All,

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

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Redbook:  DB2 Express-C: The Developer Handbook for XML, PHP, C/C++, Java, and .NET
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247301.html)

DB2 Express Edition for Community (DB2 Express-C) is a no charge data server for use in development and deployment. DB2 Express-C supports a full range of APIs, drivers, and interfaces for application development including PHP, C/C++, and .NET. In addition, DB2 Express-C V9 contains advanced XML features. DB2 Express-C provides ISVs an ideal starting database server for Web, enterprise, and eBusiness applications.

This IBM Redbook provides fundamentals of DB2 application development with DB2 Express-C. It covers the DB2 Express-C installation and configuration for application development and skills and techniques for building DB2 applications with XML, PHP, C/C++, Java, and .NET. Code examples are used to demonstrate how to develop a DB2 application in a different language. By following the examples provided, you will be able to learn DB2 application development with XML, PHP, C/C++, Java, and .NET in a short time.

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Redbook:  Preparing for and Tuning the SQL Query Engine on DB2 for i5/OS
(http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246598.html)

The IBM System i family, which encompasses the IBM AS/400, eServer iSeries, eServer i5, and System i5, has a successful 24-year history of satisfying hundreds of customers' requirements, thanks to its developers. DB2 for i5/OS, also known as DB2 Universal Database for iSeries, is deeply rooted in the architecture and heritage of the AS/400 and its predecessor System/38.

The database has undergone significant changes over the years to maintain its competitive advantage including fundamental changes to the structure of the database to compete successfully in the industry. In doing so, IBM Rochester launched a project to re-engineer and redesign important components of the database. The redesigned components were architected using object-oriented design concepts and then implemented using object-oriented implementation techniques.

The query optimizer was one of the key components that was redesigned. This IBM Redbook gives a broad understanding of the architectural changes of the database concerning the query optimizer. It explains the following concepts:

    * The architecture of the query optimizer
    * The data access methods used by the query optimizer
    * The Statistics Manager included in V5R2
    * The feedback message changes of the query optimizer
    * Some performance measurements
    * Changes and enhancements made in V5R4

The objective of this redbook is to help you minimize any SQL or database performance issues when upgrading to OS/400 V5R2 or V5R3 or to IBM i5/OS V5R4. Prior to reading this book, you should have some knowledge of database performance and query optimization.

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alphaWorks:  Multi-Dimensional Clustering Table Size Estimator for DB2
(http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/mdcsizer?open&ca=daw-flht-09072006)

Many applications, OLAP and data warehousing in particular, usually consider several attributes as dimensions for processing and maintenance. Performance and scalability of queries in this type of environment can be slow using the traditional relational-database approach based on one-dimensional clustering, in which an index composed of one or more key parts is identified as the basis for data clustering.

The Multi-Dimensional Clustering (MDC) Table support in DB2 is defined to include one or more clustering dimensions and resolves many of these performance issues. However, Database administrators working with MDC tables must manually estimate sizes of MDC tables and allocate space ahead of time. This can be both an error-prone and a time-consuming process.

Multi-Dimensional Clustering Table Size Estimator for DB2 can be used to determine the space requirements when a normal table is converted to MDC or when the clustering dimensions of an existing MDC table are changed. This utility optimally estimates the MDC table size requirements based on table statistics and MDC dimension parameters.

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Announcement:  With IBM WebSphere Federation Server, Replication Server and Data Event Publisher V9.1 for Linux, UNIX and Windows,
IBM Information Integration delivers information you can trust
(http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=ca&infotype=an&appname=iSource&supplier=897&letternum=ENUS206-206)

The availability of enhanced IBM federation, replication, and data event publishing products as part of the full Information Integration Solutions portfolio, delivers information you can trust.

These products expand the overall IBM Information Management portfolio by further strengthening its industry-leading information on demand capabilities as well as supporting and enhancing its pervasive, data server market offering, DB2® V9.

With the introduction of a new product packaging, each of these IBM Information Integration products supports a specific style of integration that can be used independently to address specific requirements, or in combination to deliver a robust information integration solution. Expanded platform support including four new 64-bit operating environments makes these solutions available to more enterprises.

