IBM DB2 12 for z/OS Early Support

Intro
I was thinking that there was little use in going through those older announcements I missed the last couple of months, but when I look at the information that's easily available, I have the impression that I'm reading announcements a bit differently than other people. So that's why I think some of you might nevertheless enjoy or get something out of my information.

Announcement
So, October 6, 2015 IBM announced the early support program for DB2 12 : 'IBM DB2 12 for z/OS Early Support Program (ZP15-0504)'. A select group of customers will be stepping into this program that becomes available March 4, 2016. If you're interested in participating, contact your IBM representative.

CPU savings and performance improvements
IBM makes a lot of work on CPU savings while increasing the performance. A reverse trend of what we used to know in the past that seems to steadily continue. Some figures : "Compared to DB2 11, DB2 12 clients can achieve up to 5% CPU savings for various traditional OLTP, heavy INSERT, and SAP workloads. Select query workloads may see even more benefits, with up to 25% CPU savings. Read-intensive OLTP workloads may see up to 10% CPU savings with DB2 12. Decompressing data is much faster using DB2 12 with significant performance improvements, delivering up to 15% CPU savings when running the queries against compressed tables".
Since IBM did already a great job on improving the use of CPU resources in DB2 V10 and DB2 11, it's amazing they still succeed in improving it again. Would earlier DB2 coding really have been that lousy ? I guess not, it just wasn't a focus at the time, but the competition is fierce nowadays.
Some more stuff is also offloaded to the zIIP adding to a better price/performance rate.

Use of (much) larger memory in z13
What else ? I think it's only logical IBM is heavily using the new features of the z13. I particularly think of the memory that - as the announcement says it - has become "more affordable", when they just mean "much cheaper". Having a bunch of memory at your disposal (forget GB we're talking TB) eases a lot of things. One example : "enhancements to compression aids DB2 utility processing by reducing elapsed time and CPU consumption with the potential to improve data and application availability" or in-memory performance improvements like

• Contiguous and larger buffer pools
• Use of in-memory pipes for improved insert performance
• Increased sort and hash in-memory to improve sort and join performance

Prerequisites
That's why I think you will get the best benefit out of DB2 12 with a z13. Allthough the prerequisites are not that stringent of course

• z/OS V2.1 Base Services, (5650-ZOS), or later
• z196, or higher, processors running z/OS V2.1, or later

Planning
One other thing : back in 2012 I made the following little table when DB2 11 was pre-announced

• V6 : GA 1998, EOS 2005
• V7 : GA 2001, EOS 2008
• V8 : GA 2004, EOS 2012 (support lasted an extra year)
• V9 : GA 2007, EOS 2014 (back to normal)
• V10 : GA 2010, estimated EOS 2017

This trend seems to continue. V10 is EOS in 2017. Announcement of DB2 11 was in 2013, so I guess the announcement of DB2 12 will be somewhere by the end of 2016. So, if you're still on DB2 10, you have some two years left to get to DB2 11. Don't wait until DB2 12 is out, because apparently no skip level migration will be available. 

Red Alert for IBM DB2 V10 and DB2 V11 users

Here's a new Red Alert. I'm taking over part of the content.


Title:

For DB2 V10 and DB2 V11 users: DB2 log records may be written with invalid control information in certain rare cancel window situations and cause unpredictable results 

Abstract:

DB2 log records may be written with invalid control information in certain rare cancel window situations. This could cause log read errors, data replication issues, recovery issues, or even potential data loss. Both DB2 10 and 11 systems are affected, although the exposure is higher for DB2 11 systems that have not converted BSDS data sets to use 10 byte RBA values. DB2 9 and prior releases are not affected.

There's an entire description in the Red Alert itself. Let me just give you the recommended actions.

Recommended Actions for DB2 11 customers:

1. Install APAR PI41630 (PTF UI28315). This fix will prevent log records with LRSN value of 'FFFFFFFFFBAD'x being created.
2. Install APARFIX for PI42170 (AI42170) or PTF when available. This fix will prevent log records with invalid values being created, and it contains toleration code to recognize and recover from the incorrect values, including LRSN value of 'FFFFFFFFFBAD'x.

Recommended Actions for DB2 10 customers:

1. Install APARFIX for PI42170 (AI42170) or PTF when available. This fix will prevent log records with invalid values being created, and it contains toleration code to recognize and recover from the incorrect values, including LRSN value of 'FFFFFFFFFBAD'x if the system fallback from DB2 11.

 If you haven't signed up to the Red Alerts by now, you really should do it. Just go over here.

White Paper (eBook) - DB2 11 : The Database for Big Data & Analytics

This is the fourth edition of this eBook and it's as valuable as ever. It's divided into four sections with an introduction by Surekha Parekh :

• 'DB2 11 for z/OS : Unmatched Efficiency for Big Data and Analytics' by Julian Stuhler,
• 'Improved Query Performance in DB2 11 for z/OS' by Terry Purcell,
• 'IBM DB2 Utilities and Tools with DB2 11 for z/OS' by Haakon Roberts and
• 'How DB2 for z/OS Can Help Reduce Total Cost of Ownership' by Cristian Molaro 

Regarding its contents I don't know really where I should start. There's so much interesting information that I can only say, download the book and read it. You won't be disappointed. I can tell you I wasn't.

