP Text (CSV), XML
Allow retail and wholesale dealers to submit orders from their procurement systems directly into the company’s ordering system to avoid re-keying orders via the website. HTTP Text (CSV, TSV), XML
Automate a slow and costly manual order entry process to avoid keying errors, paper mishandling and distribution problems. HTTP XML
Automate an exchange of electronic documents to remove the need for printed copies of the documents. HTTP PDF
Automate receiving orders and integrating with the ERP system to reduce the cost of customer service representatives processing orders manually. HTTP MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV), XML
Comply with a corporate mandate for integration with Microsoft BizTalk Server using XML as the data format. FTP XML
Generate PDF reports providing statistics of business activity for distribution by email. SMTP PDF
Implement support for a strategic commitment to XML for real-time integration between applications. WebSphere MQ XML
Integrate a Windows CRM system and IBM i applications with an outsourced website. FTP XML
Integrate and share data between government agencies and departments. FTP, HTTP, SMTP MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV)
Integrate applications running on IBM i servers with in-store kiosks and cash registers to capture sales in real time. HTTP Text
Integrate data exchanged with an externally hosted WebSphere Commerce site. WebSphere MQ EDI, MS Excel, XML
Integrate line-of-business applications with amazon.com. HTTP XML web services
Provide a download for secure PDF files from the company’s website. HTTP PDF
Provide a real-time interface with the eHealth Insurance portal. HTTP EDI
Provide a secure data exchange for sensitive data. HTTPS, SFTP MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV)
Provide an automated integration solution to remove manual intervention from an insurance quotation process. HTTP XML
Provide an EDI integration solution that complies with HIPAA code requirements. FTP, HTTP EDI
Provide an integration solution that accepts both batch and interactive requests and also supports remote procedure calls. HTTP SOAP, XML
Provide an integration solution that accepts multiple orders in different data formats, from multiple business partners and returns data including order acknowledgements and invoice details. FTP, SMTP MS Access, text (CSV), XML
Provide an interface to a BPCS ERP system. HTTP MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV), XML
Provide customers with information in PDF and text files for download from a website. HTTP PDF
Provide sales lead information from a website to the corporate CRM system. FTP XML
Provide support for receiving files in multiple data formats and exchanging data with customers of varying levels of technical knowledge. POP3, SMTP EDI, MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV), XML
Receive email attachments from customers and insert them into a line-of-business application. POP3 EDI, MS Excel, text (CSV, TSV), XML
Send documents via EDI to trading partners. FTP EDI
Synchronise data between a DB2 database on an IBM i server and an Oracle database on a Linux server. HTTP SQL, XML
Transport data from a line-of-business application to Siebel CRM. WebSphere MQ XML
Use a web service payment gateway for credit card payments. HTTP XML web services

Brewers' Distributor Achieves Quick ROI with LANSA

Peter Gill, warehouse manager at BDL’s Vancouver facility, explains how utilizing LANSA Integrator provides Brewers with an accurate and timely overview of the daily workload, lets them release pick slip assignments more efficiently, and shifts control back to Brewers rather than leaving decisions to the individual picker.

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