ODBC database access introduction

The Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard is a connectivity solution that enables ODBC clients to communicate with BMC Remedy AR System. The AR System ODBC driver provides read-only access to data defined in AR System forms. This section discusses the use of the AR System Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver to provide additional functionality with other programs.

ODBC is an SQL-based communication standard developed by Microsoft. The ODBC standard represents a connectivity solution that enables ODBC clients to communicate with BMC Remedy AR System. The AR System ODBC driver provides read-only access to data defined in AR System forms.

The interface provided by the ODBC driver (arodbc70.dll) is similar to that provided by the AR System API. Like the API, the driver does not provide access to the underlying relational database. Instead, as shown in the following figure, the driver communicates with the AR System server, which in turn communicates with the database server. When using the ODBC driver, the AR System access control model (user and group permissions) is maintained, and server-side workflow is still triggered.

ODBC integration


Many ODBC clients are available. The AR System ODBC driver provides extended functionality with BusinessObjects Crystal Reports. In addition, the driver provides basic functionality with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and other ODBC clients. See Checking system requirements and supported configurations for additional information about supported ODBC clients.

This section contains information about:

• BMC Remedy AR System ODBC considerations
• Compatibility with ODBC clients
• Creating an unqualified search in Microsoft Excel with BMC Remedy AR System
• Creating multiple data sources
• Integrating Crystal Reports with BMC Remedy AR System
• Tips for using Microsoft Access with BMC Remedy AR System