Advanced Uses of INVOKE

The INVOKE verb can be used in distributed computing environments. You should understand the additional concerns presented in this sections before implementing this application architecture feature.

Using INVOKE in a Distributed Computing Environment

The Micro Focus COBOL CALL mechanism is used by INVOKE when the requested object resides locally. When INVOKE detects that execution objects are distributed over a network, it uses the Lawson Application Server (latm) to make a network request.

INVOKE determines how to run the requested program based on the host assigned in Cluster Node Definition and Form ID Definition. For detailed information, see the Lawson Administration: Server Setup and Maintenance guide.

Before assigning objects using INVOKE to networks, consider the following implications:

  • latm must be running at all times, or INVOKE will fail.

  • Performance of a local CALL is superior to that of a network latm request.

  • Other objects that can be initiated by INVOKE must reside locally.

    Note: Plan your distributed environment so programs that might be frequently requested by INVOKE do not reside on different network nodes from the programs that request services.

    For example, the XYZ procedure library in the Lawson Interface System contains an INVOKE to the program EDAC.1, the Account Edit procedure. This procedure library is included in almost every Lawson Business Management System program. Placement of the EDAC program on a network node could result in a very large volume of network traffic from the INVOKE request.