The Extract file interface method enables you to transfer flat files of user-formatted batch data in and out of your applications by using Reports. The extracted file can be used by your logic, or by external programs, as required.
The Business Information Server Interface is a variation of the Extracted Report Frames facility. It enables your application to produce a Business Information Server-formatted file that can be used by Business Information Server systems. Refer to Categories of Extract File for more information.
Unlike the Offline Input facility, the format of an Extract file can be user-defined, and processing is not limited to the Ispec logic used to handle a particular input transaction.
An Extract file can be read by:
Another Report within your application.
Another application (on the same host or on a different host).
A standalone program (which might read the data into an external system).
Business Information Server (Refer to Categories of Extract File).
Notes:
Multiple extracts involving the same Extract file append to the file.
Tape extract files must have a blocksize greater than 32 bytes.