Db2 12 for z/OS information roadmap

This roadmap outlines the information resources that are available for Db2 for z/OS® administrators. These resources provide information about various subject areas, such as installation, administration, and troubleshooting for Db2 for z/OS.

Tip: This roadmap identifies information resources that are most appropriate for experienced Db2 for z/OS administrators. If you are just getting started with Db2 for z/OS, see New-user information roadmap.

If you are an experienced application developer, see the programming resources in Application Developer information roadmap.

Product overview

IBM® Db2 for z/OS: The Database for Critical Transactions and Analytics: This web page describes the features and benefits of Db2 for z/OS.
Db2 for z/OS Product Documentation: This technote provides links to the Db2 for z/OS product information in PDF format, along with links to Db2 for z/OS and related Program Directories and other valuable information resources.
Mainframe success stories: Read what our clients are saying about the power and flexibility of IBM Z.

Planning

General planning

Release announcement for DB2®Db2 12 for z/OS: This announcement letter summarizes the key enhancements that are available in this release of Db2 for z/OS.
Db2 12 for z/OS Technical Overview: This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the enhancements made available Db2 12. The contents help you understand the new functions and performance enhancements, start planning for exploiting the key new capabilities, and justify the investment in installing or migrating.

Planning for specific functions

Preparing for Db2 data sharing: This information provides details about planning for Db2 data sharing, establishing naming conventions, estimating storage requirements, and so on.
Db2 utilities packaging: Several utilities are included with Db2 for z/OS at no extra charge. Other utilities are available in the separate Db2 Utilities Suite for z/OS product.

Installing and migrating

Preparing your system to install or migrate Db2: This information describes estimating Db2 storage needs, loading Db2 libraries verifying your installation or migration with the sample applications, and connecting the IMS attachment facility.
Migrating to Db2 12: This information describes the procedure for migrating to Db2 12.
Installing Db2: This information describes the steps for installing a new Db2 12 environment.
Program Directories for Db2 for z/OS: This web page links to Program Directories for Db2 for z/OS and related components. Program Directories provide helpful information that you need when you install or migrate to a new version of a product.
Adopting new capabilities in Db2 12 continuous delivery: In Db2 12, function levels and application compatibility levels control the adoption of most new capabilities by Db2 subsystems and Db2 applications.
Video: Db2 for z/OS—Delivering New Capabilities Faster (YouTube: 1:33:25): This webcast, by IBM Distinguished Engineers John Campbell and Chris Crone, presents a detailed view of the reasons for continuous delivery in Db2 12, how to activate new function during migration from Db2 11 to the initial Db2 12 release, how to activate new function beyond the initial Db2 12 release, and more.

Configuring

Configuring TLS/SSL for Secure Client-Server Communications: This IBM Redpaper provides information about how to set up and configure Db2 for z/OS with Transport Layer Security (TLS), the modern version of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
System z® Parallel Sysplex® Best Practices: This IBM Redbooks publication provides information about the best way to design, implement, and manage an IBM Z Parallel Sysplex to deliver the levels of performance and availability that are required by your organization.

Administering

Certifications for Db2 administrators

Db2 for z/OS Database Administration Core training path: Use this training path to see the courses that you need to take for Db2 for z/OS database administration.
IBM Professional Certification Program: This web page provides you with information about Db2 certification. This information applies to Db2 products on all of the different operating systems, including z/OS.

Db2 utilities

Introduction to Db2 utilities: Db2 utilities help maintain data in your Db2 for z/OS databases. Generally, you use Db2 utilities to perform large-scale operations across one or more table spaces.
Db2 utilities: Reference information and usage guidance for online and stand-alone Db2 utilities.
Db2 utilities packaging: Several utilities are included with Db2 for z/OS at no extra charge. Other utilities are available in the separate Db2 Utilities Suite for z/OS product.
Db2 for z/OS Utilities in Practice: This IBM Redpaper publication helps Db2 database administrators, Db2 system programmers, and anyone who runs Db2 for z/OS utilities implement best practices.
Db2 for z/OS Utilities Development Blog: A community hints and tips blog for Db2 utilities.

