Spool question

[HarrinG]

Is it possible to set up a spool directory that does not point to a printer or points to a non-existent printer? I have an application (IDX) that allows the user to generate reports either to a printer or download the reports to the users PC.

What I want to do is set up an option where I can have the user “print” to a spooled device, but instead of the file printing I want to set up a DCL procedure that will pick up the file and FTP it to a reporting server for pickup. I do not even know if this is possible or if there is another alternative to this method.

I will be using OpenVMS 7.3.2

[Jim_McKinney]

You'll have to roll your own. EXECSYMB can help. Find it at http://vms.process.com/scripts/fileserv/fileserv.com?EXECSYMB . It is customizable such that you can have it execute a DCL procedure that operates on your print file.

[Karl Rohwedder · Accepted solution]

I've attached an example of an EXECSYMB procedure. The attachment contains the execution routine and the comfile to init the queue.
The execution routines converts the 'printed' file to a variable file organization and tries to extract the user out of the file and transfers it to the homedir, otherwise sends a mail.
Works like a charm. We have another example running, that fetches data out of a remote orcale db and feeds it into rdb.

regards Kalle

[Robert Gezelter]

HarrinG,

Yes, it could be done in a variety of ways. EXECSYM comes to mind, as does using a pseudo device and writing a back end.

- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com

[HarrinG]

Actually, in talking to another system admin who uses the same application he had a similar solution. Apparently the application will accept a system logical called DOWNLOAD that defines a directory on the VMS system. the file "prints" to that directory (similar to spooling) but you can then use the file however you want. However, the information provided was very useful for another project I am working on.

[HarrinG]

See prior comment

[Robert Gezelter]

HarrinG,

If you do the DOWNLOAD solution, seriously consider a separate disk (or a logical disk) to enable you to manage space consumption and backups. Otherwise, you may have serious file size problems.

- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com