All,

Here are new DB2 related topics over the past month or so.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An Expert's Guide to DB2 Technology
(http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/database/technology/)

About this Blog:  Chris Eaton is a Senior Product Manager for DB2 Universal Database at IBM primarily focused on planning and strategy for DB2 UDB. Chris has been working with DB2 on the Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms for over 13 years. From customer support to development manager of the DB2 Control Center team to Externals Architect and now as Product Manager for DB2 UDB, Chris has spent his career listening to customers and working to make DB2 a better product. Chris is also the author of The High Availability Guide for DB2 available from Prentice Hall.. Follow along as Chris shares his experiences and provides tips and techniques for getting the most out of DB2 including how to exploit new features and releases as they come on-line.

Jay's Note:  Take a look and subscribe!  A local customer is already using the hints that Chris offers to help troubleshoot a new DB2 UDB application in their shop.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DB2 for z/OS and OS/390 Version 7 Using the Utilities Suite
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246289.html)

IBM has continuously enhanced the functionality, performance, availability, and ease of use of DB2 Utilities. Starting with DB2 for MVS/ESA Version 4, the progression of changes has increased. DB2 for z/OS and OS/390 Version 7 introduces new functions and a new way of packaging the utilities.

This IBM Redbook is the result of a project dedicated to the new DB2 Version 7 Utilities Suite product. It provides information on introducing Wildcarding in operational scenarios, optimizing concurrent execution of utilities for a shorter night window, information for triggering utilities execution, and considerations on partitioning.

It also describes the new functions of LOAD (Cross Loader and Online RESUME) and REORG, as well as the new UNLOAD and COPTYTOCOPY utilities, and it evaluates the impact of several options when using LOAD, REORG, RECOVER, COPY, and RUNSTATS.

This redbook concentrates on the recent enhancements. It implicitly assumes a basic level of familiarity with the utilities as provided by DB2 for OS/390 Version 6.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WebSphere Information Integrator Q Replication: Fast Track Implementation Scenarios
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246487.html)

This IBM Redbook provides an overview of WebSphere Information Integrator Q replication, and provides guidelines for exploiting its high throughput, low latency, and other capabilities in the design and implementation of high-availability and high-performance distributed business solutions on the z/OS and AIX platforms. It also describes a step-by-step approach to implementing bidirectional and peer-to-peer replication solutions in a two-server environment on the z/OS and AIX platforms.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patterns: Information Aggregation and Data Integration with DB2 Information Integrator
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247101.html)

This IBM Redbook documents and prototypes the role of DB2 Information Integrator technologies and architecture in IBM's Patterns for e-business using a typical customer insight e-business scenario. It is aimed at an audience of IT architects and data integration professionals responsible for developing e-business solutions that integrate processes and data from multiple distributed heterogeneous systems.

This publication provides an overview of IBM’s Patterns for e-business, and the DB2 Information Integration architecture. It also describes the various application and runtime patterns identified to date for Information Aggregation and Data Integration, as defined in "Patterns for e-business".

Using a typical customer insight e-business scenario, this publication documents the step-by-step patterns approach to implementing the e-business solution. At each level in the hierarchy, each available pattern is evaluated and chosen before drilling down to the next lower layer where the pattern evaluation and selection process is repeated. The final drill down leads to product selection and implementation information.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Webcast: Master Data Management: Providing a Single View of Your Company's Critical Information
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5ed0945)

This Webcast will discuss the importance of developing a master data management strategy within your company.  Register for this live event beginning Sep. 28.  Learn from Andrew White, Research Director, Gartner Research, and Dan Druker, Enterprise Master Data Solutions, IBM.  Using real-world examples spanning several industries, you'll discover emerging trends and recommendations for mastering your disparate data and providing accurate and complete information on your core business entities within and across your company--no matter where it exists or what form it's in.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IBM completes acquisition of DWL
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0930)

The addition of DWL technology, along with the IBM investment in the WebSphere® Product Center, establishes IBM as the leader in master data management.  This significant acquisition brings customer data integration technology to the Information Management portfolio.  Now organizations seeking help in gaining a single, integrated view of the customer across applications, channels and business lines can turn to IBM.  With DWL, IBM offers enterprises a way to integrate and manage customer master data across multiple systems and organizations.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcing DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for iSeries
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0931)

DB2® Connect Unlimited Edition for iSeries(TM) is the industry-leading solution integrating iSeries data with client-server, Web, mobile and Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) applications.  It delivers unified application
development, integrated data and pervasive data functionality to IBM eServer(TM) iSeries customers.  DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for iSeries delivers connectivity infrastructure, tools and facilities that seamlessly  integrate applications running on Windows®, Linux®, and UNIX® systems with databases managed by the DB2 Universal Database for iSeries.  In addition, it extends DB2 for iSeries data to PDAs, cell phones and other
mobile devices.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maximizing DB2
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5ed0925)

IBM Press has published over a dozen books on DB2® from introduction to advanced to helping with certification.  View the entire portfolio and purchase books at the Web site.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Text analytics and the unstructured information management architecture
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0843)