Administration with Db2 Tools

Db2 Tools for z/OS: This web page provides you with information about the various tools that can simplify management, maximize performance, and lower operating costs.
Db2 Administration Tool for z/OS: This web page provides general information and resources for the Db2 Administration Tool for z/OS, which provides a comprehensive set of functions that help Db2 personnel manage their Db2 environments efficiently and effectively.
Managing Db2 10 for z/OS Using the IBM Db2 Administration Tool for z/OS Version 10: This IBM Redbooks publication highlights the data administration enhancements introduced by Db2 Administration Tool for z/OS Version 10, showing scenarios of their use with the new functions provided by DB2 10. Although written in particular for DB2 10, this publication is also helpful as you administer later releases of Db2 for z/OS.
Db2 Administration Solution Pack for z/OS: Streamlining Db2 for z/OS Database Administration: This IBM Redbooks publication discusses how the products in the Db2 Administration Solution Pack for z/OS can help database administrators more efficiently complete tasks that are associated with object management, change management, application management, and configuration management.
Managing Db2 for z/OS Utilities with Db2 Tools Solution Packs: This IBM Redbooks publication highlights productivity and performance gains for database administrators when using the IBM Db2 Utilities Solution Pack and the IBM Db2 Fast Copy Solution Pack. This publication explains the functions of the tools in these solution packs, and provides real-life scenarios and best practices for adopting utilities.

Security

Security Functions of IBM Db2 10 for z/OS: This IBM Redbooks publication highlights added functions in the areas of security, regulatory compliance, and audit capability. Although written for DB2 10, this information is helpful when managing security in later releases of Db2 for z/OS.

Db2 stored procedures

Implementing Db2 stored procedures: A stored procedure is executable code that can be called by other programs. You might choose to use stored procedures for code that is used repeatedly. This information describes some benefits of using stored procedures and how to create and call stored procedures.
Data Studio and Db2 for z/OS Stored Procedures: This IBM Redpaper publication discusses how you can use tools, in particular IBM Data Studio, to accelerate the process of developing and debugging stored procedures. This paper is a major update to Part 6, "Cool tools for an easier life," of the IBM Redbooks publication Db2 9 for z/OS Stored Procedures: Through the CALL and Beyond.
Db2 for z/OS Stored Procedures: Through the CALL and Beyond (IBM Redbooks): Although this IBM Redbooks publication was written for DB2 9, this information is also helpful as you design, install, manage, and tune stored procedures with later releases of Db2 for z/OS.

Scenarios

Case studies: BMW Group develops eco-friendly innovation for smart drivers with IBM: This case study shares the success that BMW Group had migrating to and using Db2 11 as part of the Early Support Program (ESP).
Case studies: JN Data gets the early-adopter advantage for its growing business: This case study shares the success that JN Data has had as an early-adopter of Db2 11.

Samples

Db2 programming samples

You can find application programming samples that you can use to get started creating applications that access data in Db2 for z/OS. The collection of samples come from various sources, including:

Content that is adapted from existing IBM developerWorks® and other articles from around the web.
Samples that were previously delivered throughout in the existing Db2 programming information.
Examples that were previously supplied with Db2 in the DSN1210.SDSNSAMP library, but only recently included in their entirety in the documentation.

Db2 for z/OS developerWorks Exchange

This forum enables you to exchange sample programs, SQL statements, utility jobs, and more with your colleagues.

IDUG Codeplace

On this section of the International Db2 Users Group (IDUG) website, you can find scripts, code fragments, and samples for Db2 technology. You can also submit your own samples.

Managing performance

General information

Db2 12 for z/OS Optimizer: In Db2 12, the considerable focus on performance improvements continues as one of the main themes in recent Db2 releases. This paper describes the enhancements delivered specifically by the query processing engine inDb2 12.

