Connecting Informix databases through SSIS

I was quite confused to find a way to connect Informix database through SSIS in Windows x64 environment few days back. I went through lot more articles on the internet, but couldn't be able to find a proper direction. But the experience I have gathered lead me to achieve the connection sucessfully and it's drive me to write an article on how to create connection between Informix through SSIS.

First download the latest version of Informix Client Software Development Kit (32bit) from IBM's website. It's a freeware but you have to register on the IBM's website to download the product. Don't go for the 64bit versions since BIDS is still a 32bit application, your 64bit providers will not be shown on the providers list.

You can download the latest version of client SDK from here.

The next step is to add a path to "C:\Windows\SysWOW64" to the begining of the path environmental variable before installing the client SDK. Otherwise you will promt an error message saying add a prefix to path variable. Then install the product including IBM data server driver package.

After intalling the client SDK, use Setnet32 tool to configure a default Informix server. You can find Setnet32 application under "All programs>IBM Informix Client SDK".

Fill Server information and Host information with correct details to your Informix server. You will find the INFORMIXDIR and INFORMIXSERVER environmental variables are filled with values regarding to default server. You don't need to create those environmental variables manually on windows environmental variables.

Then add a new entry to your servises file. Service file can be found in "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc".

The format of the service file is clearly mentioned to the begining of the file. In my case the first entry is my service name then port number and protocol.

After editting the service file, you can create a new Open Data Base Connection (ODBC). Don't use Data Source Administrator tool in "Program Files>Administrative Tools" insted use "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad.exe" to add and configure new data source.

Select IBM INFORMIX ODBC DRIVER and click finish. Then configurations window will pop up. Give any data source name and fill appropriate connection details. Click on apply and test connection.

Use ConnectTest Demo tool to test connection and view table data.

Now you have allmost configured your environment to connect Informix. Open BIDS and create a new SSIS project. Go to add new data source, you will find "IBM OLE DB Provider for Informix" is listed under OLE DB providers. Create new connection to the Informix server and have some fun with Data.

The server name should be given in the format of database@servername.

Set Run64BitRuntime into false under project properties (Project>Properties>Debugging).

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