In theory there are two possibilites to "connect between MSSQL and Progress". Theory, because it all depends heavily on the versions of MSSQL and Progress/OpenEdge you are using whether it works reasonably or at all in practice.
- A non-Progress client using SQL via ODBC/JDBC to use a MSSQL database: The very same client can use SQL with a Progress database via ODBC/JDBC. At least since in theory since Progress V9.
- A Progress ABL ( a.k.a 4GL ) client using it's native access to a Progress database. The very same client can connect to a non-Progress database ( like MSSQL ) using the corresponding Data Server ( for MSSQL in your case ) product von Progress.
Nevertheless, running an ABL application that was developed against a Progress database "as-is" against a non-Progress databse or trying to use a Progress database the very same way like you would use a MSSQL database might yield all kinds of funky side effects.
The most prominent reasons are for that are:
- Different philosopy for retrieving data: Your typical SQL is result set oriented whereas Progress is record oriented.
- Complete different philosophy in handling transactions.
In practice that usually means that you need to overhaul major parts of the application going either one or the other way.
Heavy Regards, RealHeavyDude.