IBM® DB2® for z/OS® (often referred to as "DB2") is IBM's relational database management system (DBMS) for the z/OS operating system. DB2 is designed for and tightly integrated with the IBM System z® mainframe to leverage the strengths of System z.

As a key member of the IBM DB2 family of products, DB2 for z/OS uses structured query language (SQL). This language is also used by IBM DB2 products in other operating systems. Most of the SQL statements and their options are common across the various operating systems, which enables users to write application programs that can run in different operating environments. The SQL that is provided by DB2 for z/OS lets users benefit from the power of and functions that are in the z/OS operating system.

Some of DB2 for z/OS topics in this information center have related links to topics in the Information Management for z/OS Solutions Information Center, which contains the product information about DB2 for z/OS. The Information Management for z/OS Solutions Information Center contains information about all DB2 for z/OS versions that are currently supported by IBM. Because that information is updated periodically, it might be more current than the information here.

In addition, the Information Management for z/OS Solutions Information Center contains product information about DB2 Tools, IMS™, IMS Tools, and other Information Management software products that operate in the z/OS environment. Some of the links take you to a topic that is identical or very similar to the topic in this information center, except that they provide related links to additional detailed information.

If you are new to DB2 for z/OS, you can also visit the DB2 for z/OS New-user Information Roadmap, which provides links to a wide variety of resources that are suitable for new users who are getting started with the product.