Overlay Utility

The Overlay Utility enables you to create overlays (electronic form

created, an overlay can be placed on pages of output

using

AS/400

p

support, Data Description Specifications (DDS) in conjunction with High-Le

Language

(HLL) application programs, Advanced Print

Utility,

AS/400

page

a

form

definitions,

AFP Toolbox for AS/400, Print Format Utility, and

other

 

document

enabling

applications. Figure 3 on page 7

shows how

an overlay

 

be

merged with

data.

 

 

 

 

You can:

Ÿ Design an overlay interactively on a display screen.

An overlay can contain text with several kinds of fonts, lines, box bar codes, and graphics.

ŸStore the source data of the overlay (source overlay) that you file.

Ÿ

Change

the

source

overlay

that

was

previously stored in the file.

Ÿ

Create

an

overlay

object

from

the

source overlay.

ŸPrint the overlay object that was created in the specified libr Figure 5 shows a sample overlay.

Figure 5. Sample Overlay (Created by the Overlay Utility)

Chapter 1. What are the IBM Advanced Function Printing Utilities9 for

Page 29
Image 29
IBM AS/400 manual Sample Overlay Created by the Overlay Utility

AS/400 specifications

The IBM AS/400, now known as the IBM iSeries, is a midrange computer system that has been a cornerstone of enterprise computing since its introduction in 1988. Designed to provide a robust platform for business applications, the AS/400 is celebrated for its reliability, scalability, and integrated database capabilities.

One of the key features of the AS/400 is its Integrated Operating Environment, which blends hardware and software resources seamlessly. This integration allows businesses to execute diverse workloads, ranging from traditional applications to modern web-based services, all on a single platform. The operating system, OS/400 (now IBM i), offers a rich set of APIs and tools for developers, simplifying application development and management.

Another standout characteristic of the AS/400 is its built-in database, DB2 for i. This powerful relational database management system allows for efficient data handling and provides advanced features such as support for SQL, XML, and JSON, making it easier for businesses to manage their data and integrate it with other systems. The database's tight integration with the operating system enables high performance and security.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400 can accommodate small businesses as well as large enterprises, with the ability to support hundreds of users simultaneously. Its architecture allows for easy upgrades in hardware, meaning that organizations can scale their systems without replacing the entire infrastructure.

Security is another critical attribute of the AS/400. With a sophisticated security model, it offers built-in user authentication, access control, encryption, and auditing capabilities to protect data and applications from unauthorized access.

The AS/400 also supports multiple programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, and PHP, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the development tools that best fit their needs. This diversity helps maintain legacy applications while also developing new ones that leverage modern technologies.

Moreover, the platform supports both traditional green-screen interfaces and modern graphical user interfaces, allowing organizations to transition smoothly into contemporary user experience paradigms.

Overall, the IBM AS/400 stands out as a resilient, flexible, and secure computing platform that enables organizations to effectively manage their business operations, streamline processes, and adapt to changing market demands. Its unique combination of integrated features and capabilities ensures that it remains relevant in today's fast-paced technology landscape.