What is the difference between ODBC User DSN and System DSN when using IDMS SERVER or Visual DBA?

Products

• IDMS
• IDMS - Database
• IDMS - ADS

Issue/Introduction

In order to connect a Visual DBA or IDMS SERVER ODBC session to a Mainframe IDMS CV, you do so via a Data Source or Node. One of the options is to choose a System Data Source Name (SYSTEM DSN) or a User Data Source Name (USER DSN). What the difference between the two Data Source Types?

Environment

Release: IDADSO00100-18.5-ADS-for CA-IDMS
Component:

Resolution

In order to connect a Visual DBA or IDMS SERVER ODBC session to a Mainframe IDMS CV; you do so via a Data Source or Node. One of the options is to choose a System Data Source Name (SYSTEM DSN) or a User Data Source Name (USER DSN).

 

Typically, data sources meant to be used by Windows services must be defined as System Data Sources and are available to all users and services of the machine. Whereas User data sources are available only to the user who defined them, and as a result will not be available to any other users of the machine.

Additional Information

References:

 

IDMS Server User Guide, Chapter 5: Configuring the Client on Windows, Defining Data Sources

 

Visual DBA User Guide, Chapter 3: Start Your CA IDMS Visual DBA Session, Add a New Datasource/Node