IBM`s new self-managing DB2 software cuts cost of ownership

IBM SA has introduced to the South African market a self-managing version of the world`s most popular database software, DB2, demonstrating its ability to reduce total cost of database ownership by simplifying and automating maintenance and management tasks.

Says IBM SA`s data solutions manager, Simon Jeggo: "With our exchange rate and skills drain, the cost of getting and keeping database administrators (DBAs) in SA is much higher than anywhere else.

"So, the ability of DB2 v8 to reduce dependency on very expensive skills will have a massive impact on total cost of database ownership here.

"Also, the global database market is growing - particularly in terms of DB2, which grew 11% in the last quarter. The supply of database management skills simply can`t keep pace.

"The role of a self-managing DB2 in an organisation`s future operations is, therefore, critical.

"And it`s one of the reasons we`ve eased the upgrade path by consolidating DB2 Enterprise Edition and Extended Enterprise Edition. Companies no longer need to migrate from one to the other as they grow."

DB2 v8`s self-managing and self-tuning capabilities, combined in the Health Centre, enable DBAs to manage five times the number of systems than before.

Using e-mail, pager or PDA, the Health Centre automatically updates DBAs on system performance, gives advice on problems occurring in the database or application it supports and alerts them that a fix has been generated. It allows them to make adjustments through any Web browser.

DB2 v8`s new Configuration Advisor reduces the time needed to configure a database system from days to minutes, by automatically setting parameters based on a few simple questions.

It also eliminates the need for frequent manual tuning of performance-related parameters.

DB2 v8 cuts integration costs because it is the only database to support federated Web services, enabling customers to access information wherever it resides.

Through a single SQL query, DB2 can access and consolidate information from Web services providers, eliminating the need to go through applications. Programmers can therefore speed up integration projects.

IBM`s federated capabilities contrast strongly with competitor offerings that promote a centralised approach to data management. DB2`s approach allows customers to build on their current technology infrastructure, increase scalability and reliability, and lower the total cost of computing.

In addition, enhancements for XML make it easier for programmers to integrate DB2 and XML information. For example, DB2 automates the typical transformations programmers need to write to enable XML documents to be viewed on a Web browser. Also, DB2`s XML document storage and retrieval forms are now provided as a combination of SQL language and DB2 XML Extender enhancements.

DB2 v8 delivers the broadest support for open standards, giving customers a greater return on their investment. They can manage, integrate and analyse information from the widest variety of sources across all platforms - including Linux, Unix and Windows.

And DB2`s Developer Centre makes it easier for developers to build and deploy applications for either Java or Microsoft. They can leverage DB2`s advanced functions in the programming model with which they are familiar.

From a performance perspective, DB2 v8`s new `multi-dimensional clustering` capabilities enable customers to reorganise information in one easy step, so that it can be retrieved quickly, from any view the customer may require.

DB2 also provides customers with new online utilities such as table reorganisation, index maintenance and database loads. These capabilities ensure the highest level of availability for critical business information.

The beta version of DB2 v8 can be downloaded at www.ibm.com/db2/v8beta.