This article describes how to interface Macintosh to Cullinet using InTalk
CCL scripts. Note: Palantir Software no longer publishes InTalk. A
similar package is FutureSoft's DynamComm. Search the Tech Info Library
for "FutureSoft".
It developed from an actual case in which an all-IBM customer was running a
package from Cullinet on a 370-type host. The package consists of IDMS-R
(database), IDMS-DC (communications monitor), and ICMS. Their PCs
communicate with Cullinet using a package called Golden Gate.
Golden Gate is an MS-DOS-based, multi-module application designed to work
with IDMS applications. It contains a relational database, spreadsheet, a
document processor, and business graphics.
There is no equivalent package to Golden Gate for the Macintosh. However,
you can achieve similar results running InTalk with Microsoft Excel or
Microsoft Works. Here's how:
Using the CCL script of InTalk, a Macintosh can log on as a TSO user, and
issue TSO commands. These commands can extract data from a mainframe file,
format the data into a tab-delimited text file, and transfer the formatted
file to the Macintosh via the mainframe's PCTrans (or similar Yterm
transfer). A script these actions could make the whole process transparent
to the user of the Macintosh/InTalk workstation.
Once the tab-delimited text file has been transferred to the Macintosh, a
variety of Macintosh applications can open the file. Microsoft Works has
most of the functionality of Golden Gate. Omnis 3, Double Helix, 4th
Dimension, or other stand-alone database management systems could handle
more sophisticated database activities, if needed.
Besides emulating Golden Gate, InTalk CCL scripts can navigate other
Cullinet applications via point and click buttons.
MultiFinder allows the InTalk connection to be maintained while working
with a Macintosh application.