Paragraphs from the President
May was a busy and eventful month for many DB2 users around the world. Nearly one thousand people converged in Dallas, Texas for IDUG 2008 - North America. With so many users eager to learn and share experiences with new releases of DB2 9 on both the z/OS and distributed platforms, there was certainly a lot of ground to cover. As usual, the technical presentations were of a very high standard and the peer-to-peer networking was absolutely invaluable.
If you attended the conference but missed an interesting session, please don’t forget that your registration entitles you to download 12 free sessions from our Online Learning Center. These sessions feature the presentation PowerPoint slides synchronized with audio recorded at the conference, and are almost as good as being there! Of course, these sessions are also available to non-conference attendees, with significant discounts for IDUG Premier Members. All of the presentations from the Dallas conference will appear on the Online Learning Center within the coming weeks.
The Dallas event actually marked IDUG’s 20th year, but that is not the only anniversary we’re celebrating. In June, DB2 turned 25, with the original IBM announcement of “Database 2” being made on June 6, 1983. Willie Favero covered this extensively in his recent blog entry and whether you’re a new DB2 user or a seasoned professional the announcement letter makes fascinating reading. We’ve come a long way in the last 25 years, and there’s plenty more still to come!
While you have your browser open, you may also want to take a look at a recent survey of IDUG members, examining the evolving role of data management professionals. The survey, which was sponsored by CA, draws some very interesting conclusions on the key challenges and drivers facing all of us in our day-to-day jobs. Of particular interest is the section on skills, which highlights the fact that by helping its members grow and hone their skills, IDUG is also having a significant positive impact on the business performance of their employers. To read the full survey report, view it on IDUG's Web site.
Finally, I’d like to highlight two exciting competitions that we launched during the North American Conference:
- IDUG Video Contest - The IDUG Video Contest allows DB2 users worldwide to produce videos for their chance to win a selection of prizes. Videos should portray your day-to-day experience with DB2, specific successes, or case studies related to DB2. The contest will run through August 22, 2008 with winners being announced at the IDUG 2008 – Europe conference in October. Prizes for the winner of each category include: iPod Touches, IDUG Premier Memberships, and full IDUG conference registrations. Please visit www.IDUG.org/videocomp for further information and an online entry form.
- Search for the XML Superstar - The Search for the XML Superstar is a brand new, worldwide initiative aimed at highlighting the benefits of DB2 and related technologies to current and emerging generations of information management professionals. In addition to honing new skills with high professional demand, participants will be eligible to win one of a series of valuable prizes, including all-expense paid trips to an IBM or IDUG industry conference, a Segway i2 personal transport system, new laptops, Nintendo Wii system, and more! To learn more, visit www.channeldb2.com/superstar.
These competitions are a great opportunity to share your creativity and DB2 experiences with your peers and win some fantastic prizes. I hope you’ll consider entering one or both of them.
Until next month,
Julian Stuhler
President, IDUG – International DB2 Users Group
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Technical Library
Over a dozen presentations from the IDUG 2006 - Europe conference in Vienna, Austria were released to members during the month of May. Login to your member profile to access these and other helpful sessions in the IDUG Technical Library. Here are just a few examples of these presentations:
Why did the optimizer choose that path? (Part 1 of 2)
By Terry Purcell
Ever wondered why the DB2 optimizer chooses a certain access path, the wrong index, or poor table join sequence? Before DB2 v8, you had to be an optimizer expert to answer these questions. This presentation will outline a method to utilize the extensive access path detail available with v8 Visual Explain and compare with the actual reality for a given query.
Top 10 Factors to Consider When Designing and Implementing Large DB2 Systems
By Ellen Reys and Aamer SachedinaIn the “Top 10 Factors”, Ellen and Aamer will cover 10 most important items from a “recipe” for implementing large DB2 systems. While each of them will bring their strengths, Ellen will share her strong technical expertise in implementing real systems (VLDB) from scratch and will talk about some challenges everyone encounters when the database size reaches multiple terabytes. Aamer, a key contributor to DB2's large SMP TPC-C effort, will perform a deep dive into database configuration with pertinent DB2 Kernel internals for context. Together they will come up with a recipe how to transform challenges into successful implementation of Large DB2 systems.
Self Tuning Memory Manager in DB2 for LUW
By Christian Garcia-Arellano
The DB2 9 release introduced a revolutionary Self Tuning Memory Manager (STMM) which automates the task of memory tuning. The tuning technology is completely hands off and scales from small single user systems to large enterprise warehouses. The new STMM continuously monitors the system in an effort to tune the buffer pools and several of the most critical memory related configuration parameters. Through the use of an iterative tuning approach an STMM is able to tune systems to near optimal memory distribution in less than an hour. More impressive is STMM’s ability to handle sudden, drastic and sustained shifts in memory requirements. This talk outlines the new STMM feature and describes how and when it should be used. The internals of the STMM are described, showing how the architecture creates robust and powerful features. The feature's strengths will be also be illustrated by highlighting some of the impressive results that have been achieved when running STMM in the lab.
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e-Tips
To view more tips like this log into your member profile and visit IDUG's Member e-Tip page.