WebSphere® Federation Server V9.1

WebSphere Federation Server provides virtualized access to enterprise information as if from a single source, while maintaining source integrity. V9.1 enhances previously available federation offerings with transparent integration of XML data with other data sources to provide:

    * Simpler view of data
    * Federated two-phase commit, which enables applications to update multiple distributed data sources simultaneously
    * Federated stored procedures, which enables enterprise to avoid redundant development by using remote stored procedures in a federated query

WebSphere Replication Server V9.1

WebSphere Replication Server distributes, consolidates, and synchronizes data for high availability, high throughput, and business continuity. V9.1 strengthens the previously available SQL and queue-based replication (Q replication) offerings with

    * Significant performance improvements for increased scalability
    * New Q replication support for auditing and analysis applications
    * Many enhancements that simplify administration and monitoring

WebSphere Data Event Publisher V9.1

WebSphere Data Event Publisher facilitates business integration by publishing changed-data events that can drive updated data into critical applications like master data management and data warehousing. V9.1 strengthens the previously available data event publishing offerings with significant performance improvements and many enhancements that simplify administration and monitoring support.

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Announcement:  IBM DB2, IMS, and WebSphere tools expanded and enhanced to help better manage database environments
(http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=ca&infotype=an&appname=iSource&supplier=897&letternum=ENUS206-224)

Three new products, three new versions, and three new releases of DB2®, IMS™, and WebSphere® tools offer many innovative features to assist database administrators (DBAs) and system programmers in managing DB2 and IMS database environments.

Products

    * DB2 Audit Management Expert for z/OS®, V1.1 (5655-I16)
    * WebSphere Data Integration Connector for z/OS, V9.1 (5655-R93)
    * WebSphere Replication Server for z/OS, V9.1 (5655-R55)

Versions

    * DB2 Path Checker for z/OS, V3.1 (5697-N57)
    * IMS Command Control Facility for z/OS, V2.1 (5655-R58)
    * WebSphere Data Event Publisher for z/OS, V9.1 (5655-R56)

Releases

    * IMS High Performance Pointer Checker for z/OS, V2.2 (5655-K53)
    * IMS Parallel Reorganization for z/OS, V3.2 (5655-M28)
    * IMS Sysplex Manager for z/OS, V1.2 (5655-P01)

The name of WebSphere Information Integrator Event Publisher for DB2 Universal Database® for z/OS has been changed to WebSphere Data Event Publisher for z/OS.

For information on:

    * Migration to the WebSphere products in this announcement, refer to the Supplemental information section
    * A trade-up from the SQL Replication feature of WebSphere Replication Server for z/OS, V9.1 (5655-R55) to its SQL and Q replication feature, see the Ordering information section

Refer to Software Announcement 206-206 , dated August 22, 2006, for information related to new Information Integration Solutions products for Linux™, UNIX®, and Microsoft™ Windows™.

To view a complete list of the DB2 and IMS tools, visit http://www.ibm.com/software/data/db2imstools

To view a complete list of the WebSphere tools, visit http://www.ibm.com/software/data/integration


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Announcement:  IBM DB2 High Performance Unload  for Multiplatforms and Workgroups add additional language support
(http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=ca&infotype=an&appname=iSource&supplier=897&letternum=ENUS206-225)

DB2 High Performance Unload for Multiplatforms V3.1 and DB2 High Performance Unload for Workgroups V3.1 offer:

    * Improved performance
    * Processing enhancements
    * Enhancements to extractions from backups
    * Significant platform changes
    * Miscellaneous enhancements
    * DB2 Version 9 support, including:
          o Exploitation of table partitioning — Requires DB2 9 Fix Pack 2
          o Exploitation of DB2 Storage Optimization Feature
          o Exploitation of DB2 Advanced Access Control Feature

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Announcement:  DB2 Alphablox V8.4.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows helps maximize information assets
(http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi-bin/ssialias?subtype=ca&infotype=an&appname=iSource&supplier=897&letternum=ENUS206-220)

With Alphablox V8.4.1, you can:

    * Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 5.5
    * Develop custom analytical applications with low total cost of ownership
    * Deploy to a massive number of users by leveraging the scalability and support for multiple locales
    * Deliver superior insights to business users by embedding analytics at the "point of analysis" in ways that are customized to each user's role and context

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On Demand Event: Trends in SOA Implementation: Using XML Data to Solve Real Business Problems
(http://www.bulldogsolutions.net/IBMDB2/IBD08092006/frmEventDescription.aspx)

In conjunction with the newly released IBM DB2® 9, experts from Gartner and IBM present a Webcast that reveals the potential of XML through case studies and bottom-line benefits. "Trends in SOA Implementation: Using XML Data to Solve Real Business Problems" shows you how IBM pureXML™ technology displays information in the way your organization actually uses it. The results? More value from your data. Lowered risk and increased compliance through better information access. Shorter development cycles and lower costs.