On Aug. 8, IBM Information Integration Solutions and IBM Research jointly released WebSphere® Information Integrator OmniFind(TM) Edition V8.2.2 and unveiled broad support for the Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA), an open framework that defines a common, standard interface for enabling interoperability of text analytics components from multiple vendors.  WebSphere II OmniFind Edition can now leverage text analytics to identify latent meaning, relationships and relevant facts hidden in unstructured text.  For more information or to download the code, see the Web site.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The case for semantic search in WebSphere Information Integrator OmniFind Edition
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0850)

This article describes the semantic search capabilities of the IBM enterprise search offering, WebSphere® Information Integrator OmniFind(TM) Edition Version 8.2.2, which integrates IBM's Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA).  It describes the key concepts involved, outlines a workflow for designing and implementing semantic search solutions and introduces an upcoming tutorial for deploying semantic search solutions in OmniFind.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DB2 UDB with .NET developerWorks community forum
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5ds0852)

Visit the DB2® and .NET developers and users forum to share your questions, thoughts and ideas with others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What's new in DB2 V8.2.2: Windows enhancements and a miscellaneous grab bag
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0851)

Learn the details of how IBM DB2® Universal Database (DB2 UDB) V8.2.2--more than ever--decreases your time-to-value through a self-installing, self-tuning and self-configuring database.  This is the last in a three-part  series that examines in depth the new function, features and benefits (and a couple of packaging changes) that accompany the DB2 V8.2.2 release.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New IBM solution simplifies data warehousing
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5sw0854)

Companies are turning to IBM to help streamline Business Intelligence (BI).  IBM has announced a new BI solution that combines servers, storage and software in a single fully-integrated package to offer unmatched performance for information management.  BI is a process that companies use to help better understand their key business issues by analyzing data they receive as a result of ATM transactions, retail purchases and other similar transactions.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
DB2 UDB with Java developerWorks community forum
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?on=na5ds0851)

Visit the DB2® and Java(TM) developers and users forum to share your questions, thoughts and ideas with others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcment Letter:  IBM DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for iSeries, V8.2
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?it=usa_annred&on=205-222)

IBM DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for iSeries, V8.2 delivers unified application development, data and mobile functionality for iSeries

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcment Letter:  IBM DB2 and IMS tools
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?it=usa_annred&on=205-225)

DB2 and IMS Tools are integrated with each other and with the databases they support to help you reduce the complexity of database operations. Some tools consolidate data and manage activities. Others analyze, monitor, and recommend actions, while still others take action.

New and enhanced DB2 and IMS tools deliver:

* Application management
          o IMS Connect Extensions for z/OS, V1.2 (5655-K48)

* Database administration
          o DB2 Thread Expert for z/OS (5697-H85)

* Performance management
          o DB2 SQL Performance Analyzer for z/OS, V2.2 (5655-I22)

* Recovery management
          o DB2 Log Analysis Tool for z/OS, V2.3 (5655-E56)

* Utilities management
          o IMS Database Control Suite for z/OS, V3.2 (5655-L08)
          o IMS High Performance Fast Path Utilities for z/OS, V2.2 (5655-K94)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcment Letter:  IBM DB2 Entity Analytic Solutions Name Manager
(http://www.ibm.com/isource/cgi-bin/goto?it=usa_annred&on=205-228)

DB2 Entity Analytic Solutions Name Manager transforms the automated name recognition capabilities of the DB2 Entity Analytic Identify Resolution and Relationship Resolution products by using a detailed understanding of the cultural and linguistic properties of names to effectively match them.

    * Automatically identifies the cultural classification of a personal name
    * Uses nicknames, titles, and marriage markers to make name matches

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using the DB2 V8.2 Design Advisor, Part 1: Expert help for designing OLTP databases
(http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0508mcinerney/)

Get expert help with designing data partitioning keys, materialized query tables, and multidimensional clustering for DB2 UDB, in addition to indexes. The Design Advisor offers the help you need and is built right into DB2 UDB. Here's how to use it with OLTP databases.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using the DB2 V8.2 Design Advisor, Part 2: Expert help for designing data warehouses
(http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0509zilio/)

Get expert help with designing data partitioning keys, materialized query tables, and multidimensional clustering for DB2 UDB, in addition to indexes.  The Design Advisor offers the help you need and is built right into DB2 UDB.  Part 2 of a series, this article explains how to use it to achieve an optimal design for your data warehouse.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DB2 Magazine Email Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 9
(http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0BqV70Ab)

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. IBM News
  * IBM supports Katrina relief
  * New SOA software and services
  * Winter Corp. names largest databases
2. Asked and Answered
  * Conserving disk space
3. DB2 Magazine Trivia Contest
  * Test your knowledge for a chance to win $100
4. Skills and Education News
  * Finding the software you need
  * New certification Web site
  * Certification and book blog
  * New exams, roles, and roadmaps
5. At the Bookstore
  * Self-Service Linux
6. Now Playing at the developerWorks DB2 Zone