A Quick Way to Investigate a Lockwait Scenario Using the Sysibm Views Provided in DB2 v9 for LUW
Submitted by: Sameer Abhyankar
A quick way to investigate a lockwait scenario is to use the sysibmadm views provided by DB2 9. Select lockwaits.snapshot_timestamp, lockwaits.db_name, lockwaits.agent_id as waiting_agent_id, lockwaits.authid as waiting_auth_id, lockwaits.tabschema as locked_table_schema, lockwaits.tabname as locked_table_name, lockwaits.lock_object_type, timestampdiff(2,char(current timestamp - lockwaits.lock_wait_start_time)) as lock_wait_seconds, dbcfg.value as lock_timeout_seconds, lockwaits.lock_mode as lock_mode_held, lockwaits.lock_mode_requested, lockwaits.agent_id_holding_lk holding_agent_id, holding_app.authid as holding_auth_id from sysibmadm.lockwaits as lockwaits, sysibmadm.applications as holding_app, sysibmadm.dbcfg as dbcfg where holding_app.agent_id = agent_id_holding_lk and dbcfg.name = 'locktimeout' . This will provide basic lock-wait information.
Using Column Level Encryption in DB2 in DB2 v9 for z/OS and LUW
Submitted By: Sandeep Shah
Data encryption is supported by DB2. Use the encrypt() and decrypt() scalar functions to encrypt data using passwords. However, encryption comes at a cost and can affect the SQL performance. The column datatype should be VARCHAR(xx) FOR BIT DATA.
Preventing Tablespaces from Going to a Back-up Pending State in DB2 for LUW
Submitted By: Sandeep Shah
In a recoverable database (archival logging enabled), make sure you use the keyword 'nonrecoverable' in the LOAD statement otherwise the entire tablespace will go into a backup pending state even after a successful LOAD.
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Picks of the Forum
Log into your member profile to see view more items from the IDUG Discussion Forum.
One Forum member Werner Sperling provides information on how to extract DDL for an object in DB2 for z/OS. Forum topic titled "Extract Object DDL."
Ruediger Kurtz another Forum member provides information on how to suppress the "WHEN " parameter that is generated in the SYSPUNCH of a Unload. Forum topic titled "How to suppress WHEN."
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IDUG DB2-L Listserv
The IDUG DB2-L discussion listserv was pretty active this month with many hot topics. The most active topics being discussed over the past few weeks included:
- DB2 Came to Pretty Much a Grinding Halt - DB2 V7 z/OS (34 messages)
- Re-De-Clustering Tables (14 messages)
- When is a NUM not a NUM? (was Optimizer & IN list) (12 messages)
- Forcing automatic REBINDs (11 messages)
- Problem running DSNTEP2 - How do I remove SQL statements from OUTPUT file (10 messages)
- z/OS DB2 V7 to DB2 9 migration???? (9 messages)
And most creative non-technical post:
* [fiction] Open source - Hobby z/OS (14)
These and other topics being discussed are available in the IDUG DB2-L Listserv archives.
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IDUG Free Technical Web cast
SQL Performance Tuning, Tips and Tricks
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 10:30 a.m. ET
IDUG is pleased to partner with ITGain Software to deliver a free Web cast with presenter Florian Boldt, a DB2 Senior Consultant with extensive experience with DBMS and Data Warehouses. This live Web cast 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 Web cast:
Writing high performing SQL code is a challenging task for database administrator and application developers and lead to questions like:
- What is the best SQL language construct for the job?
- Which indexes are used and which not?
- How can I generate alternate SQL access path?
- How to put application logic into SQL statements?
- Where to start SQL access path tuning?
- What are my most important SQL statements?
This presentation will show the power of SQL and will provide sample scripts for high performing and efficient SQL statements. It will also provide means to capture SQL statements, unused indexes and work with the concept of virtual indexes.
About the Presenter:
Florian Boldt is a DB2 senior consultant and has worked extensively with DBMS and Data Warehouses since 1992 and DB2 LUW since 1998. He also teaches DB2 courses and works in DB2 performance tuning projects in Germany. As a product manager he defines the requirements for the SQL tuning and monitoring facility of ITgain's DB2 LUW monitor Speedgain for DB2 and has held presentations at DB2 technical conferences, including IDUG and GSE events.
Web cast Schedule (USA time zones):
Tuesday July 22, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (ET) The Web cast will be recorded and be available for re-broadcast, check www.IDUG.org for dates and times when they become available.
Visit our registration link to sign up for the SQL Performance Tuning, Tips and Tricks Web cast.
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IDUG News
IDUG Video Competition
The IDUG Video Competition is a unique opportunity that allows DB2 users worldwide to produce videos for their chance to win a selection of prizes. Videos should portray your day-to-day experience with DB2, specific successes, or case studies related to DB2. They will be judged in four categories:
- Humor/Parody
- DB2 Success Stories
- Documentary/Serious
- Going Green with DB2
Contest Details:
This competition is only open to IDUG Basic and Premier Members. The contest will run through August 22, 2008, with winners being announced at the IDUG 2008 - Europe conference, held October 13-17, 2008. Winners will also be notified via email.
