Frequently Asked Questions: infoConnect for MuleSoft

Common points of discussion and clarification regarding functionality, compatibility, and differences between other connectors.

Starting in 2015 with the first successful implementation of our MuleSoft certified connector, our suite of infoConnect connector products has expanded across more platforms and is leveraged globally. As these products continue to grow in popularity, we’ve noticed some reoccurring questions from partner and customer teams. As our goal is to be completely transparent with our customers and ensure all product-related information is fully up to date and available, in this blog we will be going over the most frequently asked questions we get about our connector, to better increase communication from us to you.

How does the connector work?

The connector works through a low-level IBM i library via a low-level socket integration that runs part of MuleSoft on-premise or CloudHub runtime. It works with backend programs through a direct call regardless of RPG or COBOL design language.

Why was this product created?

We wanted to provide MuleSoft development teams with an effortless way to connect their IBM i based systems to MuleSoft without any special knowledge of IBM i. Once configured, the connector operates just the same as any other connector on the AnyPoint exchange.

Can the connector work with commercial IBM i based backend systems?

The connector can be used to execute business logic or exchange messages with IBM i based commercial applications. In its current state, the product does not include green screen-based automation or screen scraping.

IBM i (AS400) Connector vs MuleSoft DB Connectors – what’s the difference?

MuleSoft DB connectors and the IBM i (AS/400) Connector are complementary:

• DB connectors work with databases, read tables, update data in tables, insert/deletes data/records, and have the capability to call stored procedures
• The IBM i (AS/400) connector calls programs directly and works with data queues – lightweight messaging queues native to IBM i – fastest to communicate between external systems

Are there limitations on the number of MuleSoft environments or IBM i LPARs leveraged with the product?

The connector can be implemented on-prem or CloudHub and can be leveraged in as many MuleSoft environments as the end-user pleases. Additionally, each subscription model we offer covers all logical partitions included on each of the IBM i servers at no additional cost.

Can the Infoview team assist with product related POCs?

Absolutely! We offer multiple options ranging from: 

• A cost free license (self- service approach) allowing interested teams to evaluate on their own 
• An Infoview consultant can be allocated for a short period of time to assist with configuration, implementation, and first use case 
• A desired use case can be re-created within Infoview’s internal environments 
• The Infoview team can take complete ownership of the product implementation, configuration, and overarching infrastructure 

To learn more information about our infoConnect suite of IBM i connector products, check out our webpage infoConnect for MuleSoft, and for additional information relating to product compatibility, prerequisite, and operations, see the attached user manual

Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us