Foreign Tables
This release introduces a new capability for leveraging external data in InterSystems IRIS. To any SQL queries you write in InterSystems IRIS, Foreign Tables present themselves as regular InterSystems IRIS tables. However, their data is not physically stored within the InterSystems IRIS server. They may be in remote files, third-party databases (on-prem or DBaaS), or a separate InterSystems IRIS server to which an ECP connection would not be practical. In other words, the data in these tables is not managed by the InterSystems IRIS instance, but it is projected to the InterSystems IRIS instance.
InterSystems IRIS 2023.1 includes support for projecting data from CSV files and JDBC data sources. The JDBC option leverages existing SQL Gateway infrastructure for managing connection details and credentials, and the syntax and capabilities for using file sources is fully aligned with the existing LOAD DATA command.
Important:
Foreign Tables are available in InterSystems IRIS 2023.1 as an Experimental Feature. This means they are not supported for production environments. However, the feature is well-tested and InterSystems believes it can add significant value to customers.
InterSystems is looking for feedback on this new capability based on customers’ use in real-world environments. Please reach out on the Developer Community or contact the Worldwide Response Center (WRC) if you would like to share your experiences or you have questions.
For more details, see Foreign Tables.