Prizes:
Prizes for the winner of each category include: iPod Touches, free IDUG Premier Memberships, and full IDUG conference registrations. Winning videos will be placed on IDUG's Online Learning Center, available for free download by all IDUG members worldwide. In addition to these prizes, the runner-up videos in each category will be recognized on IDUG's Web site.
For complete details on how to submit content for this competition, visit www.IDUG.org/videocomp.
Please note: You will need to login as an IDUG member to access the information and application.
XML Superstar Contest: Prizes
The Search for the XML Superstar is a brand new, worldwide initiative aimed at highlighting the benefits of DB2 and related technologies to current and emerging generations of information management professionals. The benefits to contest participants are valuable and plentiful. In addition to honing new skills with high professional demand, participants will be eligible to win one of a series of valuable prizes, including all-expense paid trips to an IBM or IDUG industry conference, a Segway i2 personal transport system, new laptops, Nintendo Wii system, interviews and lab visits (for students), and more! To learn more, visit www.channeldb2.com/superstar.
And, as you consider participating watch a short video from one of the winners of IDUG's Deep Compression Challenge which was held in 2007. Scott Davis explains the benefits of participating in contests like these and advocates for IDUG and his local DB2 RUG.
DB2 Goes Viral: Spread the Word!
What's blue, goes green, and can be totally hilarious? IBM DB2! Come watch this series of three humorous viral videos and see for yourself.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
These new videos showcase DB2's pureXML capabilities, highlight IBM's focus on green technology, and convey a competitive message against Oracle and Microsoft database offerings. The series also shows off IBM's great sense of humor.
Translated versions will also be available in the coming months.
Help us make it viral:
Premier Members: Submit a DB2 Product Enhancement Request
If you are interested in submitting a DB2 requirement to IBM, think about utilizing IDUG’s new process. If you submit a requirement through IDUG, Premier Members will vote and submit the most supported enhancements to IBM. Rather than receiving product needs and ideas from individual companies or users, the shared voice of the IDUG community will be much stronger. This process is meant to be bi-directional with IBM. IBM will give a structured response to the requirements passed to them.
Want to learn more? Visit www.IDUG.org and login using your Premier Membership ID and password. Then click on the “Product Enhancement Requests” button in the left-hand navigation.
Leverage Your Training Budget with the IDUG Online Learning Center!
The IDUG Online Learning Center features download-on-demand streaming media files of educational sessions. Most offerings in the Learning Center feature original presenter audio synchronized with presentation slides, giving you and your team a virtual classroom experience that can be enjoyed at your convenience. Online Learning Center Packages are also now available for purchase allowing you to Experience IDUG on your own time!
Pearson Education
As software continues to evolve and mature, software development processes become more complicated, relying on a variety of methodologies and approaches. Scott Bain illuminates the path to building the next generation of software through Emergent Design. Download the podcast today!
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IDUG Events
IDUG 2008 – North America
May 18-22, Dallas, Texas
IDUG 2008 – North America was a resounding success! Nearly one thousand DB2 and IMS users from around the world landed in Dallas, Texas, for IDUG 2008 – North America, May 18-22. The week was filled with technical learning, formal and informal networking, and focused training.
Throughout the week, the learning environment created by Users for Users proved to be a invaluable! This was evident through session attendance, IBM certification participation, and the overall response from attendees. Complete details on the IDUG 2008 - North America conference can be found in this year's Conference Wrap Up story.
IDUG 2008 – India
21-23 August, Bangalore, India
Registration is Now Available for IDUG 2008 - India
The IDUG 2008 - India Forum will be hosted 21 - 23 August 2008 at Le Meridien in Bangalore, India, and will feature three days of leading-edge education delivered by expert users, consultants, and representatives of IBM, as well as other leading DB2 vendors. Register today by downloading the IDUG 2008 – India Registration Form.
Want to Learn More About This Exciting IDUG Event?
- NEW! Download the 2008 Delegates Brochure where you will find all the information you need to justify you attendance to this year's forum.
- View our Conference Schedule. Peruse this insightful tool to gain a better understanding of this year's forum and to start planning your IDUG Experience.
- IDUG 2008 - India will feature Curt Cotner, Chief Technology Officer for the DB2 Family and Informix IDS Database Servers.
IDUG 2008 – Europe
13-17 October, Warsaw, Poland
Online Registration Now Available!
Register online today for IDUG 2008 - Europe, the premiere European event for DB2 professionals. Secure your spot by 29 August 2008 to save with the early bird rate. Gain ultimate access to all sessions, evening receptions, the Solution Centre and more.
NEW! Advance Programme: A Glimpse of the IDUG Experience
The IDUG 2008 - Europe Advance Programme is now available to give you a glimpse of what it means to Experience IDUG. Get an inside look at the educational offerings and networking opportunities available this
Start Planning Your IDUG Experience
Start your IDUG 2008 - Europe experience early by exploring the over 100 technical sessions that will be offered at this year's conference. For your planning and convenience IDUG is pleased to provide you with our online Conference Scheduler. Preview all of the IDUG 2008 - Europe content and plan ahead to Experience IDUG!
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