DB2 Express-C FAQ

What is DB2 Express-C?

DB2 Express-C is a member of the DB2 database family. DB2 Express-C is a version of DB2 Express Edition for the developer and partner community. Designed to be up and running in minutes and to be self-maintaining, DB2 Express-C is a production ready data server.

Who should be using Express-C?

DB2 Express-C makes the DB2 data server more accessible for developers and users. Available at no license fee, DB2 Express-C is perfect for developers, small and medium business, partners, and academic communities considering or using open source or other no-charge database servers. DB2 Express-C provides a flexible, low-cost, high value database as the corner stone for their information on demand applications.

How is DB2 Express-C different from DB2 Express Edition (DB2 Express)?

DB2 Express-C has all the resiliency and robustness of the DB2 Express but without some extended features available via the fee-based DB2 Express offering. There are 2 DB2 Express-C licensing options, the following table provides more information about both DB2 Express-C options.

Comparing the FREE edition with Paid Subscription

What are the licensing terms for DB2 Express-C?

DB2 Express-C includes an free unwarranted license to use on 32 or 64 bit, Linux or Windows systems with up to 2 CPU cores and 2GB of memory. For an additional charge, you can purchase a paid subscription for DB2 Express-C, which provides access to additional features including High Availability (HADR) and Replication and additional resource usage (up to 4 cores and 4 GB of memory). More information is available here.

Are there any limitations such as number of instances installed per server or database size prohibiting full use of DB2 Express-C in production environment?

Unlike other free databases, DB2 Express-C does not impose any artificial limitation. There is no database size limit, no limit on the number of instances or databases per server and no restriction on the number of users.

What are the benefits of DB2 Express-C for developers?

With DB2 Express-C, application developers can develop and deploy database applications at no charge. Like the rest of the DB2 data server family, DB2 Express-C supports the key programming languages including: C/C++, Java, .NET, and PHP. DB2 also provides tight integration into industry leading Integrated Development Environments (IDE) including: Microsoft tm Visual Studio, IBM Rational Application Developer, Eclipse, and Zend Studio. DB2 Express-C is based on the open SQL standard, ensuring your applications are compatible with the entire family of DB2 data servers.

What are the benefits of DB2 Express-C for academic communities?

With DB2 Express-C, faculty and students have direct access to an easy to learn and easy to use database for relational and XML data at no charge. Unlike software acquired through membership in the IBM Academic Initiative, use of DB2 Express-C does not end in classroom. Faculty and students can take advantage of free support for DB2 Express-C via the on-line community forum. For additional information on the IBM Academic Initiative, click here.

How do I obtain a copy of DB2 Express-C?

DB2 Express-C is available for free download.

What platforms are supported by DB2 Express-C?

DB2 Express-C is available on the same platforms as DB2 Express. The support platforms include: Linux [x86 (32-bit), x86_64 (32- and 64-bit), PPC64 (POWER 64-bit)] and Windows [x86 (32-bit), x86_64 (64-bit)]. Complete list is available on the DB2 Express-C download page

What are the programming languages and APIs supported?

Leveraging the traditional strength of DB2 data servers, DB2 Express-C provides support for service-oriented architecture (SOA) technologies, and open industry standards such as SQL, XML, Java, and .NET, and popular programming open source languages such as PHP, Perl, Python, etc. Applications developed for DB2 Express-C can take advantage of the same leading-edge database innovations found in the entire DB2 family of products.

How is support handled for DB2 Express-C?

You may receive community based assistance via a free DB2 Express Online Forum hosted and monitored by DB2 Experts from IBM.

IBM also offers a paid subscription offering for DB2 Express-C which provides access to 24x7 IBM customer support as well as additional DB2 features including High Availability (HADR), Clustering, and Data Replication.

The complete DB2 9 documentation center is also available for free here. (Please note that any problems with the documentation should be sent to db2docs@ca.ibm.com).

What scalability options are available if the usage outgrows DB2 Express-C?

Applications developed with DB2 Express-C are fully compatible with the other DB2 Universal Database editions (DB2 Express Edition, DB2 Workgroup Edition, and DB2 Enterprise Server Editions). There is no code change required when your business needs outgrow DB2 Express-C. Upgrading to DB2 Express edition is a seamless process.

How do you choose between DB2 Express and IBM Express Runtime?

IBM Express Runtime provides the market-leading middleware infrastructure required by IBM Business Partners delivering mid market solutions. Express Runtime consists of integrated middleware — a choice of Express Database - DB2® Universal Database™ Express Edition, Version 8.2 or IBM Informix® Dynamic Server Express Edition Version 10 — plus IBM WebSphere® Application Server - Express and IBM HTTP Server, configuration, licensing and support costs. This is all delivered with one installation, license and point of contact for support. An important feature of Express Runtime is the Solution Assembly Toolkit which allows for rapid integration with middleware to significantly reduce the install checklist by pre-configuring the solution with specific customer requirements. Additionally the deployment wizard that simplifies solution installation and helps lay down middleware quickly. Similar to DB2 Express, IBM Express Runtime license includes 24X7 support. Additional information on Express Runtime is available here.

How do you choose between DB2 Express-C and Cloudscape?

DB2 Express-C and Cloudscape are low-cost, high value data servers for production use and/or are available with a zero-cost license. Cloudscape is well suited for applications that require a completely invisible, embedded data server for Java applications. DB2 Express-C should be used when the applications require high performance and highly scalable data server with advanced features such as enhanced scalability, manageability, and SQL support. DB2 Express-C is ideal for all data server applications including: .NET, C/C++, Java and other non-Java programming languages.

Resources

• DB2 Express-C - Free download