Since the title puts the focus on Big Data perhaps I can tell you a bit more about that part. As Surekha Parekh states in the introduction : "There has been an enormous explosion of data: 90 percent of the world’s data has been created over the past two years! We have also seen a rapid growth in the volume, variety, and velocity of data due to the explosion of smart devices, mobile applications, cloud computing, and social media. New technology innovations, hunger for data, and the thirst for business analytics signal that we are entering a new era of computing —Smarter Computing — the era of Insight for Discovery (...) Much of this data growth has been in unstructured data" (think in terms of Facebook, Twitter, Google searches, Youtube) "IDC estimates that by 2020, business transactions on the Internet - business-to-business and business-to-consumer - will reach 450 billion per day. This phenomenon of data explosion is called big data, and smart organizations are looking for innovative ways to collect, analyze, and turn this data into actionable insights and make predictions.". So where does DB2 (structured data) comes into play here ?

As Brian Proffitt states in this article : "You can't have a conversation about Big Data for very long without talking about Hadoop. But what is Hadoop, and what makes it so important?". Do read the article. It's a good introduction to Hadoop. And if you want the short definition, here's one from the Webopedia :

Hadoop, formally called Apache Hadoop, is an Apache Software Foundation project and open source software platform for scalable, distributed computing. Hadoop can provide fast and reliable analysis of both structured data and unstructured data. Given its capabilities to handle large data sets, it's often associated with the phrase big data.

Returning to our white paper here's how the structured (DB2) and unstructured worlds get connected. "In response, a number of tools and techniques have emerged centered on the open source Hadoop framework, including IBM’s InfoSphere® BigInsights™ technology.

While these technologies address many of the challenges inherent in analyzing big data, they also introduce new ones for organizations wanting to gain new insights by integrating the analysis of big data with core operational information. As shown in" the figure below "DB2 11 delivers some highly significant new features to allow DB2 and Hadoop/BigInsights to work together and better leverage each platform’s respective strengths. This capability lets data flow in both directions between DB2 and BigInsights, as follows".

There's more detail about how data goes from DB2 to Infosphere BigInsights and the other way round but therefore you'll have to turn to the eBook itself.

As I always say, just check it out !

DB2 for z/OS reference material

I've mentioned these ones before, but I thought it's worth referencing them again. BMC Software as well as CA Technologies offer some reference material for DB2 for z/OS.

Here's a view of one of the posters BMC is offering

For DB2 10 (and even still for DB2 9) you can order the Reference Guide for z/OS, the Catalog Table for z/OS poster and the Explain Table for z/OS poster over here. Call me oldfashioned but they're sent to you by snail mail, so you can still actually hold the book in your hands. And don't let 'snail mail' fool you, I received mine within two weeks.

CA is also offering a PDF version of their Reference Guide. The content is of course as great as the BMC reference. There are 7 large topics : SQL, utilities, commands, system tables, user tables, return codes and miscellaneous sytem information like SQLCA, SQL and DB2 limits, DSNZPARM information, IFCIDs and so on. Here's the link to it.

DBA Rules of Thumb

I wrote this before, you can retweet something when you find it interesting but from time to time I wish there was some kind of re-blog function. I totally enjoyed the series of 'DBA Rules of Thumb' that Craig Mullins has been posting the last couple of weeks. It's so recognizable and still I'm sure you have to build up some experience first to realize how true it all is what he's writing. I'm not sure we learn a lot from other people's mistakes or experience. Still, if you're a beginning, or whatever, DBA, this is solid advice worth taking into account.

The first five posts so far :

• Write everything down (link)
• Automate and don't reinvent the wheel (link)
• Share your knowledge (link)
• Analyze, Simplify and Focus (link)
• Don't Panic (link)

I can't resist quoting from the Don't Panic post :

A calm disposition and the ability to remain cool under strenuous conditions are essential to the makeup of a good DBA. Problems will occur—nothing you can do can eliminate every possible problem or error. Part of your job as a DBA is to be able to react to problems with a calm demeanor and analytical disposition.

I might come up with quite a number of other professions that fit this description but none more than that of a DBA of course ! Since it's almost the end of the year, let's get lyrical (no reference to O.N.John intended) and summarize it with a rhyme

If sh*t hits the Fan
You are the Man

These are my own words, not those of Craig.
So, have a look at these posts and check out for new entries at the DB2Portal Blog.

GSE DB2 Working Group presentations online

If I write about all those GSE working group events that are taking place, I might as well give feedback on some of them. Last week I attended the DB2 Working Group. Not surprisingly since I added 'lifelong Cobol and DB2 addict' to my profile on our corporate portal. I'm no longer really active in DB2 (for the moment) but I do keep an eye on its evolutions.

