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Add User Interaction to Maps with the TSExitSuite version 3.0 |
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The TSExitSuite
software provides users and designers of Mercator®/DataStage® TX maps run in
the Windows® environment the ability to use the standard Mercator/DataStage
EXIT mapping function to incorporate runtime user interaction into their
maps. While most
Mercator/Datastage map developers think in "batch" terms - that is,
a process which runs unattended and for which nothing varies from one map
execution to another - this is more a function of the limitations of the
Mercator/DataStage product than the desireability of user interaction. The TSExitSuite
uses the standard EXIT mapping function to allow map designers to incorporate
run-time user interaction into their maps; that is, what the TsExitSuite
provides is the equivalent of an
"=PROMPT" mapping function. BENEFITS - Users may
enter from one to twelve values per map rule at map runtime; these user-supplied values may be
used in subsequent map rules. - Screens are
automatically designed and sized; no 'measuring' in graphics units required. - Users may be
prompted for input or output file names at map runtime; those filenames may
be used in susequent map rules using RUN with input and output filename
overrides (e.g., ., -IFn,
-OFn ) - Allows
incorporation of external processes - executable programs or MS-DOS
batch files - into maps without
the requirement for the Mercator "batch file adapter." - Meaningful
error codes and error messages may be returned to map users. - Interactive
software can be created by the map designer, freeing C/BASIC/COBOL
programming resources to concentrate on other applications. FEATURES - The
TsExitSuite's Integrated Development Environment allows all calls to be
tested and rules developed outside the Mercator IDE. - Creates map rules
for the Windows clipboard which may be pasted directly into the Mercator
IDE's rule bar. - External
process interface supports launch and return immediately; launch, wait for
completion and return the exit code of the launched program; and launch, wait
for completion and return the standard output of the launched process. - Automatically
prevents selection of nonexistent or invalid input file names; demands
confirmation to overwrite existing output file names. - Prompts for
input or output files may optionally specify "starting folder for
browse." - On-screen call
syntax enables rapid map rule development. - Most Recently
Used list retains last twenty-five call strings for developer - Documentation
includes sample input-output card definitions and rules . - Interactivity
allowes create maps not requiring recompilation or "ini" type files
to vary parameters. POTENTIAL
APPLICATIONS - Prompt user
for "test" or "production" and run
different maps/different options depending on selection. - Prompt for customer,
vendor, or other key applications values; map may use the EXTRACT function to
filter input to that matching these values. This eliminates the need to run
one map for "normal" production and a separate map for
"reprocessing" applications. - Prompt user
for 'name of file to be
processed' and/or 'where to save results.' - Incorporate
automatic 'launch and view' of audit or processing logs and reports. - Include 'run
external process before evaluating next rule' to reduce or eliminate complex
processing flow. - When complex
edits of user responses are required, create an external program and return the
edited results to the map. Both the TSExitSuite IDE and EXIT DLL run on Windows
9x/ME/2000/NT/XP; and with Mercator /DataStage TX versions 1.4, 5.x, 6.x thru 6.7 OEM/VAR/Consultant inquiries
welcome. Tal Systems offers VAR
program participation for third-party map developers. Custom Meractor/DatastageTX
EXIT processing quoted on request. This software is not a product of Mercator Software, Inc. or Ascential Software, Inc. Neither Mercator Software Inc. nor Ascential Software Inc. has been involved in the design, development or marketing of this product. TsExitSuite is a trademark of Tal Systems Inc. Racine WI USA. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation Redmond WA USA. Mercator and Datastage are registered trademarks of Ascential Software Westboro MA USA. |
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