Db2 data servers and environments

Db2 data server products run on a wide set of operating systems, including z/OS, IBM i, Linux®, UNIX, and Windows.

In addition to learning about Db2 for z/OS, you will also want to know about some of the other products that work with Db2 for z/OS. Your company probably uses some of these other products.

Db2 data servers include support for the following products:

  • Db2 for z/OS
  • Db2 for i
  • Db2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows
  • Db2 for Linux on IBM zSystems
Recommendation: Download free or trial demonstration versions of many Db2 products and tools. By using demonstration code, you can increase your understanding of the various products that you will read about in this information. To download demonstration copies, visit the IBM® software downloads web page. From that page, you can select a specific Db2 product, and choose the download option on that product's home page.

IBM specifically developed the Db2 data servers so that the underlying code of each DBMS uses the individual capabilities of the various operating systems.

The Db2 data server products encompass the following characteristics:

  • Data types among the Db2 data servers are compatible.
  • Open standards mean that many different types of clients can access data in the Db2 data servers.
  • You can develop applications with SQL that are common across Db2 data servers and port them from one Db2 operating system to another with minimal modification. (Porting means moving an application from one operating system to another.)
  • Db2 data servers can support applications of any size. For example, imagine that your application starts with a small number of users and small volumes of data and transactions, but then it grows significantly. Because of compatibility across Db2 data servers, your application can continue to work efficiently as you transition to IBM zSystems.
  • Similar function is typically incorporated into each Db2 data server over time.
  • Tools are available to help you manage all the Db2 data servers in a similar way.
Tip: Identify someone who is familiar with your company's I/S environment. Ask that person to provide a list of the products that you will likely work with. Your company might have only a subset of the products that are mentioned in this information. Knowing basic information about your company's environment will help you know which topics are most important for you to read.