The need for better ways to access and manipulate data has driven the evolution of database management systems, from simple file processing systems to the newest generation of relational database management systems. In a world that seems to grow smaller every day, it's important to have a database that can embrace as much of that world as possible: a database that is truly universal. With DB2, IBM gives you a database that is:
DB2 has become synonymous with open, industrial-strength database management for business intelligence, transaction processing, and a broad range of applications for all types of businesses. Each new release of DB2 Universal Database builds on the strong foundation of the previous version. This book describes the new DB2 functions and enhancements available with DB2 Universal Database and DB2 Connect Version 6.
This book is for current owners of DB2 who are upgrading or considering upgrading from one of these:
If you are considering DB2 Universal Database or DB2 Connect for the first time, you should start by reading the appropriate Quick Beginnings book for your operating system to get basic DB2 information.
This book begins with an overview of some of the major DB2 enhancements for Version 6 and then describes these new features and enhancements.
Chapter 1, "DB2 Universal Database and DB2 Connect Upgrades" describes the main DB2 product enhancements available with DB2 Universal Database and DB2 Connect Version 6, lists additional platform support for existing products, and describes the migration support we provide to help you migrate from previous versions of DB2 to Version 6.
Chapter 2, "Ease of Use Enhancements" describes tools that help you perform DB2 administrative and application development tasks. These include extensions to existing tools, like the ability to manage DB2 Universal Database for OS/390 servers from the Control Center, new administrative tools for optimizing database indexes and managing DB2 licenses, and new application development tools, including the Stored Procedure Builder.
Chapter 3, "Administration Enhancements" describes powerful additions to DB2 administration, including support for the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory service, OLE DB table functions for transparent access to non-DB2 data, and load utility improvements.
Chapter 4, "Application Development Enhancements" describes the Version 6 application development improvements that increase DB2 compatibility with industry, Microsoft, and DB2 Universal Database for OS/390 standards and ease your application development efforts.
Chapter 5, "Performance Enhancements" describes the Version 6 improvements to the performance of DB2 through additional index and optimizer options and DB2's larger page size support.
Chapter 6, "DB2 Connect Enhancements" describes DB2 Connect Version 6 improvements, including connection pooling, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and improved ease of use.
Appendix A, "How the DB2 Library Is Structured" describes the DB2 library, including books and online help.
Appendix B, "Notices" contains notice and trademark information.