All,

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

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Illuminata: IBM's DB2 Database for Enterprises' Masses
(ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/software/data/pubs/tech-consult/illuminata.pdf)

In this report dated October 4, 2005, analyst Jonathan Eunice at Illuminata shows why DB2 stands alone for enterprises' data coordination, integration and analytic requirements.

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DB2 Blogs, Discussion Groups

Jay's Note:  this comes from a colleague of mine in the Midwest.  I wanted to share it with you, as I've already pointed some of you to Chris Eaton's blog for hints and tips.

In addition to the DB2 Developer's website, more of the IBM DM IT community are starting blogs which could be useful if our customers are aware of their existence.  White papers, useful scripts, etc are available from these blog sites. Some of the same collateral that is presented at the IDUG and DB2 Tech Conferences. The IDUG site (www.idug.org) also has some similar collateral. I think it would be good to let our DB2 User Groups know about these types of sites.

Dwaine Snow:  http://dsnowondb2.blogspot.com/
Chris Eaton:      http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/database/technology/    
Willie Favero (DB2 on zOS):  http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/database/db2zos/

A blog search site that can be used to locate other useful database blogs is at: http://search.blogger.com/?as_q=&ie=UTF-8&ui=blg&bl_url=&x=45&y=3

There are also DB2 discussion groups that feature discussions among customer DBAs and some IBM developers. 'Listening in' to these discussions can be very useful in picking up practical hints.  One of my favorite groups is the LazyDBA. The  home page is at: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/billg/  I subscribe to the DB2 discussion. I just setup a rule with Lotus Notes to dump the posts within a separate folder. When I find some extra time I can read the posted problems/solutions.

Another good DB2 discussion group is at http://db.ittoolbox.com/groups/groups.asp?v=db2-l

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SAP Solutions on IBM DB2 UDB V8.2.2 Handbook
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246765.html)

IBM and SAP share a vision for responding to customers' specific requirements for tighter integration, platform flexibility, lower total cost of ownership, and improved performance. DB2 UDB V8.2.2 is an SAP-optimized version that uses autonomic computing technologies specifically tuned to help SAP users streamline installation, improve performance, and increase availability.

This IBM Redbook provides information for SAP consultants and SAP system administrators. It includes the latest DB2 UDB architecture details, SAP-related features and functions, practical advice on SAP NetWeaver 2004 installations, and DB2 configuration in SAP environments.

We describe DB2 UDB’s logical and physical database objects, storage management, SAPs data classes, and space reclamation strategies, and provide the best practices for intelligent storage subsystems.

We also discuss how to use DBA Cockpit to monitor your system, DB2 UDB log file management, database backup and recovery, and high availability and clustered solutions. We introduce the Problem Description / Problem Source Identification (PD/PSI) methodology, and the troubleshooting approaches for common problems. Finally, we include a discussion of the new features of SAP NetWeaver 2004s Business Intelligence (SAP BI) with DB2 UDB V8.2.2.

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On demand Webcast: Boost Performance of Your XML Data in DB2
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/sw-events/webcast/W723111L49756O16.html)

This webcast discusses new native XML storage, indexing techniques, and access methods designed to deliver high performance for your XML data.

Today, most XML content is stored either in file systems or in relational or pure XML databases. When stored in relational databases, the XML data is either shredded or stored as a single object. These methods have their advantages, but retrieving and updating this data can be expensive and time-consuming. Most pure XML databases cannot scale to meet the growing needs. Find out how DB2 plans to solve these performance problems.

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DB2 Universal Database imperative: Why Oracle isn't ready for the on demand era in e-business
(ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/software/data/pubs/brochures/G507-1468.pdf)

Your data volumes are soaring as your business moves towards real-time, on demand operations. To keep pace, you need an enterprise database that not only offers the highest performance at the lowest price, but also provides a complete view of your business. It must embrace open standards, rather than fight them. It must scale on demand while delivering superior availability. It must help organizations simplify content management, meet regulatory compliance demands, and integrate and deliver information with on demand ease. And it should be part of a larger information infrastructure that integrates and adds insight to all your activities.

Read this study of how Oracle® stacks up against DB2®.  When it comes to the usual decision metrics--reliability, scalability, manageability, openness, grid computing, price/performance and flexibility--DB2 beats Oracle hands down.

