Paragraphs from the President
What’s New?
Upgrades. For many of you, this is a year of migration from one version of DB2 to another. I wrote "upgrades" because Bernie Spang of IBM keeps reminding us all that this is not just a migration, not just a journey from one version of DB2 to another - it's a change for the better for the businesses we support.
So, remember to advertise the business value when you're upgrading to Viper 2, DB2 9 for z/OS or DB2 8 for z/OS. Be ready to talk about the business benefits along with the technical features of your next best DB2. Find out about both from IDUG.
So, what's new? With IDUG, it's the IDUG Online Learning Center. It's just what you need to "upgrade" your skills along with the upgrade of your favorite flavor(s) of DB2.
IDUG is here to help you. Participate in IDUG Conferences and Events, refer to the IDUG Solutions Journal, the Technical Library and eTips, DB2-L, Basic Membership, Premier Membership and the many other opportunities to help yourself and your company. The IDUG Online Learning Center is the newest of the lot.
You can expect IDUG to continue to provide you, the DB2 professional, with a community for networking and with the technical knowledge to effectively utilize DB2!
All the best,
Bernie O'Connor
President, IDUG - International DB2 Users Group
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DB2-L
The IDUG DB2-L Listserv had a very challenging few months in 2007 but is off to a great start for the New Year. In December, the Listserv completed a move to a new hosting company, IT Convergence. The move went well. There were a couple of issues, but the general capability of posting and distribution of the e-mail worked from day one. The effort involved here was tremendous and the volunteer list administrators and the technical staff at IT Convergence did a fantastic job.
Along with the new ISP, there are a number of improvements. The occasional errors that some subscribers were getting when they tried to access the web interface to the list are gone. The support infrastructure has also proven to be a lot more responsive to any questions/issues we have had as well.
IDUG provides a number of e-mail listservs, providing individual members a quick and easy way to address their questions to a broad array of users who may have experienced similar problems. This is a great way for the members to share their expertise with each other. While most people are very familiar with the DB2-L, the main list serving almost 3000 DB2 professionals, many of IDUG's Regional User Groups also have their own list. For a lot more information about the IDUG listservs, go to www.IDUG.org and look under the Listserv tab.
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IDUG Free Technical Webcasts
Let's Talk DB2 Access Paths
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:00 a.m. ET
The International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) is pleased to partner with CA to deliver a free Webcast by renowned industry expert Sheryl M. Larsen, SMLI. This live event will run approximately 60 minutes, and participants will have the opportunity to pose questions to the presenter. Capacity is limited, so register early.
About the Webcast:
This is a 60-minute review of all access paths that can be chosen by the DB2 9 for z/OS optimizer. Access paths will be shown in animated detail while discussing when the optimizer prefers each access path and how to encourage or discourage each. Come see the newly enhanced Nested Loop Join, Direct Row Access and a brand new join called Pair-wise Star Join, as well as the old standbys.
About the Presenter:
Sheryl M. Larsen, Inc., SMLI, is a firm specializing in Advanced DB2 Consulting and Education. Sheryl M. Larsen is the founder/president and is an internationally recognized researcher, consultant and lecturer, specializing in DB2. She is known for her extensive expertise in SQL, has over 20 years experience in DB2, published many articles and co-authored a book, DB2 Answers, Osborne-McGraw-Hill, 1999. She was voted into the IDUG "Speaker Hall of Fame" in 2001 and was the Executive Editor of the IDUG Solutions Journal magazine 1997-2000. Currently, she is President of the Midwest Database Users Group, and a member of IBM's DB2 Gold Consultants program.
Webcast Schedule (USA time zones):
Wednesday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT, 8:00 a.m. PT). Click here to register! A replay of this Webcast will be available for a short period of time after February 13th. Look for future announcements for direction on how to access the pre-recorded Webcast.
Upcoming Webcasts from CA's Phil Grainger
The International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) is pleased to partner with CA to deliver free Webcasts on a variety of technical subjects related to DB2 9. These real-time Webcasts will be presented by Phil Grainger, CA Product Management Director. Each session will be recorded and run approximately 60 minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to pose questions to the presenter during the presentation. Capacity will be limited, so be sure to register early. Additional information will be available so look for additional announcements or logon to www.IDUG.org.
These free Webcasts are sponsored by IDUG as a service to its members and the professional DB2 Community at large.
Upcoming Topics Include:
March 12, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. ET
DB2 9 a Native XML Support
April 9, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. ET
What's New in SQL for DB2 9 Part 1 - New Objects
To Be Scheduled:
- What's New in SQL for DB2 9 Part 2 - New SQL
- What's New in SQL for DB2 9 Part 3 - New Options
- Better Availability with DB2 9
- Performance Improvements in DB2 9
- DB2 9 Security and Regulatory Compliance
Previous Topics Presented Include:
January 9, 2008
Pre-Reqs, Migrations and Deprecations – How do you move to DB2 9 and What is Missing When you Get There
Presented by Phil Grainger, CA, Inc.
A replay of each Webcast will be available for a short period after its presentation. Look for future announcements for direction on how to access the pre-recorded Webcast.
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IDUG News
Look What's New from IBM Press!
IDUG Premier Members can now receive a 45% discount on purchases through the IBM Press affiliate link on www.IDUG.org. All other IDUG members can purchase these books at regular price on www.ibmpressbooks.com.
DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows: DBA Guide, Reference, and Exam Prep, 6th Edition
Authors: George Baklarz, Paul C. Zikopoulos
Understanding DB2®: Learning Visually with Examples, 2nd Edition
Authors: Raul F. Chong, Xiaomei Wang, Michael Dang, Dwaine R. Snow
Looking for Other Ways to Leverage Your Training Dollars?
The new IDUG Online Learning Center provides the opportunity to experience IDUG's in-depth education from the convenience of your office or home.
The Online Learning Center features download-on-demand streaming media files of sessions recorded at IDUG 2007 - North America, May 6-10 in San Jose, California. Most offerings in the Online Learning Center feature original presenter audio synchronized with presentation slides, giving you a virtual classroom experience that can be started, stopped, resumed and replayed at your convenience.
Visit IDUG's Online Learning Center to learn more and to start experiencing IDUG's world class education online.
Experience IDUG: Upgrade to Premier Membership
As an IDUG member, you gain direct access to the largest, most innovative group of DB2 product family users in the world. Basic membership with IDUG is free and offers high-value education, technical information, peer-to-peer connections, and other in-depth resources.
If you haven’t already done so, have you considered upgrading your Basic Membership to Premier? As an IDUG Premier Member, you can more fully leverage education and tools that enable you do your job more effectively.
IDUG Premier Membership includes:
- An IDUG Premier Member card and lapel pin
- Complimentary access to download-on-demand program content (streaming audio/video) delivered at IDUG conferences
- Several complimentary offerings and a 50% discount off any purchased sessions from the IDUG Online Learning Center
- Access to IDUG's podcast and Webcast series
- Access to select "members only" areas of www.IDUG.org, including the online Code Place, Technical Library, Discussion Forums and Solution Providers directory
- Substantial discounts on technical book purchases from Prentice Hall (IBM Press)
The cost of Premier Membership is $100 annually or is included with a paid registration to IDUG's annual North America or European conferences. To learn more, see our Member Services page.
IBM Support Tools Part 1
Do you spend too much time looking for IBM support information? We realize IDUG members want to be self-sufficient in finding what they need, when they need it, and as quickly as possible. IBM understands your time is valuable and for this reason, the IBM Software Support Toolbar is designed to give customer access to the most common and sought-after IBM Software Support in a well-organized and easily-navigated manner. The toolbar is available for two of the most popular internet browsers, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, for maximum compatibility. In less than a 30 second download, here are some features you will appreciate:
- Instantly search IBM Support Knowledge base using keywords, specific errors or an exact phrase
- Ability to search or browse for IBM product downloads including fix packs, updates, patches, etc.
- Quick access to an array of information and tools including ESR, EcuRep, passport advantage, Assist On Site(AOS), IBM Support Assistant (ISA) that will help you in your online support experience.
- Automatically be notified when a newer version is available for download
- It’s a toolbar! View it when you need it, hide it when you do not
- Download the IBM Software Support Toolbar today at http://www.ibm.com/software/support/toolbar/.
IDUG Solutions Journal - Winter 2007 Now Available!
The IDUG Solutions Journal is published three times per year, and is designed to provide DB2 Product Family users - of all experience and release affiliations - with the latest information to improve their effectiveness as a DB2 professional. To download a copy of the Winter 2007 version of the IDUG Solutions Journal, click here.
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IDUG Upcoming Events
IDUG 2008 – Australasia
5-7 March, Sydney, Australia
IDUG 2008 – Australasia is now a three-day event featuring pre-conference certification seminars, FREE IBM certification testing, and in-depth seminars. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from expert DB2 professionals, gain hands-on training, and expand your networking community and register today!
Hurry! The early bird registration deadline of 15 February is fast approaching! Do not miss your last chance to save AUD $110 on your full-conference registration. Visit the IDUG 2008 - Australasia Web site to learn more.
IDUG 2008 – North America
May 18-22, Dallas, Texas
IDUG – North America is your opportunity to Experience the best in DB2 and IMS technical training and in-depth education. Featuring more than 150 hours of technical sessions, you will find experiences that will enhance your career and benefit your organization.
To learn more about IDUG’s education, check out the conference schedule now available on the IDUG 2008 – North America Web site. Be sure to take advantage of IDUG’s special registration discounts. Register today and save $200 on your full-conference registration.
IDUG 2008 – Europe
13-17 October, Warsaw, Poland
Save the date for IDUG 2008 - Europe, 13-17 October 2008 at the Hilton Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland! Check the IDUG 2008 – Europe Web site often over the coming months as updated information becomes available.
Interested in attending IDUG 2008 - Europe at no cost? Consider presenting an educational session at this year's conference in Warsaw, Poland and receive a complimentary registration to the event.
For complete details on submission categories and procedures visit the IDUG 2008 - Europe Call for Presentations page. Do not delay – the presentation submission deadline is Friday, 29 February!
IDUG 2008 – India
21-23 August, Bangalore, India
IDUG will host the second annual IDUG India Forum, 21-23 August 2008 at the Hotel Le Meridien in Bangalore, India. As details are finalized, information will be available at www.IDUG.org/indiaforum08.
IDUG 2008 – Brazil
In support of the growing DB2 user community in South America, IDUG will host its first face-to-face event in Brazil in November 2008. Dates and location are being finalized and will be publicized in the IDUG e-Bulletin once available. If you are interesting in volunteering, speaking, or exhibiting at this event, please contact IDUG Headquarters at IDUG@IDUG.org.
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