Glossary

This Glossary defines some of the terms used with Optim.

Access Control Domain
The Access Control Domain (ACD) is a security definition that serves as the foundation for all levels of Optim™ Security. Each Optim Directory for which Optim Security is initialized contains an ACD named (Default) that cannot be deleted. Depending upon the needs of your facility, you may create additional ACDs or use only the (Default) ACD. Each ACD includes a list of roles. Each role represents a logical grouping of user and group accounts in your network.
Access Control List
The Access Control List (ACL) is an Optim object that serves as the basis for Object Security. ACL parameters govern the ability of a role to perform actions (such as read, update, or delete) on both the object and the ACL for the object. Each ACD, File Access Definition, and secured Optim object has a unique ACL.
Access Definition
An Access Definition identifies the Start Table, related tables, relationships, and selection criteria that define the data you want to Archive, Extract, Edit, or Compare. You can save and reuse Access Definitions, which are stored in the Optim Directory.
Access Definition Name
An Access Definition name has two parts: identifier.name
identifier
(1 to 8 characters)
name
(1 to 12 characters)
Age Function
The Age Function is used in a Column Map to age a source column value before inserting that value at a destination. The Age Function is formatted as: AGE(parameters)

For details on using the Age Function in a Column Map, refer to Data Privacy Functions in Column Maps.

Archive
Archive enhances database performance by facilitating the removal of infrequently referenced data. This tool allows you to identify and archive sets of relationally intact data before removing selected data from your database. Archived data is indexed and stored. Using Archive, you can browse, search, or restore selected subsets of archived data.
Archive Action
Archive Actions are supplemental SQL statements stored in the Table Specifications of an Access Definition that are to be executed at a selected phase of an Archive, Delete, or Restore Process.

For example, you might use this feature to audit deleted rows by executing an appropriate SQL statement before the start of an Archive Delete Process, or after the deletion of each row.

Archive Directory
A database table in the Optim Directory. When an Archive File is created, an entry is created in the Archive Directory that is used to identify and locate the Archive File and any associated indexes.
Archive Directory Maintenance
A utility that creates, updates, or deletes Archive Directory entries, and creates new or modifies existing Archive File indexes. You can also use it to browse an Archive File, or the Access Definition used to create an Archive File.
Archive File
An Archive File contains the selected, relationally intact data described in the Access Definition, and the object definitions needed to recreate the database, if necessary. Archive Files have a default .af extension and are stored in the Archive Directory specified in Personal Options.

You can browse or selectively restore the data in an Archive File at any time. You can share and use an Archive File as often as needed.

Archive File Security
Archive File Security allows you to control access to data in Archive Files. For example, you might use Archive File Security to prevent any access to data in a specific table or column for most users while granting access to members of selected roles for the same data. Each secured Archive File is associated with a File Access Definition (FAD), which is a security definition that lists tables and columns for which access privileges are defined and, for each listed role, grants or denies privileges to access the archived data.
Archive Index File
An Archive Index File stores index information for a corresponding Archive File. The Archive Index File facilitates the searching, browsing, and restoring of archived data. The default extension for Archive Index Files is .axf.
Archive Process
An Archive Process copies a set of related rows from one or more tables and stores this data in an Archive File. Initiate the Archive Process with an Archive Request that specifies an Access Definition for the data to be extracted and other process parameters, such as delete options.
Archive Request
An Archive Request defines the parameters for archiving and (if desired) deleting data from source tables, and saving that data to an Archive File. An Archive Request references an Access Definition to define the data to archive and the parameters needed to run the Archive Process.

Use the Archive Request Editor to specify an Archive File, an Archive Index File, and a named or local Access Definition. Also, select explicit database objects to extract, override Point and Shoot List parameters, provide values for Variables specified in the Access Definition, and specify Delete options.

You can save and reuse Archive Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Boolean Constant
A Boolean constant specifies a TRUE or FALSE value. Use a Boolean constant to specify the value of a Boolean column in a Column Map or Relationship.
Browse Utility
The Browse Utility allows you to review the contents of an Archive, Extract, Compare, or Control File. Use the Browse Utility to:
  • Verify the contents of a file.
  • Identify discarded rows and review diagnostic information in a Control File, when errors occur during a Convert, Delete, Insert, or Load Process.
Calendar
A calendar consists of general options for adjusting and formatting dates and weekend days, dates that have significant meaning for your site (e.g., holidays), and rules to resolve differences when an aged date occurs on a special day.
Calendar Utility
The Calendar Utility allows you to define the calendar year, dates, and business rules to use for date aging and process scheduling. Use date aging when you Convert, Insert, or Load data. Optim includes sample calendars and business rules.
Child Expression
A child expression is a list of columns in the child table that relate to corresponding columns in the parent table. You can accept, modify, or replace these column names.
Column Map
A Column Map defines the specifications for mapping columns of compatible data between source and destination tables. You can map unlike-named columns, modify data, or exclude columns from a process. You can include one or more Column Maps in a Table Map when you create a request to Compare, Convert, Insert, Load, or Restore data.

