Netezza Performance Server 11.3.0.2-IF1 release notes

Deployment option: Netezza Performance Server for Cloud Pak for Data System

This release marks a major milestone, positioning the Netezza Performance Server and Cloud Pak for Data System platforms at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and in a fully supported state. It significantly enhances platform stability, security, and performance. Key highlights include a major uplift to RHEL 8, a modernized console, and native Windows-integrated Kerberos SSO support in the Netezza JDBC driver. Additionally, it expands lakehouse capabilities through Iceberg integration with IBM watsonx.data.

Note:
  • Netezza Performance Server 11.3.0.2-IF1 is compatible with Cloud Pak for Data System 1.0.8.5 and later.
  • NPS upgrade is recommended from NPS 11.2.1.12/13 to 11.3.0.2-IF1.
  • Downgrading from Netezza Performance Server version 11.3.0.2-IF1 to 11.2.1.X is not supported.
  • HPUX and Solaris client packages are not available starting from version 11.3.0.2-IF1.
  • UDX recompilation , SQL extension and Inza reinstallation require post upgrade. For more information, see Before you begin upgrading to Netezza Performance Server 11.3.0.2-IF1 or later.

New features and enhancements

Platform
Operating system & kernel uplift
  • What changed: SPU OS now on a modern kernel stream; part of a broader RHEL 8-aligned transition.
  • Why it matters: Better scheduler, I/O handling, and stability under mixed analytics workloads; longer support runway till 2029; improved hardware enablement.
RHEL8 transition components
  • UBI8 container base: Standardizes container runtime environment; reduces CVE surface; aligns with enterprise image scanning and policy.
  • GCC9 + toolchain upgrade: Access to newer compiler optimizations and language features; potential performance gains for native components.
  • Python3 upgrade: Netezza Performance Server is compatible with Python3.
  • Client tool upgrade: The NPS client is now compatible with RHEL 8.
New console
A modernized console experience replacing disparate UIs, restoring the user experience and supporting modern Netezza features end-to-end.
  • SQL query editor: It allows you to explore your databases, execute lightweight queries, and view both results and any errors that may occur. For more information, see SQL query editor.
  • Enhanced dashboards: The enhanced dashboards offer a more comprehensive view of system monitoring, presenting critical metrics through intuitive graphs. These visualizations provide insights into CPU and memory usage, overall resource consumption, and query-related statistics such as throughput, performance, and runtime distribution. Additionally, the dashboards display information on active sessions and the current Global Resource Allocation (GRA) distribution, enabling users to assess system health and performance more effectively. For more information, see Dashboard.
  • Data lakehouse integration: The new console introduces support for managing data lakehouse databases and tables, allowing users to create and query them just like any other database. This integration streamlines operations within the console environment. For more information, see Integrating Cloud Pak for Data System with watsonx.data.
  • Improved history tracking: You can now access and analyze various types of historical data directly from the console. This includes query executions, connection logs, and automaint operations over any selected time period. The feature also offers informative graphs that help visualize and better understand historical trends and system activity. For more information, see History.
Iceberg integration with IBM watsonx.data
  • What changed: Deeper integration enabling lakehouse-style access patterns.
  • Value: Unified governance and access to open table formats; more flexible analytics (ELT/BI/AI) across warehouse and data lake.
Database
Replication
NRS version 3.0.5.0 is supported, and role reversal is available with assistance from IBM Support.
Security
Support for Microsoft Native Kerberos Credential Cache (SSPI) in JDBC and ODBC
  • The Netezza JDBC and ODBC drivers now support authentication using the Windows-integrated Kerberos credential cache (SSPI), enabling seamless single sign-on (SSO) without the need for manual ticket initialization.
  • JRE upgraded to 15.0.2 (bundled) with JDBC driver: Ensures compatibility with SSPI-based auth and modern TLS defaults.
  • Enhanced SET AUTHENTICATION command to support selecting the Kerberos mechanism (krb5 or SSPI) for JDBC and ODBC drivers.
For more information, see:
TLSv1.3 Support
TLSv1.3 connection protocol is now supported for enhanced security and performance.
New ciphers available for TLSv1.3:
  • TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
  • TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
  • TLS_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256

Fixed issues

  • Fixed NPS incremental restore bug in split-delete logic that occurred when version tables were created during restore.
  • Fixed an issue where incremental restore failed following a role reversal.
  • Fixed incremental restore failure caused by tables backed up with OID 0 due to backup timing.
  • Fixed an issue in nzhostbackup where the host backup process was aborted if the system was not idle and the pause operation timed out.
  • Fixed an issue where NPS restarted due to a stored procedure crash while handling an exception from a query abort involving subqueries.
  • Enhanced the error handling mechanism during nzsystem parameter configuration.