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IBM Information Integration Solutions Win 2005 Intelligent Enterprise Readers' Choice Awards
(http://www.intelligententerprise.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=171000665&pgno=1)

On Oct. 3, Intelligent Enterprise announced the winners of the 2005 Readers' Choice Awards.  Hundreds of readers were polled to find out which vendors are most deserving of praise in a variety of technology categories.    IBM WebSphere® Information Integration vision is a proven reality, having just been recognized not only as having the Best Data Quality and Profiling Toolset but also as the Best Enterprise Information Integration Application.  These 2005 Intelligent Enterprise Readers' Choice awards prove that the WebSphere Information Integration platform integrates and transforms any data and content to deliver information you can trust for your critical business initiatives.

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Build apps for DB2 and WebSphere using IBM Enterprise Generation Language
(http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0509sayles-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=LIB)

Learn how to use Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) -- an IBM® strategic fourth-generation language -- to rapidly build enterprise-quality Web applications that access DB2® table data. See the entire development process, from design through implementation, using a simple example built around the DB2 sample tables. Included is an introduction to the Rational® Software Development Platform, along with elementary concepts of JSF (JavaServer Faces™) technology, which is the strategic direction for IBM and user interface design and development.

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Webcast:  DB2 and IMS Tools Update: Continuing to help re-define TCO in terms of value
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/os/zseries/webcast/nov17/)

Join Dan Wardman, Vice President IBM DB2® and IMS(TM) Tools, for his latest update on the newest tools and enhancements available to help you get the most value from the dollars you invest in your DB2 and IMS systems.  Dan defines value as a long-term concept -- having confidence over time that your tools will keep your systems running problem-free while continuing to improve performance and increase productivity.  In the tools space, there is always new news, and this time is no exception.  Since Dan's last discussion with you in May, there is plenty of interesting news to catch up on about DB2 and IMS Tools.  Register now.

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Recommended reading list: DB2 UDB for Linux, UNIX, and Windows database administration
(http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0509poon/)

This article provides a list of online learning resources for DB2 UDB for Linux, UNIX®, and Windows®. The DB2 UDB Information Center is also a good source of information. Many of the items listed below are published as articles on IBM developerWorks or as IBM Redbooks. This list is intended for customers, consultants, and other technical specialists who simply want to learn more about DB2 database administration topics such as installation, migration, administration, monitoring and tuning, high availability, database porting, and problem determination. The topics are organized under the following headings:

* Installation and Migration
* Administration
* Monitoring and tuning
* High availability
* Linux platform
* Windows platform
* Porting
* Problem determination

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Tutorial:  Use Web services to access WebSphere Information Integrator OmniFind Edition
(http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0508chard-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=LIB)

IBM® WebSphere® Information Integrator OmniFind™ Edition provides proven enterprise search technology capable of indexing vast collections of enterprise data. Presently OmniFind incorporates a Java™-based API to provide application developers a direct connection to an OmniFind instance. This tutorial develops a Web Service interface in order to leverage the search capabilities of OmniFind in any SOAP-capable programming language. In addition to developing and deploying this Web Service, you will also develop and test five non-Java clients (PHP, Perl, C#, ASP .NET, and OpenLaszlo) to show the interoperability gained through the Web Service.

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Webcast:  DB2 for z/OS and Oracle RAC: The Value of DB2
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/os/zseries/webcast/nov22/)

In this Webcast, you’ll learn how DB2 for z/OS—architected specifically to take advantage of the zSeries platform—can help you:

* Make applications available 24x7x365 by minimizing outages (both planned and unplanned) and security breaches
* Maximize utilization of your hardware, software and staff
* Reduce total cost of ownership and enhance customer value

You’ll learn about the differences between parallel sysplex and shared data implementations, and how those differences can impact availability, scalability, reliability and total cost of ownership. And you’ll discover how to successfully support and drive your company’s core business needs.

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Teleconference:  Imagine the Possibilities - WebSphere Information Integration Solutions Make It Happen
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/os/zseries/telecon/nov18/)

*  Do you need seamless integration from DB2, Adabase, IDMS, Oracle, MicroSoft SQL Server and Excel?
* Have you had the requirement to access various incompatible heterogeneous data stores across the corporate infrastructure?
* How can you develop and support a new channel…in this case an online store, without disrupting the existing infrastructure?
* How would you handle the replication of 10 million transactions with less than 2 second latency?
* Integration of DB2 and Oracle platforms…can it be done?
* Does it seem impossible…consolidating mission critical information for a host ecommerce site with distributed data to provide a daily update of sales?

