Moving Beyond MySQL - High End Database Solutions

IBM DB2

This is IBM's entry into the high-level database arena. They call DB2 the Universal Database because it is supposed to run on all platforms. It even runs on mainframe hardware under systems like OS/390. I personally haven't used DB2 but list it here as an option you might consider. The newer versions come complete with IBM's Websphere software, ADO and ODBC drivers, an Interface to connect to a database from the Webserver, and a custom module that allows you to connect to PERL code through PERL's DBI module.

IBM just released version 7 of this suite, which is popular on IBM hardware, and often comes pre-installed on the larger machines. Coupled with their powerful Websphere rapid development toolset and the robust features of Lotus Notes, DB2 can provide a balanced, integrated platform to meet most companies' data handling needs.

With this system IBM aims to provide a single solution that is all things to all people. This version includes features such as XML data, Multimedia file handling, Web driven output, Java support and more.

A little cup of Java

As with many database servers available today, IBM has integrated Java capabilities into its DB2 product, which allows the developer to create new and unique features, and to extend the DB2 library using common, everyday tools. DB2 utilizes two different Java technologies, Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) and embedded SQL for Java (SQLJ). Both can be used to create Java applications and applets that access DB2.

JDBC accesses information in the DB2 database by accessing the command line interface of the database. This can result in slower accesses than you can achieve with stored procedures or triggers using SQLJ. SQLJ uses the JDBC classes to connect to the database, but holds compiled queries in its byte code to allow for faster planning and execution.

Pricing Confusion

As I said before, DB2 is advertised as being able to run on every platform. For the most part this is true, but some modules are only available for certain platforms. DB2 comes with a complicated pricing and licensing scheme, where IBM calculate the charge based on which modules are used. While this does allow you to pick and choose what you need, if you're looking for a complete package, you might end up spending more than you can afford.

In my opinion DB2 needs some improvement to be a "universal database solution". However, if you're using other IBM software (such as Websphere and Notes) that's equipped to handle fast access to the DB2 server, then you should take advantage of that, and use this database.

Website
http://www-4.ibm.com/cgi-bin/db2www/data/db2/udb/winos2unix/support/v7pubs.d2w/en_main