When you define a Column Map, you can specify the source column value as an explicit column name, NULL, constant (numeric or Boolean), special register, literal (string, hexadecimal, or date/time), function (Substring, Random, Sequential, Age, or Currency), expression (concatenated or numeric), or exit routine.

Column Map Procedure
A Column Map Procedure is a custom program that is referenced by a Column Map and is used for special processing and data manipulation that is beyond the scope of native Column Maps.
Compare
Compare facilitates comparisons of sets of relationally intact data. Using Compare, you can compare data resulting from application tests to the original data with all differences highlighted, allowing you to rapidly analyze the effects of your application software or modifications to it.
Compare File
A Compare File contains the results of the Compare Process, including details about changes, matched and unmatched rows, and non-unique values. You can browse the contents of a Compare File. Compare Files have a .cmp extension and are stored in the Data Directory specified in Personal Options.
Compare Process
The Compare Process retrieves the data from Source 1 and Source 2 specified in the Compare Request, compares the rows in each pair of tables, identifies the differences between the two versions of data, and records the results in the Compare File.

Initiate the Compare Process with a Compare Request. The Compare Process uses the Primary Key or a user‑defined Match Key to identify rows to compare from Source 1 and Source 2. You can use the Browse Utility to review the results in the Compare File.

Compare Request
A Compare Request specifies the data to compare (Source 1 and Source 2) and the parameters for the Compare Process. Use the Compare Request Editor to specify the comparison mode and the data sources:
  • In Single Table mode, you can compare one table to another. The source tables can come from an Extract File or the database, and you can specify a Column Map to focus on data in specific columns.
  • In Multiple Tables mode, you can compare two sets of tables. The source tables can come from an Extract File, an Access Definition, or include all tables in the database. You can specify a Table Map to focus on specific data.

You can save and reuse Compare Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Composite Columns
A composite column contains data that corresponds to similar data stored in two or more columns in another table. You can relate data in composite columns using a concatenated expression or the Substring Function.
Concatenated Expression
A concatenated expression combines column values or combines a column value with another value, using a concatenation operator (CONCAT, ||, or +), when you define a Column Map or relationship:
  • A Character Concatenated Expression consists of one or more character columns, string literals, or substrings of character columns.
  • A Binary Concatenated Expression consists of one or more binary columns, hexadecimal literals, or substrings of binary columns.
Note: A concatenated expression cannot include a zero-length string literal (‘ ‘), a special register, or the Age Function.
Configuration Program
The Configuration program allows you to prepare your system and workstations to use Optim. You can start this program immediately following installation, or you can select the Configuration icon on your desk top. For details on using this program, see the Installation and Configuration Guide .
Connection String
A connection string permits a workstation to access a particular database. The DBMS uses this connection string to recognize the database. The database administrator specifies this connection string when configuring Optim.
Control File
A Control File records process specifications and the success or failure of processing. A Control File is generated automatically during Convert, Delete, Insert, or Load Processing, or if you run an Archive Request that deletes rows after they are archived. The Control File provides details on discarded rows and may provide diagnostic information. Specify the name of a Control File when you create a process request. Use the Browse Utility to review the contents of a Control File, which have a .cf extension.
Convert Process
The Convert Process transforms the contents of an Extract File before you perform an Insert or Load. This process is useful to mask sensitive data or to prepare data for download to another platform. Use a Convert Request to initiate the Convert Process and specify the Source File and other process parameters.
Convert Request
A Convert Request identifies the Extract File containing the data to convert and the parameters needed to run the Convert Process. Use the Convert Request Editor to specify a Source File, a destination file to store the converted data, and a Control File to store processing information. You can also specify Table Map options, a Discard Row Limit, and options for date aging, currency conversion, and reporting.

You can save and reuse Convert Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Create Utility
The Create Utility allows you to copy object definitions extracted from one database and create like-defined objects in the same or a different database.

Use the Create Utility to clone a production database or create a test database that contains tables identical to those in a production database. You can also create objects within the same database, if you define new names for those objects.

Currency Definition
A Currency Definition contains the following:
  • General parameters for currency calculations and display options for currency codes.
  • Date ranges and conversion rates for currency calculations.
  • Lookup tables to correlate database currency codes with standard and user-defined currency codes.

You can specify a Currency Definition when you use the Currency Function in a Column Map or when you create a Convert, Insert, or Load Process request.

