First, you need an ODBC Driver. unixODBC is a driver manager (iODBC is another) written for various *nixes.
The Driver manager is the library you link to. The Manager handles the dynamic loading/unloading of drivers, allowing you access more than one type of datasource. there are several vendors for drivers, and there are some freeware drivers available of varying quality.
I work for a driver vendor. If you need help, we have demo downloads, and tech support to get you running.
http://www.openlinksw.com
If you run into an issue, open a support case at support.openlinksw.com.
Jay Grubb
Technical Consultant
OpenLink Software
Web:
http://www.openlinksw.com:
Product Weblogs:
Virtuoso:
http://www.openlinksw.com/weblogs/virtuoso
UDA:
http://www.openlinksw.com/weblogs/uda
Universal Data Access & Virtual Database Technology Providers