IBM WebSphere Information Integration Tools can help provide the solutions you need.

Attend “Imagine the Possibilities - WebSphere Information Integration Solutions Make It Happen” a teleconference filled with information integration solutions, straight from our customer’s experiences. Our goal is to show you the possibilities and then help them become real solutions in your environment.

You company has expanded by buying new businesses, bringing in new applications and data types - how can you make it all work? You are constantly asked to do more with less…replication…data stores….low latency…integration…availability… consolidation…access, how do you make it all work?

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Teleconference:  The World is Not Always Secure…..How Is Your Data?
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/os/zseries/telecon/nov30/)

*  Is your company facing external mandates which are forcing you to investigate data encryption?
* Credit card transactions….are they subject to compliance initiatives such as PCI?
* How do you share sensitive information…external to your company?
* When you send your data offsite because of archiving requirements or disaster recovery…how do you protect your data?

Data Encryption for IMS and DB2 Databases and the IBM Encryption Facility for z/OS provide you with point solutions to help you meet your data security challenges.

Attend this teleconference filled with information about IBM strategy around encryption. From hardware to operating systems to software, encryption has many facets. Begin the journey with us and learn how IBM can help keep your data safe.

Working together or separately, while leveraging the already proven features of ICSF, Data Encryption for IMS and DB2 Databases and IBM Encryption Facility for z/OS, can help you with your DB2 and IMS data encryption challenges.

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IDUG 2006 - North America • May 7-11, 2006 • Tampa, Florida
(http://www.IDUG.org)

Go beyond traditional classroom training and experience real-world, independent insights into topics essential to advance YOU and YOUR company.

With a technical agenda that offers more sessions and variety than comparable training events, IDUG delivers maximum ROI for your time and budget. Featured topics include DB2 for Linux, UNIX, Windows, including
the most relevant information on the VIPER release. Learn from the experts about Version 8 - the latest release for DB2 for z/OS - and how to implement a successful migration to Version 8. Plus, for the second year in a row the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) has partnered with IDUG to bring real-world experience related to Informix.

IDUG 2006 - North America provides content for MORE than just database administrators and systems programmers. Offerings on .Net, JAVA, XML, SQL, Stored Procedures, UDFs, and more compliment IDUG's robust technical agenda.

As the year winds down, don't leave available 2005 educational budgets on the table. Go further and apply them toward IDUG 2006 - North America, thereby reserving your participation now. Registration is now open.

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IBM Single System View Monitor for DB2
(http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/db2top?Open&ca=daw-flnt-100605)

This tool was developed by IBM technical field specialists and development labs for the purpose of quickly and efficiently monitoring a complex DB2 Database Partitioning Feature (DPF) environment. It uses simple and familiar monitoring user interfaces and combines DB2 snapshot information from all partitions in a DB2 DPF system in order to provide a unified view of the database.

This monitor for DB2 UDB is specifically designed for DPF environments. It provides a unified, "single-system view" of a multi-partition DB2 database that can be used to quickly identify either partition-specific or global problems in the system.  The user interface is character-based and is similar in nature to many UNIX® monitoring utilities.  IBM Single System View Monitor for DB2 uses the DB2 snapshot monitoring APIs to retrieve data. It uses both global as well as partition-specific monitoring information to provide aggregation as well as quick drill-down capabilities.

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DB2 Magazine Email Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 10
(http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0BqV70A1)
 
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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Asked and Answered
  * Calculating table size for DMS tablespaces
2. IBM Webcast
  * The future of the DBA
3. DB2 Magazine Trivia Contest
  * Try it for a chance to win $100
4. Skills and Education News
  * New certification newsletter, IBM Education Pack discounts, IDS
  tutorials and more
5. At the Bookstore
  * Service-Oriented Architecture Compass: Business Value, Planning,
  and Enterprise Roadmap
6. New E-Book Available Online
  * Application Development Options:PHP, Perl, and Rexx
7. Now Playing at the developerWorks DB2 Zone
  *DB2, Informix, and Cloudscape articles

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1. ASKED AND ANSWERED

* Roger E. Sanders, DB2 Magazine columnist and author of popular DB2
certification guides, answers a reader's call for help on how to
calculate table size for DMS tablespaces in a DB2 for Linux, Unix, and
Windows v.8 environment.
--Read Sanders' advice.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0Dnb50AB