Currency Function
The Currency Function is used in Column Maps to convert a source currency to another type of currency, based on a specified conversion rate, before inserting the result at a destination. Format the Currency Function as: CURRENCY(parameters). For details on using the Currency Function in a Column Map, see Currency Function.
Currency Utility
The Currency Utility allows you to create and maintain Currency Definitions, which specify the types of currencies, conversion rates, and optional look-up tables for conditional currencies. Optim includes lists of currencies and sample rates.
Data-Driven Relationship
In a data-driven relationship, the parent table is related to one of several child tables, based on data in a particular column. Define a data-driven relationship using string literals, hexadecimal literals, numeric constants, Boolean constants, or NULL.
Date/Time Literal
A date/time literal specifies a value for a date or date/time column in a Column Map. Optim uses the time and short date formats defined for Windows 95/NT, and enclose the date/time literal in single quotes.
Note: To check your workstation format, select Regional Options from the Control Panel and review the Date and Time tabs.
DB Alias
A DB Alias is a set of specifications that allows Optim to identify, locate, and access a particular database. The DB Alias also qualifies the names of objects referenced, defined, or accessed using Optim. The specifications for defining a DB Alias are usually provided by the database administrator.
Default Qualifier
A Default Qualifier is the prefix for unqualified table names: dbalias.creatorid.
dbalias
Alias for the database where a table is defined (1 to 12 characters).
creatorid
Identifier assigned to the table (1 to 64 characters). (Use Creator ID for DB2®, Schema for Oracle, and Owner ID for Sybase ASE and SQL Server.)
Delete Process
The Delete Process removes sets of related data from a database after an Extract, Archive, or other process, based on the contents of a Source File (either an Extract or Archive File). Use a Delete Request to initiate the Delete Process. The Source File is not changed during the Delete Process; you can use it again to restore the deleted data.
Delete Request
A Delete Request identifies an Extract or Archive File as the Source File containing the data you want to delete, and specifies the parameters for the Delete Process. Use the Delete Request Editor to specify the Source (Extract or Archive) File, a Control File, and the process options, including the commit frequency, discard row limit, and whether to lock tables during the process. You can save and reuse Delete Requests stored in the Optim Directory.
Destination Format Exit
A Destination Format Exit ages dates based on a destination exit routine. This exit routine is called to format the destination column in an Age Function that would otherwise not be supported in a Column Map. This exit routine converts a date into one of four different destination formats, determined by the data type of the destination column.

You specify this exit in a Column Map source column as: AGE(DSTEXIT=dllname), where DSTEXIT is the name of the Destination Format Exit.

Discarded Rows
Rows that cannot be processed successfully are marked as discarded and written to a Control File. When the process terminates, you can browse the Control File to view discarded rows and diagnostic information.

You can specify a Discard Row Limit in any request to Archive, Convert, Delete, Insert, or Load data. This limit terminates the process to prevent accumulating a large number of discarded rows.

Edit
Edit is used to browse and edit sets of relationally intact data in database tables. Using Edit, you can edit database data, review logical application paths, and browse data to ensure that application test results are as expected. Edit supports your rapid development of applications, allows you to analyze the structure of your database, and facilitates your browsing of precisely defined segments of relational data.
Edit Definition
An Edit Definition stores specifications for browsing and editing a set of related data in the Table Editor. An Edit Definition includes:
  • Table names, specifications, and selection criteria in a named or local Access Definition.
  • Edit preferences, joined tables, and grid options that define the current state of the Table Editor.

An Edit Definition allows you to save the current state of the Table Editor and reopen the Editor using the same specifications. You can save and reuse Edit Definitions stored in the Optim Directory.

Exception Table
An exception table contains copies of rows that violate unique index or primary key rules during a Load Process, and includes a timestamp and a description of the violation. The DBMS Loader creates an exception table for every source table.

Use the Load Request Editor to select options for creating exception tables. To avoid duplicating or overwriting table names, you can view and specify the names for exception tables in the Load Request.

Exit Routine
An Exit Routine is a set of instructions written outside of Optim. You may specify an exit routine as the source or use it within the Age Function to define a column value. Exit routines are useful when you want to use special processing, manipulate data, or include string literals that exceed the total length of the selected source column. For details on exit routines, see Exit Routines for Column Maps.
Explicit Column Name
An explicit column name can be used to specify a column value in a Column Map. Column names are case-sensitive in Optim.
Note: When you define a relationship, either the parent or the child column must be an explicit column name.
Explicit Relationship
An explicit relationship is a relationship that can be used by a single pair of related tables. The parent and child tables used to define an explicit relationship must have the same Creator ID. Use the Relationship Editor to create an explicit relationship stored in the Optim Directory, or to convert an explicit relationship to a generic relationship.
Export Utility
The Export Utility allows you to copy selected Optim object definitions from a specified Optim Directory to an external file. This utility is useful for moving Optim objects from one Optim Directory to another. After exporting the data, use the Import Utility to copy the exported object definitions into the destination Optim Directory.
Extract File
An Extract File contains a set of related rows extracted from one or more tables, saved in proprietary format. An Extract File can contain data, object definitions, or both. Extract Files have a default extension of .xf and are stored in the Data Directory specified in Personal Options.

You can browse the contents of an Extract File, and can share and use an Extract File as often as needed.

