A Journey to High-Performance Multi-Database Connectivity

Recently, Synametrics and Progress DataDirect hosted a joint webinar, “Customer Spotlight: A Journey to High-Performance Multi-Database Connectivity” explored how modern tools are simplifying multi-database connectivity and data access across enterprise systems. The session focused on reducing the complexity traditionally associated with working across multiple databases while improving performance, usability, and scalability.

Overview

The webinar showcased how WinSQL, Synametrics’ database querying and management tool, works in conjunction with Progress DataDirect drivers to help users seamlessly connect to, manage, and move data across multiple database platforms. By combining an intuitive interface with a robust connectivity layer, the solution aims to make multi-database operations more streamlined and accessible.

The discussion featured two speakers: Imran Hussain from Synametrics, who focused on WinSQL’s feature set and demonstrations, and Dennis Bennett from Progress Software, who explained how DataDirect provides the underlying connectivity that powers these capabilities.

Key Themes from the Webinar

Simplifying Multi-Database Access

A core theme of the webinar was simplifying access to multiple databases within a single environment. WinSQL enables users to connect to databases such as Db2, SQL Server, and Access from one interface, eliminating the need to juggle multiple tools. This makes cross-database querying possible, allows for seamless data export and import between systems, and simplifies overall database management for both developers and analysts.

Built-In Connectivity Through DataDirect

Another key highlight was WinSQL’s native integration with Progress DataDirect drivers. Because the drivers are built in, users do not need to install or maintain separate database client libraries. This leads to easier setup, faster and more reliable connectivity, and a consistent experience across different database platforms. As a result, both developers and end users benefit from reduced complexity and fewer configuration challenges.

Key WinSQL Capabilities Highlighted

During the live demo, several WinSQL capabilities were showcased to illustrate how the tool supports day-to-day database work. These included SQL querying and metadata exploration, visualizing database relationships through ER diagrams, and transferring data across databases using simple drag-and-drop actions. The presenters also demonstrated automated task execution using Windows Scheduler, code generation for Java and C#, and backup and restore operations that work across different databases.

AI-Powered Database Assistance

One of the standout moments of the session was WinSQL’s AI-powered assistance. This feature allows users to interact with their databases using natural language, ask questions about database structure or content, and receive help writing or explaining SQL queries. Users can also analyze database schemas with AI support. Importantly, WinSQL offers flexibility in AI deployment, allowing teams to choose between cloud-based large language models or local models such as Ollama to meet privacy and compliance requirements.

DataDirect’s Role: The “Driver Factory” Model

Progress Software positioned DataDirect as the connectivity layer that enables tools like WinSQL to function reliably across environments. Using a “driver factory” model, DataDirect provides standardized ODBC and JDBC drivers that support a wide range of databases and cloud systems. This approach reduces the need for software vendors to build and maintain their own connectors, improves consistency across platforms, and helps lower long-term support and maintenance costs.

Why This Matters

The partnership between Synametrics and Progress DataDirect reflects a broader industry shift toward simpler, more unified data connectivity. As organizations continue to operate across diverse data sources and platforms, reducing infrastructure complexity and enabling seamless access becomes increasingly important. The addition of AI-powered capabilities further enhances productivity by making database interactions more intuitive and intelligent.

Final Takeaway

The webinar reinforced a clear and simple message: modern data platforms should not make connectivity a challenge. Instead, they should make it invisible, allowing users to focus on analyzing data and driving business value rather than managing connections and configurations. Modern data platforms shouldn’t make connectivity hard — they should make it invisible.

Curious how these ideas translate to real customer experiences?

Check out real-life stories from the OpenEdge Managed Database Administration team and see how Progress supports modern database environments.