FOCUS HOLD FORMAT EXCEL Data Reporting Software Instructions

Below you will find brief information for HOLD FORMAT EXCEL. This feature allows FOCUS users to format report output directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It generates a binary file capturing all report columns and their headings, eliminating the 512-character limit found in older formats like LOTUS. Users should note that these files must be downloaded as BINARY via FTP from the mainframe for proper transfer.

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HOLD FORMAT EXCEL (added in version 7.0.9)
Description:
&quot;FOCUS can now format report output as a Microsoft&copy; Excel spreadsheet. When you use
the HOLD FORMAT EXCEL syntax, FOCUS creates a binary file containing all
columns of the report output with their column headings.&quot;
Data and column titles are captured in the resulting file, but not headings or footings.
Unlike HOLD FORMAT LOTUS (the format commonly used for import of data into
Excel), there doesn't appear to be a character limit. (FORMAT LOTUS is restricted to
512 characters.)
But because this creates a binary file, whereas other formats result in an ASCII character
file, you have to handle the transfer off of the mainframe via FTP a bit differently than
other formats. You must download these files as BINARY.
Screenshots of usage and partial sample of output
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Hello! I've analyzed the document regarding the FOCUS HOLD FORMAT EXCEL feature. This document explains how FOCUS can generate report output in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format, noting its benefits like no character limits and the specifics of handling binary file transfers from the mainframe. I'm ready to answer your questions about this feature and its usage.

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Key features

Formats report output as Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
Creates a binary file containing all report columns and their headings
Captures data and column titles (not headings or footings)
No character limit (unlike HOLD FORMAT LOTUS)
Requires binary FTP transfer from mainframe

Frequently asked questions

The HOLD FORMAT EXCEL syntax allows FOCUS to format report output as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, creating a binary file containing all columns of the report output with their column headings.

The resulting Excel spreadsheet captures data and column titles, but not headings or footings.

Unlike HOLD FORMAT LOTUS, which is restricted to 512 characters, HOLD FORMAT EXCEL appears to have no character limit. Additionally, HOLD FORMAT EXCEL creates a binary file, whereas LOTUS creates an ASCII character file, requiring different FTP transfer methods.

Because HOLD FORMAT EXCEL creates a binary file, you must download these files as BINARY when transferring them off the mainframe via FTP.

What is the purpose of HOLD FORMAT EXCEL syntax?

What content is included in the Excel spreadsheet created by HOLD FORMAT EXCEL?

How does HOLD FORMAT EXCEL differ from HOLD FORMAT LOTUS?

How should files created with HOLD FORMAT EXCEL be transferred from the mainframe?

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