Extract Process
The Extract Process copies a set of related rows from one or more tables and stores this data in an Extract File. The Extract Process always includes the definitions for tables and columns. You can also choose to extract object definitions, including primary keys, relationships, and indexes.

Initiate the Extract Process with an Extract Request that specifies an Access Definition for the data to be extracted and other process parameters.

Extract Request
An Extract Request specifies an Access Definition to define the data to extract and the parameters needed to run the Extract Process. The Extract Request Editor prompts you to:
  • Specify the name of an Extract File and a named or local Access Definition.
  • Choose to extract data, objects, or both. If applicable, specify object definitions to extract.
  • Choose to override the Point and Shoot List or Variables specified in the Access Definition.

You can save and reuse Extract Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Fast Load
The Fast Load feature significantly reduces processing time when you rerun a Load Request. When a Load Request completes processing, Optim maintains information about the processing parameters and specifications. When you rerun the same Load Request, a confirmation dialog prompts you to confirm whether to use Fast Load Processing.
Fetch Set
A fetch set is a set of rows that Optim reads from the database for each table or view in the Table Editor. You retrieve a new fetch set each time you:
  • Join a table in the active Edit Definition.
  • Move the Join Arrow in a selected table to retrieve related rows from subordinate tables.
  • Set Table Specifications for a selected table.
  • Click the Refetch button in a selected table.

You can set a value for Maximum Fetch Rows in Personal Options, up to the site-specific maximum set in Product Options. If you do not set a limit in Personal Options, the limit set in Product Options is used by default. (If a limit is not specified in Product Options, 1000 rows is the default limit.)

File Access Definition
The File Access Definition (FAD) is the basis for Archive File Security. All Archive Files generated by running an Archive Request that references an FAD are secured by the FAD.
Functional Security
As the most general level of Optim Security, Functional Security allows you to control user access to the interface for functions provided by Optim. For example, for a specialized administrator role that is intended to create process requests and objects needed to run these requests, you can grant unlimited access to functions. For members of a role intended only to run the pre-defined process requests, however, you can grant more limited access to functions.
Generic Primary Key
A generic primary key is a primary key that can be used by a set of tables that have the same base name, key columns, and attributes, but different Creator IDs. Generic primary keys are stored in the Optim Directory and are identified by an asterisk (*) as the Creator ID.
Generic Relationship
A generic relationship is a relationship that can be used by related tables that are identical, but have different Creator IDs. Generic relationships are stored in the Optim Directory and are identified by an asterisk (*) as the Creator ID.
Note: You can convert an explicit relationship to a generic relationship; however, you cannot convert a generic relationship to an explicit relationship.
Group Selection
Group selection defines a sample set of rows to extract from a Start Table. You specify a maximum number of rows for a number of unique values based on a selected column in the Start Table. For example, you can extract five rows of customer data from any ten states.
Hexadecimal Literal
A hexadecimal literal specifies a column value in a Column Map or Relationship when the corresponding column contains binary data. Define a hexadecimal literal using the following characters:

X ‘1234567890ABCDEF' or 0X1234567890ABCDEF

For example, to define a Column Map to mask CUSTOMERS data for a test database, where the CUST_ID column has a VARBINARY data type, specify the source column value for the CUST_ID as: X ‘1234CD'.

Import Utility
The Import Utility copies selected Optim object definitions from an external file (created using the Export Utility) to the current Optim Directory. The Import Utility is useful for moving Optim objects from one Optim Directory to another.
Incremental Aging
Incremental Aging is a feature you can use with the Age Function to age dates based on a specified number of years (Y), months (M), weeks (W), days (D), or any combination of these units. For example: [+ or -] nY.
Insert Process
The Insert Process copies data from a Source File into specified destination tables. Use an Insert Request to initiate the Insert Process and specify one of the following methods to perform the Insert Process:
  • Insert adds only new rows to a destination table.
  • Update replaces existing rows in the destination table.
  • Update/Insert updates existing rows and inserts new rows.
  • Mixed allows you to specify Insert, Update, or Update/Insert Processing for any table individually.
Insert Request
An Insert Request specifies a Source File containing the data you want to insert or update, and the parameters needed to run the process. The Insert Request Editor prompts you to:
  • Specify a Source File and a Control File.
  • Specify Table Map and Delete Options.
  • Select insert, update, update/insert, or mixed Process Options.
  • Choose options for reporting and date aging, as needed.

You can save and reuse Insert Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Join
When viewing a table using the Table Editor, the Point and Shoot Editor, or the Browse Utility, you can use the Join command to display the related data from other tables.
Large Object (LOB)
The term Large Object (LOB) refers to two data types, BLOB (Binary Large Object) and CLOB (Character Large Object). A LOB typically contains a large amount of data (for example, objects such as audio files, photos, and video files).

