Compatible interfaces
The system of compatible interfaces ( K-interfaces ) was introduced in the 1970s in the public administrations of the Federal Republic of Germany and the federal states and municipalities in order to alleviate the dependencies of software development on the computer architecture of the respective data centers .
Compatible interfaces
The following compatible interfaces were used:
- KDBS
- Compatible database interface
- KDBS was a generic term for the detailed interfaces:
- KSDS
- Compatible system file interface for easy file operations
- KLDS
- Compatible linear system file interface for ISAM files
- KKDS
- Compatible complex file interface for hierarchical database systems
- KDCS
- Compatible data communication interface for dialog applications using a transaction monitor (e.g. UTM for Siemens BS2000 , CICS , IMS / DC, Task / Master, Shadow, etc.)
- KIGS
- Compatible interactive graphic interface (concept was not completed)
The K-interfaces were of outstanding importance for database applications in public administration because they made it possible to create database applications that were independent of the database system actually used at a time when SQL was not yet invented. They were therefore recommended by the KoopA ADV for use in public administration.
Common database systems for mainframe computers that were / are equipped with K interfaces are the UDS (Siemens), IMS ( IBM ) and Adabas ( Software AG ) systems.
It was even possible to port relevant applications from the mainframe to UNIX systems, e. B. under the SIM DB / DC system , which implements the K interfaces on the basis of C-ISAM. In this way z. B. the systems ALB and ALK operated in many federal states.
criticism
Quote 1979, Computerwoche: "The independence will of data processing users in the authorities sector should not be very far away - the existing KDBS / KDCS converters are hardly used."
Quote 1980, Computerwoche: “In the area of application programming, the compatible interfaces did not achieve their goal, but other goals were not pursued; Because with the exception of the application programs, everything should remain system-dependent with KDBS / KDCS (which, by the way, does not exactly speed up a hardware or system change).
For DB / DC administrators, the new interfaces only bring new problems. The authors therefore suggest the abbreviation KVÜS instead of the somewhat elongated 'abbreviation' KDBS / KDCS: Confused increase in superfluous interfaces.
The interfaces were of course developed on the basis of and in accordance with existing software. But under certain circumstances this can result in a disadvantage for the software developed with the most modern technologies. "
literature
KDCS user manual version 3.1 . Bavarian State Chancellery - Department D, Munich April 1978.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Computerwoche 48/1979 - KDBS / KDCS converters are hardly used ( memento of the original from September 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Computerwoche 7/1980 - Criticism of KDCS-KDBS ( Memento of the original from September 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