Db2 11 Performance Topics: This IBM Redbooks publication provides an overview of the performance improvements in Db2 11. Performance improvements in Db2 11 focus on CPU savings and enhancements through innovations within Db2 and the synergy with IBM Z hardware and software.
Subsystem and Transaction Monitoring and Tuning with Db2 11: This IBM Redbooks publication provides a detailed discussion of the facilities of Db2 for z/OS, which allow complete monitoring of a Db2 environment. This book discusses the use of the Db2 instrumentation facility component (IFC) to provide monitoring of Db2 data and events, and includes suggestions for related tuning.
IBM Db2 11 for z/OS: Buffer Pool Monitoring and Tuning: This IBM Redpaper publication provides valuable information about monitoring and tuning buffer pools. Although written specifically for Db2 11, this information can also be applied to DB2 10.
The value of IBM Db2 for z/OS hash access for OLTP transactions: This white paper provides an overview of how you can use the new hash organization in DB2 10 to improve response times and reduce the cost of queries that retrieve single rows from a table containing unique keys. This information helps you to decide whether your environment can benefit from this new capability.

Using performance tools

Enabling Db2 to work with IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS: This information discusses how you can use IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS, or an equivalent accelerator, to run queries on behalf of Db2. For certain types of queries, such as business intelligence (BI) queries, processing on an accelerator server can be faster than processing on Db2.
Reliability and Performance with IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS Version 4.1: This IBM Redbooks publication helps technical decision makers understand the benefits of IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS, Version 4.1 when used with Db2 11.
Hybrid Analytics Solution using IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS V3.1: This IBM Redbooks publication helps technical decision makers understand the benefits and major new functions of IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS, Version 3.1.
Optimizing Db2 Queries with IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS: This IBM Redbooks publication evaluates the potential benefits of using IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS, a high-performance accelerator appliance, to optimize the processing of certain Db2 queries. This publication defines a business analytics scenario, describes the installation and integration steps with the Db2 environment, and evaluates performance improvements.
Db2 Query Monitor for z/OS information: This information supports Db2 Query Monitor, which gives you the ability to efficiently customize and tune your SQL workload and Db2 objects.
Optim™ Query Workload Tuner for Db2 for z/OS: Db2 Query Workload Tuner for z/OS helps developers create efficient queries and build tuning skills. Db2 Query Workload Tuner for z/OS cuts cost and improves performance by providing expert advice on writing high-quality queries and improving database design. Its easy-to-use advisors can help developers to write more efficient SQL queries.
Data Server Manager: With Data Server Manager, DBAs and application developers can format SQL statements so that they are easier to read, generate visual representations of access plans, and get recommendations for collecting statistics or improving indexes. Access plan graphs show where statements are using the most time and show where tables are being scanned. Tuning advisors are also available to provide expert recommendations about statistics, indexes, and performance improvement.

Troubleshooting and support

Code fixes

IBM Support Portal: Db2 for z/OS: Use the IBM Support Portal for Db2 for z/OS to search for both PTFs and APARs. This website also provides links to common troubleshooting topics.
Db2 for z/OS keywords for searching APAR text: This document contains keywords that you can use to optimize your results when searching APAR text.

General IBM Support information

Introduction to troubleshooting problems in Db2 for z/OS

If you are new to Db2 for z/OS, you should learn about the tools and techniques that are available to help you troubleshoot and resolve problems.

Troubleshooting problems in Db2

The topics about troubleshooting Db2 problems provide a variety of information that can help you when you have problems associated with the Db2 for z/OS product. IBM Support personnel might ask you to refer to troubleshooting information when they help you with a specific problem.

Db2 Diagnosis Guide and Reference: Start of change

The Db2 Diagnosis Guide and Reference, which was available as a licensed publication for earlier Db2 releases, is not available with Db2 12. However, the content is still available:

Most of the information from the Db2 Diagnosis Guide and Reference is now available without restriction in Troubleshooting problems in Db2.
The remaining information is available only for clients who have Db2 12 for z/OS licenses. To locate this information, see the links in Advanced diagnostic information for Db2 12 for z/OS.

