Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Documentation:
IBM provides a Web-accessible information
center for the DB2 product family (see [IBM, 2008]). It must
be stated that compared to other similar resources, this site
could benefit from some improvements. In the experience of
this author, one has to spend considerable time in finding the
information sought.
Combined Effect:
DB2 is on the verge of becoming a truly
superb product. It is hoped that IBM can address the few
problem areas for the product.
17.4 Summary and Concluding Remarks
It is now time to summarize what we have covered in this chapter:
•
DB2 is widely regarded as one of the world's leading UDBMS
suites. The product runs on all the major operating system
platforms, and is marketed under five editions: DB2 UDB
Everyplace Edition, DB2 UDB Personal Edition, DB2 UDB
Workgroup Server Edition, DB2 UDB Express Edition, and DB2
UDB Enterprise Server Edition.
•
The DB2 suite includes a number of components. These include
(but are not confined to) DB2 Universal Database Core, IBM
InfoSphere Information Server, IBM Data Studio, and IBM
InfoSphere Warehouse.
•
DB2 has some shortcomings relating to backup and recovery,
and affordability.
Not withstanding the shortcomings, DB2 is an excellent DBMS suite, and is arguably
the one with the most comprehensive and coherent design. For these and other reasons,
it is expected that the product will continue to dominate the database systems arena well
into the foreseeable future.
17.5 Review Questions
1.
What are the main editions of DB2 that are marketed?
2.
What are the main components of the DB2 suite? Briefly
discuss how these components are related.
3.
Identify some benefits and drawbacks of the DB2 suite.
