What is the OpenLink License Manager and why is it needed?

The OpenLink License Manager (oplmgr) is a background service that runs on your machine to validate the license for the OpenLink drivers. It is a required component; the drivers cannot function without a valid license being actively verified by this service.

ODBC-JDBC Bridge Installation Guide (Lite, macOS)

Q: Where do I place the OpenLink license file on macOS?

The license file (i.e., odbc_lt.lic) must be placed in the default license files directory: /Library/Application Support/openlink/Licenses/. Start the OpenLink License Manager (oplmgr) from the Terminal if it isn't already running. Note that it starts automatically at system startup. The License Manager must be running for the driver to detect and use the license.

Overview

The Challenge

Applications using the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard cannot natively connect to databases that only provide a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) interface, creating a data access barrier on macOS.

The Solution

The OpenLink ODBC-to-JDBC Bridge allows any ODBC-compliant application to seamlessly connect to any database that has a JDBC driver, unlocking universal data access.

Installation Process

1. Start Installer

The driver is distributed in a DMG file. Open it and double-click the MPKG to begin.

2. Agree to Terms

Proceed through the welcome screens, read the "Read Me" file, and agree to the License Agreement to continue.

3. Choose Destination & Type

Select your macOS boot volume as the destination. Choose "Easy Install" for a standard setup.

4. Authenticate & Install

Enter your administrator username and password to authorize the installation.

5. Apply License & Start Manager

Place your downloaded license file (i.e., odbc_lt.lic) into the default license files directory: /Library/Application Support/openlink/Licenses/. Afterwards, you must start the OpenLink License Manager (oplmgr) from the Terminal to activate the license, if it isn't already running (since it starts automatically at system startup). This service is required for the driver to function.

6. Complete Installation

Once the process is complete, a success message will be displayed. Click "Close" to finish.

DSN Configuration Steps

1. Open iODBC Administrator

Run the OpenLink iODBC Administrator from /Applications/iODBC. This is the main application window where you'll configure your data source.

iODBC Administrator Main Window

2. Add a System DSN

Navigate to the "System DSN" tab and click "Add" to create a new Data Source Name (DSN). System DSNs are available to all users on the machine.

System DSN Tab

3. Select the Driver

Choose the "OpenLink JDBC Lite Driver" from the list of available drivers. Select the Unicode version only if needed for multi-byte character sets. This list shows all ODBC drivers installed on your system.

Available Drivers Selection

4. Enter DSN Name & Description

Provide a descriptive name for your DSN and an optional description. This name will appear in application connection dialogs, so choose something meaningful that identifies your database.

DSN Name & Description Entry

5. Set Connection Details

In the Connection tab, enter the core connection parameters: JDBC Driver class name, full JDBC URL String, and database username. These fields define how the bridge connects to your JDBC data source.

Connection Tab with JDBC Details

6. Configure Options & Preferences

Fine-tune the connection in the Options tab by setting parameters like read-only mode, buffer sizes, and metadata handling. Also review the Preferences tab for additional settings like connection pooling and logging.

Options Tab Configuration

7. Review Preferences & Save DSN

Review the Preferences tab for any additional settings needed for your environment. Click "Finish" or "OK" to save your DSN. It is now ready for use by your ODBC-compliant applications.

Preferences Tab & Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the OpenLink license file on macOS?

The license file (i.e., odbc_lt.lic) must be placed in the default license files directory: /Library/Application Support/openlink/Licenses/. Start the OpenLink License Manager (oplmgr) from the Terminal if it isn't already running. Note that it starts automatically at system startup. The License Manager must be running for the driver to detect and use the license.

Where must the JDBC driver's .jar file be placed on macOS?

The JDBC driver .jar file must be in /Library/Java/Extensions/, which is macOS's default CLASSPATH.

Are there limitations for PowerPC apps on Intel-based Macs?

Yes, PowerPC-based applications on Intel-based Macs cannot use the 'Lite' Edition bridge. The recommended solution is the Multi-Tier 'Enterprise' Edition.

Glossary of Terms

License Manager: A required background service (oplmgr) that validates the license file for OpenLink Software drivers, enabling them to function.

ODBC (Open Database Connectivity): A standard API for accessing database management systems (DBMS).

JDBC (Java Database Connectivity): An API for the Java programming language that defines how a client may access a database.

DSN (Data Source Name): A data structure containing the information an ODBC driver needs to connect to a specific database.