Migrating Data and Databases

The migration issues with databases and 6.0 aren't all that extensive . Here are a couple tips and the "what's new" information.

Changes in This Release

Instead of creating and maintaining a proprietary StarOffice database format (.sdb), the current release of the software works with numerous widely distributed data sources. You can connect and administer a wide variety of data sources and provide data access to all office suite software components .

• StarBase is no longer available.

• The report engine and the AutoPilots to create tables, forms, queries and reports are no longer available.

• The Data Source window lets you connect to data sources, not create them. You can connect to any existing data source via ODBC/JDBC driver that usually comes with the database itself. See Creating a Data Source Based on Text Files on page 882.

Converting Databases

The only difference is that in 5.2, queries and forms are stored in a separate (.sdb) file. When migrating to the current release, these (.sbd) files can be imported using the StarOffice 5.2 Database Import AutoPilot from the File, AutoPilot menu. The data itself (as stored in the database (.dbf) is in no way affected). The AutoPilot automatically converts your queries and forms to the current release, allowing you to easily access your data. See Migrating a StarOffice 5.2 Database and Creating a Data Source on page 902.