You can view LOBs through the Table Editor, the Point and Shoot Editor, or the Browse Utility. LOBs are displayed in Native or Non-Native Mode:

  • In Native LOB Mode, a set of three icons displays in a LOB column; you can select the corresponding icon to view LOB data in an associated application, in character mode, or in hexadecimal mode.
  • In Non-Native LOB Mode, LOB data displays as normal table data (either VARCHAR or VARBIN).
Load Process
The Load Process transforms the contents of a Source File into the load utility format for a supported database. Initiate the Load Process with a Load Request that specifies the Source File containing the data to load and other process parameters.
Load Request
A Load Request specifies a Source File (either an Extract or Archive File) containing the data you want to load and the parameters needed to run the process for the DBMS Loader you are using. The Load Request Editor prompts you to specify:
  • A Source File, Control File, and Table Map options.
  • DBMS Loader options.
  • Options for reporting and date aging, as needed.

You can save and reuse Load Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Match Key
A Match Key is used in a Compare Process to match rows from Source 1 and Source 2 specified in a Compare Request. Typically, the Compare Process uses the Primary Key from one of the source tables to process the comparison. However, if neither source table has a Primary Key, you can specify one or more other columns to define a Match Key.
Note: Match Keys are only used in the active Compare Request and are not saved to the Optim Directory.
Move
Move facilitates the extraction and migration of sets of relationally intact data. Using Move, you can create test databases that are referentially intact subsets of a production database or extract sets of related data and transform it as you migrate the data to the test database.
Multi-byte
A multi-byte character has a code point that may require more than a single 8-bit byte to be expressed. Multi-byte character sets may be of either fixed width, in which all code points require the same number of bytes, or variable width, in which different code points may require a different number of bytes. JA16SJIS is a variable width character set, as are UTF8 and AL32UTF8.
Naming Conventions
Optim uses the following naming conventions.

Optim Objects:
identifier.name

Table Names and Primary Keys:
dbalias.creatorid.tablename

Relationships:
dbalias.creatorid.tablename.constraint

NULL
NULL indicates a column value in a Column Map or Relationship is unknown. The destination column must be null eligible or defined as NULL.
Numeric Constant
A numeric constant specifies a number for a column value in a Column Map or Relationship. You can use a numeric constant as the source for numeric destination columns.
DB2
INTEGER, SMALLINT, DECIMAL, FLOAT, DOUBLE
Oracle
NUMBER, FLOAT
Sybase ASE
TINYINT, INT, SMALLINT, DECIMAL, FLOAT, REAL, MONEY, SMALL MONEY
SQL Server
TINYINT, INT, SMALLINT, DECIMAL, FLOAT, REAL, MONEY, SMALL MONEY
Informix®
DECIMAL, INT, SMALLINT, FLOAT, SMALLFLOAT, NUMERIC, REAL, SERIAL, MONEY, DOUBLE PRECISION
Note: The numeric constant must represent a value that fits into the destination column, based on data type, precision, and scale.
Numeric Expression
A numeric expression specifies a value in the source column in a Column Map. The data types for the corresponding source and destination columns must be compatible. A numeric expression consists of:

(Operand 1) Operator (Operand 2)

where operand must be a numeric column or a numeric constant, and the operator specifies whether to add ( + ), subtract ( - ), divide ( / ), or multiply ( * ).

Object Definition
An object definition specifies the set of parameters a database requires to create a table, primary key, relationship, index, view, or alias.
Object Security
Object Security allows you to control access to specific objects in the Optim Directory, using an Access Control List (ACL). Any Optim object can be secured by associating it with an ACL. An ACL lists roles and grants or denies privileges for each role to read, update, delete, or execute (where appropriate) the object and the ACL. For example, you might use Object Security to allow members of a role to read and execute, but not edit, a specific Archive Request.
Optim
Optim enhances database performance by automating the process of archiving, editing, migrating, and comparing relationally intact data from multiple database tables. Optim includes the following components: Archive allows you to identify and archive sets of relationally intact data before removing selected data from your database. Move facilitates the extraction and migration of sets of relationally intact data. Edit is used to browse and edit sets of relationally intact data in multiple tables. Compare facilitates comparisons of sets of relationally intact data.
Optim Directory
The Optim Directory contains a set of tables that store all the product-specific object definitions you create using Optim. Typically, a site uses one shared Optim Directory, regardless of the number of database instances to be accessed or the number of workstations using the product. However, you may create more than one Optim Directory, as needed for your site. Use the Optim Directory Editor to view or modify general, server, and connection settings for an Optim Directory.
Optim Object
An Optim Object is a user-defined object that is unique to Optim and is stored in the Optim Directory. Optim Objects include Access Definitions, Table Maps, Column Maps, primary keys, relationships, Column Map Procedures, Storage Profiles, various process requests, security definitions, and Archive File registrations.
Oracle Sequence Function
The Oracle Sequence Function is used in a Column Map (for Insert or Load Processing) to assign a value to a destination column based on the Oracle Sequence. This function is formatted as: schema.seqname.NEXTVAL(INCL_UPD)
schema
Identifier for the name of the Oracle Sequence.
seqname
Name of the Oracle Sequence that assigns sequential values.
NEXTVAL
Inserts the next Oracle Sequence value into the destination column.
INCL_UPD
Updates a sequence value assigned to a column when rows are updated during an Insert.
Parent Expression
A parent expression is a list of columns in the parent table that relate to corresponding columns in the child table. If the parent table has a primary key, the column names are inserted automatically. You can accept, modify, or replace the column names.
Passwords and User IDs
Passwords and User IDs allow you to connect to a particular database. You can set passwords and User IDs on the Logon tab in Personal Options. The maximum length for passwords and User IDs varies depending on the DBMS.
Permission
A permission indicates whether a user is allowed or denied access to Functional and Object Association privileges, Optim objects, and Archive File data.