*****************************

1. IBM NEWS

* Donated Technology and Services Aid Hurricane Relief
IBM is contributing services and equipment to Hurricane Katrina relief
efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and other affected states in
the wake of the category four hurricane that struck the U.S. Gulf
Coast last month. The company is using special software to post the
Louisiana state curriculum on a Web site to help teachers in Baton
Rouge and in surrounding states support tens of thousands of
new students. To help return the region to economic health, IBM is
developing a new job post/job search Web site for use by
not-for-profit and government agencies trying to find work for those
who have lost their jobs. The job site effort is a partnership with
the US Chamber of Commerce, local chambers, and not-for-profit groups.
The company is also working with the Centers for Disease Control and
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to respond to
emergency health needs and ensure that evacuees have access to
prescriptions and care for both chronic illnesses and trauma.
--Learn more about IBM's relief efforts.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUA0Ae

* IBM Unveils New SOA Software and Services
IBM recently announced new software, services, and partner initiatives
for deploying service-oriented architectures (SOAs). The announcement
includes new and enhanced WebSphere software designed for business
process management, plus greater levels of integration between
WebSphere, Rational, and Tivoli software. The partner initiative
expands the SOA ecosystem
--Find out how office-product giant (and DB2 customer) Staples made
SOAs pay off for its multi-channel retailing business.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUB0Af

* DB2 Powers Largest OLTP Database
Winter Corp. recently announced the winners of its 2005 TopTen
Program, a survey of the world's largest and most heavily used
databases. For the second year in a row, the Land Registry for England
and Wales weighed in with the largest OLTP database in any
environment, a 23.1 TB DB2 UDB for z/OS system. Winter TopTen Program
participants complete an online questionnaire and run validation
scripts to authenticate their results.
--Learn more about this year's winners and milestones.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DKNC0A4

*****************************

2. ASKED AND ANSWERED:
* Conserving Disk Space
Columnist Robert Catterall offers his recommendations for making the
most of your mainframe disk resources.
--Read Catterall's advice.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUC0Ag
--Browse the archive of technical Q&As for mainframe and Linux, Unix,
and Windows platforms.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0CAtl0AD
--Read DB2 DBA: Thanks for the Memory
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUD0Ah

*****************************

3. DB2 MAGAZINE TRIVIA CONTEST

* What's the best approach to improving Informix Dynamic Server disk
layout, according to Informix DBA columnist Lester Knutsen? If you
know, enter the drawing to win a $100 American Express Gift Cheque.
(Congratulations to P. Jawkar of Kitchener, Ontario, who won the most
recent drawing.)
--Answer the trivia question.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0Bw8K0AX
--Get a hint.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUE0Ai

*****************************

4. SKILLS AND EDUCATION NEWS

* Certification Strategies: Find the Software You Need
It may be possible, in theory, to pass a DB2 certification exam from
simply reading a book. But columnist Howard Fosdick questions why
anyone would want to when it's easy to get DB2 software--sometimes at
no charge.
--Find out where to look.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUF0Aj
--Browse skills news and updates.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0BqVt0Ac

* New DB2 Information Management Certification Web Site
This new site provides all the certification information candidates
need in one place, including quick links to preparation resources and
the ability to search for exams by number, role, or product.
--Visit the new site.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUG0Ak

* New Blog: Certification News, Sample Questions, and Books Previews
Susan Visser, IBM Press Program Manager for DB2 Information
Management and former head of the DB2 certification program, provides
sample questions (and pointers to the answers) from certification
assessment exams, news about certification offers, upcoming book
previews and recommendations, and even tips for aspiring authors.
--Read the blog.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DYBY0AT

* IBM Certified Solution Designer--DB2 Content Manager v.8.3 Exam
This new certification role and exam give content management
professionals a chance to validate their skills and demonstrate their
proficiency in DB2 Content Manager v.8.3 technology.
--Find out more about this exam.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0CUeG0Af

* Updated Informix and DB2 Certification Roadmaps
Two key certification roadmaps were recently updated to include new
offerings and program changes. Certification Roadmaps help candidates
define and map out certification paths. The updated roadmaps
include DB2 UDB v.8 certification roles and Informix and U2
certification roles.
--Browse the new roadmaps.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUH0Al

*****************************

5. AT THE BOOKSTORE
*Self-Service Linux: Determining Problems and Finding Solutions
by Mark Wilding, Dan Behman

In this new book, two IBM Linux experts introduce a four-step
methodology for identifying and resolving Linux-related system or
application problem: errors, crashes, hangs, performance slowdowns,
unexpected behavior, and unexpected outputs. The book promises to show
how to use Linux's key troubleshooting tools to solve problems and to
tap into the Linux community's knowledge.
--Find out more about this book.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0Bk8y0A6

*****************************

6. NOW PLAYING AT THE DEVELOPERWORKS DB2 ZONE

* Rapid Application DB2
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUI0Am

* Lock avoidance in DB2 UDB V8
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUJ0An

* Recommended reading list for the DB2 UDB application developer
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUK0Ao

* DB2 Basics: An introduction to materialized query tables
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUL0Ap

* Build Web applications with Eclipse, WTP, and Derby
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eqfx0FhO7y0FLd0DiUM0Aq

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jay Allen (ja@...)
Consulting Software IT Specialist
IBM Data Management Solutions
(602) 217-2937 - Phone
(602) 217-2937 - Fax