|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
What is Fipher?
What does it cost?
What is a Fipher Primary Key?
When was Fipher first developed?
What if there needs to be changes to the Transfer Layout (like new Record Types or new fields), that I can't make?
Can I change the Transfer Layout?
Can I run a Fipher conversion automatically on a regularly scheduled basis?
What database formats can I use?
Can I add my own fields to the database table after Fipher was created the table? Will they stay there if I rerun Fipher?
What mainframe file formats does Fipher Support?
What mainframe field formats does Fipher support?
How does Fipher handle dates?
Can I run a Fipher conversion without using the Fipher GUI?
How can I save the parameters for a Fipher conversion?
Why do I get the message that there are "too many fields in a table"?
Can I Fipher a file that's in ZIP format?
How do I transfer a Mainframe file with FTP?
How do I transfer a file with FTP?
Can I incorporate Fipher into my own program?
How do I get Help?
|
Fipher is a Windows based program that will transfer and decipher any mainframe file into any ODBC-complaint database (SQL Server, Access, FoxPro, Oracle...) without any coding on the mainframe. All you need is the Basic Fipher program (it's free), an FTP connection to the mainframe (if you don't have one, the file can be downloaded by your systems department), and a Transfer Layout for the file. The Transfer Layout is developed and tested by us (usually in less than a day) from your COBOL copybook and delivered to you. You can get a trial version of any Transfer Layout for free.
**NEW** Fipher Professional is now available. Fipher Professional Version allows the creation and maintenance or your own library or Transfer Layouts. Layouts created by your origanization or fully compatible with the Fipher Basic Version. |
|
Option #1: The Basic Fipher program is free. We will develop and test the Transfer Layout based on the COBOL copybook you provide (usually the next day). We will give you a trial version that's good for two weeks. If you like it, there is a initial fee of $900 for the Transfer Layout and an annual maintenance fee of $200.
Option #2: The Professional Fipher program will allow you to create and maintain your organizations Transfer Layouts. Transfer Layouts created by your organization can be used with the Basic Fipher program. Please contact us for pricing. |
|
| Fipher Primary Keys are fields in the target database generated by Fipher that allow the selective updating when Fiphering a new file into the database. Fipher Primary Keys are added when the Transfer Layout has a Primary Key defined on the File Properties window. After the database is created with the Fipher Primary Key fields, subsequent Fiphers will match incoming records at the field level and only add new records or update existing records with updated data. |
|
| Fipher was first developed in 1998 and has been successfully used on hundreds of different file formats. |
|
If this is an update to a Transfer Layout you already have from us, send us the COBOL copybook and we'll develop and test a new Transfer Layout for you. This will be done at our regular hour rate. This can usually be done in 1 hour. If it takes longer, it will never cost more than the cost a new Transfer Layout.
If it's done in less time than a new Transfer Layout would cost, you'll be charged the hourly rate and the Transfer Layout will remain on the same annual maintenance schedule. If a new Transfer Layout is done for you, a new annual period will begin. |
|
Yes. With the Basic Fipher Version there are a number of items that can be changed. You can...
remove fields or entire tables from being converted
update the format for date fields
change the case (title case, upper case, lower case) for Alpha Fields
change the prefix for all table names
select the conversion of all REDFINES versions of a field, or only the first definition.
With the Professional Fipher Version all items can be maintained and new Transfer Layouts can be created. |
|
| Yes. See the FAQ on running Fipher without using the Fipher GUI to create a Windows Script, VB Script or .BAT file. You can then use Windows Scheduled Tasks (under My Computer in Windows 98 and under Control Panel is all other Windows version) to create an automatic schedule the Fipher job. |
|
| Fipher supports all ODBC-compliant database formats. Fipher can natively create and load a Microsoft Access (97, 2000, or XP) without any ODBC definitions in the system control panel. All other target databases can either be defined in the Windows Control Panel as a File (or System) DSN or can be accessed by the creation of a Connection String. |
|
When you fipher into a Database, Fipher delete and re-create the target database tables, unless the "Append" option is used. If the "Append" option is used, Fipher will add new fields that don't already exist in the target table, but won't disturb any extra fields or indexes you have created.
For Adding Fields to target database tables and the Transfer Layout has more than 1 Record Type: If you add a field to the target database table in the common area (fields that exist on every record type), then the new field has to added to all the target database tables in same position. When adding a field to a single table, it needs to be added after the common area. |
|
| Fipher supports both fixed and variable-length record format. For variable-length formats, Fipher supports different variable lengths based on up to six (6) different key fields within the record. Fipher also supports the OCCURS DEPENDING on clause. |
|
Fipher supports the following mainframe field formats:
Alphanumeric
COMP (binary)
COMP-2
COMP-3
COMP-4
INDEX
Numeric signed
Numeric Unsigned
Implied Decimal |
|
Fipher will recognize and translate dates into the correct database date format from mainframe dates stored in any of the following formats:
Absolute Date(count of days since Jan 1, 1900)
MMDDYY
YYMMDD
CCYYMMDD
MMDDCCYY
MMYY
YYMM |
|
| Yes. Fipher will create Windows Script File or DOS .BAT files for you with all the parameters to Fipher a file. After the is created, you just need to double-click on the file to run the Fipher job. Or, this file can be added to Windows Scheduled Tasks to run an automatic basis without any intervention. |
|
| You can save all the parameters entered for a Fipher conversion in a Fipher Job (.FPD file). On the Menu Bar, click on File, then Save or Save As |
|
| There is a maximum of 255 data items in an Access Database Table. For an ODBC Database, the maximum number is 1024. |
|
| Yes. You need to have the command line version of WINZIP installed. Enter the full path to the WINUNZIP.EXE program under the Preferences in the Unzip Program Location. For example, enter "C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZUNZIP.EXE". The Input File Name that you are Fiphering must have a .ZIP extension. |
|
In the Input File Name, enter
ftp://(ftp-account):(ftp-password)@(ftp-server)/'filename)'
or enter
ftp://(ftp-server)/'filename)'
and you'll be prompted for the FTP Account Name and FTP Password
Once you enter FTP in the Input File Name box, the FTP Dialog Box will automatically appear to help to create the formatted FTP statement. |
|
In the Input File Name, enter
ftp://(ftp-account):(ftp-password)@(ftp-server)/(filename)
or enter
ftp://(ftp-server)/(filename)
and you'll be prompted for the FTP Account Name and FTP Password
Once you enter FTP in the Input File Name box, the FTP Dialog Box will automatically appear to help to create the formatted FTP statement. |
|
| Yes. Along with the Fipher executable program (fipher.exe), we also deliver the Fipher DLL (fipher.dll), which exposes Properties and Methods necessary to allow you to run Fipher from your own program. See the Help on the Fipher Object for further information. |
|
| Press PF1 on any Fipher screen and you will be connected to the Help pages on Fipher Website. There will be a link at the top of the Help web page with a link to specific help on the field in question. |
|
|
Home
Contact
Login
