ODBC vs SQL CLI Connection Speed

[Nathan Andelin <nandelin@xxxxxxxxx>]

When I use the SQL  CLI sqlConnect() function to establish a connection with a 
local database from  an RPG program there's quite a noticeable delay in setting 
up the connection,  but when I use the sqlConnect() function within an ODBC 
client to establish a  connection with an iSeries Access ODBC data source, the 
response is  instantaneous.
  
 In the case of the  ODBC client, the connection is established with one of the 
QZDASOINIT server  jobs.  In the case of the SQL CLI interface, the connection 
is established with  one of the QSQSRVR jobs.
  
 Why is the ODBC  connection so much faster?  One guess, is that the iSeries 
Access ODBC driver is  managing a pool of connections, while the SQL CLI 
interface is establishing a  new connection.  But that's just a guess.
  
 Is there a way to  increase the speed of establishing SQL CLI connections?
  
 Thanks,
  
 Nathan.