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Demonstration:  IBM Information Management: Information as a Service
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/info/infodemo/index.jsp?S_CMP=swnlaug2006)

When information is treated as an always-available service, real business transformation is possible. Transform a complex information landscape into an environment that will make information more accessible, consistent, and flexible – ensuring that the right information is available to the right people and processes at the right time. The new Information as a Service demonstration introduces a fictional company dealing with common pitfalls of complex information systems. View the demo to see how IBM software delivers Information as a Service to:

         •        Improve information quality and consistency across all systems.
         •        Increase profitability due to reduced inventory and supply chain costs.
         •        Boost revenues as a result of improved marketing effectiveness.

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Preview:  Information innovation. Meet IBM Information Server
(http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/integration/info_server/)

IBM Information Server is a revolutionary new software platform from IBM that helps organizations derive more value from the complex, heterogeneous information spread across their systems. It enables organizations to integrate disparate data and deliver trusted information wherever and whenever needed, in line and in context, to specific people, applications, and processes.

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Replay:  DB2 Chat with the Lab - Unlock Your XML Potential with pureXML in DB2 9
(http://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=lobby.jsp&eventid=26736&sessionid=1&key=6E80BE529CC57846277C21F4C0F9FA58&eventuserid=7777364)

Originally broadcast on September 20, 2006

You can download the presentation from http://www.bulldogsolutions.net/IBMDB2/archives/IBD09202006/IBD09202006Slides.pdf

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DB2 Magazine eBook:  Spotlight on XML
(http://cmp.ebookhost.net/db2/quest/1/)

DB2 9's pure XML technology introduces powerful XML management capabilities. Download this new e-book from DB2 Magazine to find out how the skills you already have will help you put that power to work. You'll learn XML programming tips for PHP developers and how a new tool simplifies and speeds query building in XQuery.

Download the e-book today.

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DB2 Magazine Email Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 9
(http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0BqV70AR)

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1. FROM THE EDITOR: FIVE STEPS TO DB2 9

* After reading about the new features in DB2 9 (hybrid
XML/relational engine, compression technology, range partitioning,
and the like) you may be thinking about migrating another vendor's
DBMS software to DB2 9. Despite all the new features,
the work involved can be intimidating. IBM's Manas Dadakar shows
you how to take the pain out of the process in a new article on
DB2mag.com. Dadakar explains IBM's automated Migration Toolkit, which
customizes objects to your specifications. This month, you can also
browse recent DB2 9 articles and download a new e-book on XML. As
always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions about the magazine and
this newsletter -- write to me at db2mag at cmp.com.--Kim Moutsos
--Read "Migrate to DB2 in Five Easy Steps."
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQI0Ad
--Download the e-book Spotlight on XML.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0BqV70AR
--Browse DB2 9 articles.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQJ0Ae
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQK0Af

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2. POLL POSITIONS

* Tell us about your migration plans, whether from an older DB2
release or from another vendor's platform.
--Let your opinion be known.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0Bw8K0AN


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3. MUST READS

* Mastering the SAP Business Information Warehouse
by Kevin McDonald, Andreas Wilmsmeier, David C. Dixon, W. H. Inmon

Written by SAP insiders, the second edition of this comprehensive
guide presents up-to-date information about how to use SAP BW to
design, build, deploy, populate, access, analyze, present, and
administer data. A companion Web site contains sample chapters in wiki
format and the authors' blog, where readers can enter discussions
about the book and SAP.
--Check out this book.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0Bk8y0Av

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4. IBM WEBCASTS, PODCASTS, AND TUTORIALS

* Interactive Presentation: IBM Information Server, Data Quality, and
Your Business
Michael Curry, IBM Information Integration program director, explains
the processes and best practices for data quality and how to set up a
successful data quality program in your business.
--Learn more.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQN0Ai