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2. IBM WEBCAST: THE FUTURE OF THE DBA

* Evolving database and information management infrastructure
technology will help make it possible for DBAs to seize new
opportunities. Attend the Nov. 1 Webcast at 10:30 a.m. EDT to hear
Evan Bauer of Fanzilli-Bauer Technology Partners and Sona Mobile
discuss the evolution of the DBA career based on changing dynamics of
IT organizations. Mr. Bauer's research on database technology and
enterprise IT strategy has been published by the Robert Frances Group.
A live Q&A session with Bauer follows the presentation.
--Register for the Webcast.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS40At

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3. DB2 MAGAZINE TRIVIA CONTEST

* You're probably familiar with the benefits of the Rexx scripting
language after reading the recent article by Howard Fosdick, author of
the Rexx Programmers Reference. If so, you should have no trouble
spotting the one option in this month's contest that Fosdick did not
mention. Find that answer, and you can enter a drawing for a chance to
win a $100 American Express Gift Cheque. (Congratulations to Faiz Siddiqui of
Ashburn, Va., winner of last month's contest.)
--Enter the contest.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0Bw8K0Aw
--Read "Rexx Scripting for DB2."
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS50Au

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4. SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION NEWS

* New Information Management Certification Newsletter
IBM introduced a DB2 Information Management Professional Certification
Online Newsletter for anyone who has successfully completed one or
more certification exams. This newsletter provides certification
announcements, special events, promotions, and other skills-related
news.
--Read the October edition.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS60Av

* Double Debit Savings with the IBM Education Pack
Double the savings when you purchase $25,000 worth of training to open
or add to an existing IBM Education Pack online account. Now through
February 17, IBM is offering 10% and an extra $2,500 in bonus training
dollars. That's $27,500 worth of IBM training for $22,500.
--Get more details about this offer.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS70Aw

* Informix Dynamic Server Problem Determination Tutorials
This series of eight complimentary tutorials is designed to help
anyone supporting or developing in an Informix Dynamic Server (IDS)
database environment to quickly identify and resolve problems or
errors encountered. The tutorials cover IDS problem determination
facilities and available tools and explain when it's most appropriate
to use them.
--Learn more or download the tutorials.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DGen0AW

* Fast Path to DB2 UDB in a Visual Basic .Net Environment
This computer-based training course is designed to help programmers
learn how to use the Microsoft Development Environment (Visual Studio
.Net) to create DB2 UDB database applications. Programmers will learn
how to design applications to create database objects, populate
tables, execute queries, and build and execute SQL stored procedures.
--Find out more about this course.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0C8T50A1

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5. AT THE BOOKSTORE

* Service-Oriented Architecture Compass: Business Value, Planning, and
Enterprise Roadmap
by Norbert Bieberstein, Sanjay Bose, Marc Fiammante, Keith Jones, and
Rawn Shah

IBM Enterprise Integration Team experts wrote this guide to planning,
implementing and managing a service oriented architecture (SOA).
Drawing on their combined experiences, the authors share lessons and
best practices for architects, project managers, and software
development leaders.
--Learn more about this book.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0Bk8y0AW
--Browse books by DB2 Magazine authors
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DcVI0A7

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6. E-BOOK: APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS: PERL, PHP, AND REXX

* When it comes to development, DB2 is open to all options. IBM's
commitment to open, standards-based interfaces and its support for a
range of tools mean that developers can build DB2 applications with
the tools and programming languages they like. This special e-book
presents DB2-specific code, tips, and techniques for working with
three increasingly popular choices: Perl, PHP and Rexx.
--Read the e-book.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS50Au

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7. NOW PLAYING AT THE DEVELOPERWORKS DB2 ZONE

* Migrate recursive queries from Oracle to DB2 UDB
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnS80Ax

* Date Processing in IDS: Let's Make a Date!
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTA0A8

* Unlimited DB2 Scale-Up Using Server-Assisted Client Redirect
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTB0AA

* Data Federation With Websphere Business Integrator Message Broker
and Websphere Information Integrator
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTC0AB

* Tutorial: Isolated unit testing of persistence with Derby
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTD0AC

* Connect to Informix with ADO.NET
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTE0AD

* Reuse Enterprise User Data In DB2 Content Manager
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/erOk0FhO7y0FLd0DnTF0AE

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