Multiple Db2 copies overview

With Version 9 and later, you can install and run multiple Db2 copies on the same computer. A Db2 copy refers to one or more installations of Db2database products in a particular location on the same computer. Each Db2 Version 9 copy can be at the same or different code levels.

The benefits of doing this include:
  • The ability to run applications that require different Db2 database versions on the same computer at the same time
  • The ability to run independent copies of Db2 database products for different functions
  • The ability to test on the same computer before moving the production database to the latter version of the Db2 database product
  • For independent software vendors, the ability to embed a Db2 database server product into your product and hide the Db2 database from your users. For COM+ applications, use and distribute the IBM® Data Server Driver for ODBC and CLI with your application instead of the Data Server Runtime Client as only one Data Server Runtime Client can be used for COM+ applications at a time. The IBM Data Server Driver for ODBC and CLI does not have this restriction.

Table 1 lists the relevant topics in each category.

Table 1. Overview to multiple Db2 copies information
Category Related topics
General information and restrictions
Installation
Configuration Setting the default instance when using multiple Db2 copies (Windows)
Administration