* Interactive Presentation: New Requirements for Data Warehouses
The data warehouse is changing from an end-point for offline
reporting to an operational source of authoritative information. Keith
Kohl, Program Director of Product Management in IBM Information
Integration Solutions, gives an overview of the new requirements for
data warehousing, along with capabilities in the IBM Information
Server that support them.
--Learn more.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQO0Aj
--Listen to the podcast.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQP0Ak

* IBM Information Server Interactive Overview
IBM Information Server helps organizations derive more value from
the complex, heterogeneous information spread across their systems.
This interactive presentation provides an overview of this new
platform for data integration.
--Learn more.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0Eh870Ap

* Webcast Replay: Leveraging EII/EAI/ETL Integration Strategies
The integration landscape is changing as technologies such as
enterprise application integration, enterprise information
integration, and extract transform and load continue to converge. This
one-hour Webcast defines EAI, EII, and ETL and demonstrates when to
use each.
--Download the Webcast.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQQ0Al

* Webcast Replay: Enabling Consistent Enterprise Visibility:
Delivering Information as a Service for SOA
SOA can lead to systems revitalization, process flexibility, and
information sharing. This Webcast focuses on service-enabling
information delivery within an SOA and lists steps companies can take
to modernize systems and make critical information more available,
consistent, and trustworthy.
--Watch the replay.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQR0Am


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5. SKILLS SET

* Information On Demand 2006 Pre-Conference Technical Education
IBM is offering 14 unique pre-conference technical training courses,
as well as certification preparation courses, to all registered
attendees at Information On Demand 2006 in Anaheim, CA. These in-depth
technical training courses are offered Sunday, October 15, 2006, at a
discounted rate. Space is limited; register early to ensure your seat.
--Browse a list of courses.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQS0An

* New IBM Alphablox Certification
A new Alphablox certification exam covers the fundamental concepts of
relational and multidimensional database technologies and the skills
required to design, develop, and support custom analytical
applications. To earn the IBM Certified Solution Developer -- IBM
Alphablox credential, you'll have to pass the Alphablox Certification
Exam 715 as well as its prerequisites.
--Get more information.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQT0Ao

* Coming soon: DB2 9 New Features Book
IBM DB2 9 New Features (IBM Press), by Paul Zikopoulos, George
Baklarz, Leon Katsnelson, and Chris Eaton, is now available for
pre-order from Amazon.com. The book offers a concise roadmap to IBM
DB2 9 features such as "pureXML" and deep compression capabilities.
--Read developerWorks blogger Susan Visser's assessment
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQU0Ap
--Learn more about the book.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQV0Aq

* Complimentary Certification at IBM Information On Demand 2006
Conference attendees can take up to three certification exams at no
cost. Choose from IBM Information Management, WebSphere, Rational,
Tivoli, and Lotus certification exams, including new tests on XML,
Content Management OnDemand, DB2 9, Informix 10, Alphablox, and DB2
Data Warehouse Edition.
--Find out more.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQW0Ar

* DB2 9 Fundamentals Exam 730 Tutorials
These seven tutorials cover each section of the new DB2 9 Fundamentals
exam. Topics include an introduction to SQL, DB2 9 packaging and
installation, how to create databases and database objects, database
security, and transaction isolation. Each takes about an hour to
complete.
--Take the tutorials online or download a PDF or zip file.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQX0As

* DB2 9 DBA Exam 731 Tutorial Series
This new series of seven tutorials prepares you for the new DB2 9
database administration exam introduced this month. The tutorials
cover topics related to designing, implementing, and administering
databases and reducing the time needed to create an application.
--Download the tutorials or take them online.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQX0As

* New IBM Content Management - OnDemand Certification
IBM introduced the new Certified Solutions Expert IBM Content
Management -- OnDemand credential. To achieve this certification,
candidates must pass IBM Content Management -- OnDemand Exam 444.
--Learn more about the new exam.
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQY0At

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6. IN THE ZONE

* DB2 Developer Workbench and Stored Procedures
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQZ0Au

* Mine DB2 XML Columns with DB2 Data Warehouse Edition Data Mining
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQa0A2

* Transform Information Integrator Event Publisher Messages
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQb0A3

* XML Data Solutions with xfy and DB2 9, Part 2
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQc0A4

* Invoke WebSphere Business Processes from a DB2 Database
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQd0A5

* Webcast: Unlock your XML Potential with IBM DB2 9 pureXML
http://news.db2mag.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ezQz0FhO7y0FLd0EmQe0A6

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