Software Support Handbook

This manual provides guidelines and reference materials that you might need when you require help from IBM Support.

APAR Closing Codes and Acronyms

This section of the Software Support Handbook provides lists of acronyms and terms that are used frequently by IBM Support when solving customer problems.

Reference

Information Management software lifecycle dates: The Information Management software lifecycle page shows the dates that marketing and support services are available for each version of Db2 for z/OS, along with the end-of-service (EOS) dates.

Community resources

This section may provide links or references to non-IBM websites and resources. IBM makes no representations, warranties, or other commitments whatsoever about any non-IBM websites or third-party resources (including any Lenovo website) that may be referenced, accessible from, or linked to any IBM site. A link to a non-IBM web site does not mean that IBM endorses the content or use of such website or its owner. In addition, IBM is not a party to or responsible for any transactions you may enter into with third parties, even if you learn of such parties (or use a link to such parties) from an IBM site. Accordingly, you acknowledge and agree that IBM is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and is not responsible or liable for any content, services, products, or other materials on or available from those sites or resources. When you access a non-IBM website, even one that may contain the IBM-logo, please understand that it is independent from IBM, and that IBM does not control the content on that website. It is up to you to take precautions to protect yourself from viruses, worms, trojan horses, and other potentially destructive programs, and to protect your information as you deem appropriate.

Forums and organizations

IBM Information Management Communities: This website provides convenient links to a variety of user groups and forums, where the Information Management user community can connect, discuss, and learn from each others' experiences using IBM Information Management software solutions.
International Db2 Users Group (IDUG): This user group provides a forum for the Db2 community to learn and share experiences about effectively using the Db2 family of products, including Db2 for z/OS, Db2 for Linux®, UNIX, and Windows, DB2 for i, Db2 Express®, Db2 Everywhere, and Db2 Data Warehouse Edition.
SHARE: This community provides Information Technology professionals with access to continuous education and training, and valuable professional networking, helping you to achieve your business goals.

Blogs

Db2 for z/OS news from the lab blog: News about Db2 for z/OS from the IBMers who design, build, test, and support Db2.
Getting the most out of Db2 12: This blog by Willie Favero, a certified IT software specialist for Db2 for z/OS, offers hints and tips about Db2 for z/OS and IBM Z, including tips on migration, performance, and maintenance.
DB2utor: This blog by Troy Coleman provides hints, tips, and best practices for using Db2 for z/OS and related products.
Robert's Db2 blog: In this blog Robert Catterall, an IBM Db2 specialist, writes about Db2 for z/OS, providing information about topics such as performance tuning, data warehousing, data sharing, service-oriented architecture (SOA), and more.
DB2Portal blog: This blog by Craig Mullins, a data management strategist and consultant, offers news, views, and items of interest on Db2 database management and mainframe systems.
Db2 for z/OS Utilities Development Blog: A community hints and tips blog for Db2 utilities.
DB2usa: Blog about Db2 for z/OS: Visit this blog site each week to find the latest technical information that is available on the web about Db2 for z/OS.

Follow Db2 for z/OS

Follow @Db2LabNews: News about Db2 for z/OS from the IBMers who design, build, test, and support Db2.
Follow @Db2world: The latest Db2, Analytics, Machine Learning, and Cloud news.
The World of Db2 for z/OS: This networking site provides a variety of resources about Db2, including videos, blogs, podcasts, and discussions.
Db2 for z/OS - Stay In Touch!: Be a part of the Db2 for z/OS community on LinkedIn. This group communicates to our customers and business partners what is happening in the world of Db2 for z/OS.
Db2 Facebook community: This site connects members of the Db2 community. On this Facebook page, you can find links to blogs and videos about Db2, and become a fan of Db2 on Facebook.