Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the exchange of data between files having different types. The apparatus includes means for reading a logical record from a source file and using the data contained therein in the production of a generic form in which data is represented as an arrangement of displayable characters and means for using the data represented in the generic form to produce a logical record for a destination file. The means for producing the generic form may further include means for inserting a user-defined code in the generic form to mark fields of the source file logical record. The means for producing the destination file logical record may then employ the user-defined code to produce corresponding fields in the destination file logical record. The apparatus may further include data viewing means which permits the user to view the generic form and interactively define fields therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method whereby a first digital computer system may be controlled by a second digital computer system. The two digital computer systems are connected by data transfer apparatus. A program in the second digital computer system constructs a call protocol specifying a routine to be called in the first digital computer system. The data transfer apparatus transfers the call protocol to the first digital computer system, and a program in the first digital computer system performs the call. Also disclosed are a return protocol which may be employed to return data from the called routine to the second computer system, call protocols containing arguments, the use of call and return protocols to call system and user routines, and preferred forms of the call and return protocols.