Chapter 2. Introduction

to

the

Overlay

Utility

The Overlay

Utility is

one

of

the AFP Utilities that allows you to crea

form overlays, which can always be printed in their stored format a

positioned

anywhere

on

the

page.

Using the overlay utility, you can:

1. Design an overlay interactively on a display.

The information you defined for an overlaysource overlayis called. a

2. Save a source overlay in your file.

3. Create overlayan

object

from

a

source overlay,

which can

be

printed

IPDS

printers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can

change

the

design

of

the overlay by

changing

the

source o

Notes:

1. You cannot directly change the overlay object. You need to chan overlay and create the overlay object from it.

2. You can work with the overlay object using the resource manageme

See Chapter 19, “Work with Overlays Function” on page 333 for more information.

Print Form and Overlay

You

can

merge

the

overlay object

with

various

spooled

files

as

you

You

can

use

overlays

at

any

time

you

want

on

various

types

of

form

can

eliminate

the

use

of

preprinted paper

forms.

 

 

 

 

The overlay can be composed of text,

images,

graphics,

lines,

boxes,

codes calledelements . All

of

the

environmental

data

(such

as

font

refere

defined as a part of the overlay definition. The fonts defined fo

influenced

by the

fonts

used

for

the variable

data on

the logical

The basic function of the overlay

is to provide a template-like patt

establishes

fixed

data

for

merging with various

spooled

files.

For each element, you must specify its position and the horizontal a distances from the overlay origin. You can also specify the offset, and vertical distances of the overlay origin from the origin of the values are set to zero offset in both directions, which means the coincide with the page origin. This eliminates the need for preprinte

Figure 13 on page 24 shows a sample overlay.

Copyright IBM Corp. 1996, 1998

23

Page 42 Page 44
Page 43
Image 43
IBM AS/400 manual Print Form and Overlay, Utility is, Object
Page 42 Page 44

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.
Top Page Image Contents