About iODBC

What is ODBC?

ODBC is the acronym for Open DataBase? Connectivity, a Microsoft Universal Data Access standard that started life as the Windows implementation of the X/Open SQL Call Level Interface specification. Since its inception in 1992 it has rapidly become the industry standard interface for developing database independent applications. Is is also the emerging standard interface for SQL based database engines replacing many of the first generation Embedded SQL and proprietary call level interfaces provided by database engine and database connectivity middleware vendors alike.

What is the ODBC Value Proposition?

The ability to develop applications independent of back-end database engine.

What is iODBC?

iODBC is the acronym for Independent Open DataBase? Connectivity, an Open Source platform independent implementation of both the ODBC and X/Open specifications. It is rapidly emerging as the industry standard for developing solutions that are language, platform and database independent.

What is the iODBC Value Proposition?

The ability to develop applications independent of back-end database engine, operating system, and for the most part programming language. Although ODBC and iODBC are both 'C' based Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) there are numerous cross language hooks and bridges from languages such as: C++, Java, Perl, Python, TCL etc.

iODBC has been ported to numerous platforms, including Linux (x86, Itanium, Alpha, Mips, and StrongArm?), Solaris (Sparc & x86), AIX, HP-UX (PA-RISC & Itanium), Digital UNIX, Dynix, Generic UNIX 5.4, FreeBSD?, MacOS? 9, MacOS? X, DG-UX, and OpenVMS?.