Hi everyone,
I'm dealing with an old database from the Bibdia library management software, which was distributed by Axiell (formerly BiBer GmbH) and runs on the SIBAS database system originally developed by Norsk Data in the 1970s/80s. We're no longer customers of Axiell, so I can't access their support or tools like ExportTool.exe. I need to export the entire database contents—ideally to CSV or another modern format—to migrate the data elsewhere.
Here's a quick summary of what I have:
I'm looking for any advice or resources:
Thanks in advance!
Chris
I'm dealing with an old database from the Bibdia library management software, which was distributed by Axiell (formerly BiBer GmbH) and runs on the SIBAS database system originally developed by Norsk Data in the 1970s/80s. We're no longer customers of Axiell, so I can't access their support or tools like ExportTool.exe. I need to export the entire database contents—ideally to CSV or another modern format—to migrate the data elsewhere.
Here's a quick summary of what I have:
- The database files are spread across multiple folders, including large binary .data files (unreadable in text editors, showing gibberish) and some plain text files without extensions that I can open.
- There's a query tool called dbq.exe, which seems to be used for unloading data modules.
- Backup and start scripts include commands like "call xbql stop -f", "call c:\xxx\etc\sibx stop", "call c:\xxx\etc\sibx rpd", "call c:\xxx\etc\sibx start", and "call c:\xxx\etc\start-cbql".
- I found an old export script with lines like:
dbq dbacq -u account
dbq dbacq -u add-cost
dbq dbkat -u SRISBN
dbq dbkat -u KATWERT
dbq dbkat -u AL-TITEL
dbq dbkat -u SRISSN
This suggests dbq is used for modular unloading (-u probably means "unload"), but I don't know all the module names or how to dump everything at once.
What I've tried so far:
- Running dbq with various options, but I can't find a way to export the full DB or list all modules/realms.
- Searching for Norsk Data manuals (e.g., ND-60.057 SIBAS User's Manual) online, but they're hard to find in full, and none specifically cover dbq.exe for exports.
- Attempts with generic tools like hex editors or Python scripts to parse the .data files, but without the schema, it's guesswork.
I'm looking for any advice or resources:
- How to list all modules/realms in SIBAS to create a complete unload script?
- Specific dbq commands for full exports (e.g., to text/CSV)?
- Alternative tools or methods to extract data from SIBAS databases (e.g., using FILE-EXTRACT or DATACON from Norsk Data utilities, if anyone has them)?
- Any experiences migrating Bibdia data or working with SIBAS in general?
Thanks in advance!
Chris