Functional privilege permissions can be set for each role in the (Default) Access Control Domain (ACD). Object Association privilege permissions can be set for roles in any ACD.

Each secured object, including ACDs and File Access Definitions (FADs), has an Access Control List (ACL) that allows or denies Read, Update, Delete, and Execute permissions for the object to roles defined in the associated ACD. The ACL also allows or denies Read, Update, and Delete permissions for the ACL itself.

Access permissions for Archive File data are defined in a FAD, which is associated with each secured Archive File. The FAD lists tables and columns for which access permissions are defined. For each listed role, the FAD grants or denies permissions to access the archived data.

Personal Options
Personal Options set preferences for using Optim from your workstation. You can set preferences for confirmation prompts, display features, error messages, schedule monitoring, DBMS Loader directories, defaults for using the Create Utility, logon passwords, Server defaults, display options for Edit and Browse, Archive directories, removable media options, defaults for using Actions, and default options for automatic email notification.

To return to the settings in place upon opening the Personal Options dialog, click Defaults.

Note: Many site-specific Product Options may override your Personal Options.
Point and Shoot
Point and Shoot allows you to select specific rows from a Start Table to be used in a process request. Point and Shoot is available when you create an Access Definition, or when you use an Extract, Archive, or Restore Request.

When you use Point and Shoot to select rows from the Start Table, the primary keys for these rows are stored in a local Point and Shoot List or an external Point and Shoot File. The process request uses the primary keys to identify the rows to process first.

Point and Shoot List
A Point and Shoot List is a list of primary key values for the rows you want to include in an Archive, Extract, or Restore Process request. You can create two types of row lists using Point and Shoot:
  • A Point and Shoot List saved locally, stored with and available only for the associated Access Definition or process request.
  • A Point and Shoot List saved as an external Point and Shoot File, which can be referenced by other Access Definitions and process requests.
Primary Key
A Primary Key defines a column or set of columns that uniquely identify each row in a table. Although you can view primary keys defined to the database, you can edit only those primary keys defined to the Optim Directory.
Privilege
A privilege defines a type of user access to the Optim functions and objects. Optim provides Functional and Object Association privileges, for which permissions may be granted or denied.

Functional privileges control user access to functions and dialogs in Optim. For example, they allow users to create, run, and access requests for actions, definitions, security definitions, and utility definitions. They also allow users to execute a utility from the command line, perform tasks within the Configuration program, edit Product Options, use Security dialogs to secure Optim objects, functions, and Archive Files, export/import secured Archive Files, modify a File Access Definition, and run Security Reports.

Object Association privileges control a user's ability to secure types of objects, using an Access Control List (ACL). Objects include action requests, definition requests, and utility definitions. Any Optim object can be secured by associating it with an ACL. A member of a role that is granted the Object Association privilege for an object type (e.g., Access Definitions) can define an ACL for any object of that type that the member creates. Object Association privileges allow a role to use the roles defined in an Access Control Domain (ACD) as the basis for an ACL that protects objects of the indicated type. An ACL lists roles in the associated Access Control Domain (ACD) and grants or denies permissions for each role to read, update, delete, or execute (where appropriate) the object and its ACL.

Privileges are organized into "classes". For example, the Invoke Action Editors Functional privilege class includes the privileges that make the Action Editors (that is, Archive, Compare, Convert, Delete, Extract, Insert, Load, Report, Restore, Table Editor) available to users. The Associate Action Editors Object Association privilege class includes privileges that allow users to secure requests created by the Action Editors.

Product Options
Product Options are a set of preferences that apply to all workstations using Optim. Specify processing limits, site defaults, database options, the current Product Configuration File, the password to access Product Options, Edit options, Server configuration, Archive options, DBMS Loader parameters, and report formatting defaults.

Many site-specific Product Options override Personal Options. To return to the settings in place upon opening the Product Options dialog, click Defaults.

