ODBC policy: Prevent use of named data sources

Use this policy to restrict the use of named data sources when using IBM i Access ODBC support.

A "named data source" is one that:

• has been created by the user or a program and given a specific name, and
• is specified using the DSN option when connecting.

A user may create a named data source using the IBM i Access ODBC Administration program. A program may create a named data source too -- by calling, for example, SQLCreateDataSource.

A program may create an ODBC connection by calling SQLDriverConnect. If the DSN option is used, it specifies a named data source to use. If the FILEDSN option is used, it specifies the name of a file that contains connection options. The file name is not a data source name, hence use of FILEDSN does not constitute use of a named data source.

The restriction options for this policy are the following:

• Allow all: All named data sources may be used.
• Allow listed sources: Only those sources specifically listed in this policy may be used. To view or change the list, click the Show button.
• Prevent using named data sources: No named data sources may be used.

If when connecting no named data source is specified, the data source used will be a temporary one, called a "program generated data source." The use of program generated data sources can be restricted using the Prevent use of program generated data sources policy.

This policy is an override of machine setting enabled.