VORTEXserver is both the virtual database interface that provides access to multiple data managers, and other translation and communication services, including VORTEXcli, the call-level interface. The database interface, also called VORTEX, is a protocol that defines the communication modules and message blocks for all VORTEX-connected components. VORTEXserver lets you access data from any Windows, Unix, OS/2, or DOS client that is: » Precompiled (C and COBOL). » Processed through a program interface (Java, JDBC, ODBC, Perl or the native VORTEXcli). »

Or, in the case of TRIM and DesignVision applications, communicate straight to the database protocol. The client application connects to VORTEXserver, either on the same machine, or on another machine to reach data anywhere on the network on one ( or more) of a huge array of relational and object-oriented data managers, as well as legacy data structures. The server defines requests in memory and builds a request block.

This ""messaging"" protocol functions as an envelope with an instruction sheet and all necessary data in subsequent sheets. All it needs to know is which module receives the envelope next. That module is responsible for opening, reading, and following the instructions, which include information about who next receives the envelope.