Note: Before you can view or modify Product Options, you must provide a password.
Propagate Function
The Propagate Function is used in a Column Map (for Insert, Load, or Convert Processing) to assign a value to a destination column, and then propagate that value to all related tables. Format this function as: PROP(value,column-name)
value
Value for the destination column.
column-name
Name of the source column containing the value for the destination column that is to be propagated to all related tables.
Random Function
The Random Function specifies a column value in a Column Map by returning a random number within the range specified by the low and high values. This function is formatted as: RAND(low,high)
low
Lowest possible random value in the range.
high
Highest possible random value in the range.
Relationship
A relationship defines columns in a parent table that relate to corresponding columns in a child table. The data types of the corresponding columns must be compatible. Relationships can be defined to the database or the Optim Directory; however, you can create and edit only those relationships defined to the Optim Directory.

Relationships defined to the Optim Directory do not have to conform to database conventions. You can use these flexible "extended Optim relationships" to relate parent and child columns using column names, NULL, literals, constants, concatenated expressions, and the Substring Function.

Relationship List
The list of relationships (found on the Relationships tab of the Access Definition Editor) defined for the tables in an Access Definition. You can specify the traversal path for extracting data from two or more pairs of related tables. Typically, Optim traverses all relationships from parent to child; however, you can specify other traversal options in an Access Definition.
Report Process
A Report Process summarizes the contents of an Archive or Compare File according to your specifications, and stores this data in a Report File. Use the Report Request Editor to select the Archive or Compare File and other specifications.
Report Request
A Report Request contains the specifications needed to collect data from an Archive or Compare File, and send the output to a file, a printer, or both.

The Report Request Editor prompts you to specify the Source File and the tables to be included in the Report Process, layout and formatting options, and whether to send the output to a file, printer, or both.

Reset Object Cache
The Reset Object Cache command is available from the Utilities menu to reset current database objects or configuration parameters. (Optim uses a caching scheme to improve performance.)
Restart/Retry
The Restart/Retry Utility allows you to:
  • Restart Processing from the last commit point when a Delete, Insert, or Insert/Update Process ends abnormally because of an internal error, resource limitations, or user request.
  • Retry the Process for discarded rows when a Delete, Insert, or Insert/Update Process ends normally, but a number of rows could not be processed (due to conflicting data types or referential integrity rules). The process writes these discarded rows to a Control File, which you can browse. Once you resolve any problems, you can retry the process.
Restore Process
A Restore Process selects data from one or more Archive Files and restores the data to the original or a different database. Initiate the Restore Process with a Restore Request that specifies the Archive Files and defines the Insert or Load Request used to restore the archived data.
Restore Request
A Restore Request defines the parameters for restoring data from one or more Archive Files to the original or a different database. Use the Restore Request Editor to specify the Archive File(s) to be restored, global or local selection criteria, an Insert or Load Request to restore the archived data to the database, and a Request Selection Mode to match the Insert or Load Request with the appropriate Archive File.

You can save and reuse Restore Requests stored in the Optim Directory.

Save
Saves the current version under the same name, replaces the original version, and displays the current version.
Save As
Saves the current version under a different name, preserves the original version, and displays the newly named version. Save As is useful for modeling a new item based on an existing item.
Save Copy As
Saves a copy of the current version under a different name, preserves the original version, and displays the current version. Save Copy As is useful if you want to save a copy of an item at a given stage in development and continue editing the current version.
Schedule Utility
The Schedule Utility allows you to create and maintain scheduled processing jobs for one or more process requests to Archive, Compare, Convert, Delete, Extract, Insert, Load, or Restore data. Scheduling details include the start date/time, latest start time, cycle options, and the definition of the process requests. The Schedule Utility interfaces with the Scheduling Monitor to track the progress of scheduled jobs.
Scheduling Monitor
The Scheduling Monitor is an Optim application that tracks each scheduling job. This monitor allows you to view and edit the number of scheduled jobs, monitor active jobs, and review the results of completed jobs.
Segment Size
When an Archive or Extract File is larger than the storage capacity for a target media type, the file must be segmented to span more than one volume. You can specify default segment size values for fixed and removable media storage in Personal Options.
Semantic Aging
Semantic Aging is a feature of Optim that allows you to define a set of rules for date aging. For example, you can define a set of rules to adjust aged dates to result in valid business days.
Sequential Function
The Sequential Function specifies a column value in a Column Map by returning a number that is incremented sequentially by the step value based on the start value. This function is formatted as: SEQ(start,step)
start
Starting value for the sequence.
step
Value to increment the sequence.
Set as Default
The Set as Default command allows you to profile the entries you specify on a process request or definition editor as the default entries. If you select Set as Default from the File menu, the next time you open that editor, your default entries display automatically.
Source File
A Source File is an Extract File or an Archive File used as the source of data for a process. You must specify a Source File when you create a Convert, Delete, Insert, or Load Process request, or when you use the Create Utility to create database objects.
Source Format Exit
A Source Format Exit ages dates based on a source exit routine. This exit routine is called to format the source column in an Age Function that would otherwise not be supported in a Column Map. This exit routine examines the source date in a character or integer column and converts it into a date format usable as input to the Age Function.

