DTM for iSeries Architecture
What is Data/Text Merge?
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Data/Text Merge is a general name used to describe the process of merging database information into text documents in order to generate mailings or custom made letters.
The documents used as input during the merge process are often called shell documents, skeleton documents or templates. Besides fixed text, these shell documents also contain different instructions specifying which information should be inserted into the document and what the layout of the resulting text should be.
The source of the data being inserted is typically a database file which can be accessed through direct database access or through queries. Alternatively portions of other documents can be included.
The result of performing a merge operation is one or more resolved documents which can be printed (or stored for archiving purposes).
Data/Text Merge has been available on the AS/400 platform for many years as part of the IBM OfficeVision/400 Licensed Program (57xxWP1).
DTM for iSeries is a native iSeries (AS/400) Data/Text Merge solution. As a native solution, DTM for iSeries uses the reliable and scalable AS/400 system for performing Data/Text Merge operations.
DTM Engine
The DTM Engine of DTM for iSeries is the core component of the architecture. It contains all the runtime functions required to resolve, export and print documents.
OV/400 Transition Feature
The OV/400 Transition Feature of DTM for iSeries takes care of upgrading existing OV/400 RFT/FFT documents to DTM documents, and it provides replacements for the OV/400 CL commands typically used to integrate Data/Text Merge functions into existing AS/400 applications.
Save to Scriptura Format
The 'Save to Scriptura Format' offers the opportunity to link to Scriptura and create over 15 widely-used output formats (like PDF, HTML, RTF, PostScript etc) from resolved DTM documents. This gives iSeries users the power and flexibility of producing the newest state-of-the-art output formats for print, fax, email and archive from existing DTM templates. And all this without the need to change or convert your DTM application or DTM documents!
5250 User Interface
The 5250 User Interface of DTM for iSeries provides a character based interface for users of NPT's (Non Programmable Terminals) or 5250 emulation sessions.
MS Word User Interface
The MS Word User Interface of DTM for iSeries integrates all Data/Text Merge functions into Microsoft Word.