Specify the Source Format Exit in a Column Map source column as AGE(SRCEXIT=dllname), where SRCEXIT is the name of the Source Format Exit.

Special Registers
A special register stores system information that can be referenced in an SQL statement. You can use a special register to specify a column value in a Column Map. You can use the following special registers:
  • CURDATE( )
  • CURRENT DATE
  • CURRENT_DATE
  • CURRENT TIME
  • CURRENT_TIME
  • CURRENT TIMESTAMP
  • CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
  • CURRENT SQLID
  • CURRENT_SQLID
  • CURTIME ( )
  • GETDATE ( )
  • GETTIME ( )
  • NOW ( )
  • SYSTDATE ( )
  • USER
  • WORKSTATION_ID
SQL WHERE Clause
An SQL WHERE Clause specifies criteria for extracting or archiving data. You can use an SQL WHERE Clause when you define Table Specifications as part of your selection criteria in an Access Definition. The statement must conform to SQL syntax.
Standard Exit
A Standard Exit is an exit routine that is called to derive the value for a destination column in a Column Map. Specify the Standard Exit in a Column Map source column as: EXIT dllname.
Start Table
The Start Table is the first table to use in processing an Archive or Extract. You can specify any table in the Access Definition as the Start Table, except a reference table. If you do not explicitly specify a Start Table, the first table in the table list is the Start Table.
Storage Profile
A Storage Profile allows you to define storage parameters for creating an Archive File on fixed or secondary media. You can use a Storage Profile to automatically create a duplicate Archive File, or to copy an Archive File to a supported backup device. You can also use a Storage Profile to override default values defined in Personal Options for segment size and the default value defined in Product Options for a minimum retention period (for supported devices). Use a Storage Profile by specifying the name of the Storage Profile in an Archive Request.
Storage Profile Utility
The Storage Profile Utility allows you to create and maintain Storage Profiles. Access the Storage Profile Utility from the Utilities menu on the main window. To edit a Storage Profile referenced in an Archive Request, select Edit Storage Profile from the Tools menu on the Archive Request Editor.
String Literal
A String Literal specifies a column value in a Column Map or Relationship when the corresponding column contains character data. To define a string literal, you can use any characters, enclosed in single quotes. For example: '90210' or 'CA'.
Subset Extract File
The Subset Extract File is generated during a Restore Process when you define selection criteria to restore a subset of an Archive File. That subset is automatically extracted from the Archive File and stored in a Subset Extract File, which is then restored to the selected database. You can specify whether to save or delete the Subset Extract File after the data is restored.
Substring Function
The Substring Function specifies a column value in a Column Map or Relationship by returning a substring of the named column. This function is formatted as: SUBSTR(column-name,start,length)
column-name
Name of character or binary column.
start
Position of the first character in the string.
length
Number of characters to use.
TableList
List of table names in an Access Definition to specify the data to extract or archive. To create the table list, specify a Start Table and add other tables.
Table Map
A Table Map defines specifications for correlating source and destination tables of compatible data. You can map tables that have different names, modify table names, exclude tables from a process, or include Column Maps for greater control over the data.

You can use Table Maps in a Convert, Insert, or Load request, or with the Create Utility. You can save and reuse Table Maps stored in the Optim Directory.

Target Aging
Target Aging is a feature that allows you to perform date aging based on a specific date. For example, you can specify the base date of the production run and specify a target date for a particular test. Optim applies business rules and automatically ages dates to maintain the relationship between the base and target.
Traversal Cycle
A traversal cycle occurs when an Extract or Archive Process revisits tables specified in an Access Definition. Traversal cycles depend on the specifications for processing each relationship.
Traversal Path
A traversal path directs an Extract or Archive Process through related tables specified in an Access Definition. The traversal path is defined by relationships selected between tables, as well as the responses to Options 1 and 2 on the Relationships tab of the Access Definition Editor.

The typical traversal path begins at the Start Table and proceeds through the data model traversing all relationships from parent to child.

Unicode
The universal character encoding, maintained by the Unicode Consortium. This encoding standard provides the basis for processing, storage and interchange of text data in any language in all modern software and information technology protocols.

The Unicode Standard provides a uniform architecture and encoding for all languages of the world, with over 95,000 characters currently encoded. Unicode is a fundamental component for providing seamless data interchange around the world, and has been adopted by such industry leaders as Apple, HP, IBM®, JustSystem, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Sun, Sybase ASE, Unisys and many others.

For additional information on Unicode or the Unicode Consortium, please visit http://www.unicode.org.

User ID
A User ID specifies the authorization control that permits individuals to use specific Optim options and processes. The database administrator usually assigns User IDs when setting authorizations and privileges required for accessing a particular database.
Variables
Variables are user-defined default values specified in an Access Definition. You can use these substitution variables to specify column selection criteria or to create an SQL WHERE Clause.