Once again there was a good mix of content with two user presentations. And you know how it goes, it's hard to get good user presentations or people who want to present for a group of other people. But these were spot on with some surprising facts. Both user experiences were about native stored procedures and how to implement them in your environment. Do have a look at them, I'm sure you'll get some valuable practical tips on how to implement and manage them. And the surprising fact ? The impact they have or don't have on the zIIP. You'll have to take a look if you want to know the outcome.

The other presentations were on Big Data (good introduction by Andy Ward from CA) and Trends in Database Management Systems from an IBM DB2 perspective by Namik Hrle from IBM. It points out the evolution from a traditional landscape to a visionary landscape. Of course the Analytics Accelerator is highlighted here as well.

The presentations :

What'sBig AboutBig Data? The Volume? The Size? The Value?	Andy Ward, CA Technologies
SQL StoredProcedures @ NVSM/UNMS	Bart Verboven - NVSM/UNMS Stijn Vandenbosch -NVSM/UNMS
Native SQL StoredProcedures at Allianz Belgium: a practical case	Phillipe De Backer - Allianz
Trends in Database Management Systems - The DB2 Perspective	Namik Hrle - IBM

If you want to have a look at the presentations from previous events, you can find them over here.

IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator Loader for z/OS

Today IBM announces the IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator Loader for z/OS V1.1 to help improve application availability (ZP13-0596). I'm not sure whether there was also a V1.0 of this loader but it's the first time I see this passing by.

There's a really interesing data sheet that sums up all the qualities of this software. The IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator Loader (DB2 Loader) for z/OS is a separately available DB2 tool. It "can reduce the time and cost incurred when loading data into the DB2 Analytics Accelerator. It minimizes the data load process by simultaneously loading data into DB2 Analytics Accelerator and DB2 for z/OS in one step. This can reduce data movement, time and CPU costs over an existing two-step process".

It can also load non-DB2 data from other sources. I'm taking over the text from the data sheet as it really explains the whole lot : "Sources include data from other DB2 for z/OS systems, VSAM, IMS, and non-mainframe data to enhance enterprise business analytics on System z. When data has been extracted from another source into a format that is compatible with IBM DB2 load utility, it can then be loaded into DB2 for z/OS and also into DB2 Analytics Accelerator. This type of load operation may be performed in parallel, which may improve availability and reduce system resources, such as CPU. DB2 Loader also allows the option of loading directly into DB2 Analytics Accelerator, thereby eliminating loading data into DB2 for z/OS which reduces resources such as DASD and CPU".

This is IPLA software with program number 5639-OLA. The S&S has program number 5639-OLB. You need at least z/OS V1.12, DB2 10 and IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS V3.1.
Planned availability is December 6, 2013.

Announcements on price changes for IPLA and MLC softwares on z/OS

Today IBM announced DB2 11, IMS 13 and the DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS V4.1 and I'll surely return to (some of) these in later posts. But there were also a couple of announcements regarding software pricing. And don't turn away yet assuming there's another round of price increases. No there's actually good news too, this time. So, keep on reading.

About the IPLA software there's a list of Websphere products that will see an increase in Belgium of 3% starting on January 1, 2014 : 'Price Changes on Selected System z and zSeries Software Program Products (ZA13-1127)'. As you know I mainly give the details for my own country but do check out the announcement itself to see what will happen in your country.

About the MLC software there's a limited list of softwares that get the same pricing as later versions : 'Price Changes in monthly license charges (MLC) on selected IBM System z Software Products (ZA13-1128)'. We've seen this mechanism before. "With these increases, DB2 for z/OS versions 8 and 9 will cost the same as version 10, IMS versions 10 and 11 will cost the same as version 12, and Enterprise COBOL for z/OS versions 3 and 4 will cost the same as version 5".

But how about the good news then ? Well, Ray Jones (IBM) mentioned it in his keynote speech at the Total Solutions Event last week in Brussels, but here it is in this same announcement : "IBM intends to price the next upcoming version of DB2 and the next upcoming version of IMS equal to the prices of DB2 10 and IMS 12 respectively". This is actually two times good news. First of all, there's no price increase between the two releases. But there's more. When DB2 10 was announced IBM did a large effort to improve the efficiency of DB2, so that the new release not only offered new functionalities but actually consumed less resources. If this happens again with DB2 11, you actually win twice ! And, I refer to Ray Jones once again, the same will now also apply to IMS 13 where the same efforts were now also delivered by the IMS development team.
All in all, this gives you a couple of good reasons to move forward to newer versions of these software products.

June 7th 2013 - DB2 for z/OS : Happy 30th anniversary

This is a much anticipated anniversary in z/OS land. A lot of events are organized to celebrate it. As I cannot list them out all, I thought I'd take some alternative approach. So I'll just let some pictures do the talking. They show you how much this anniversary lives in the community. Be sure to click on the pictures to see the stories behind them or just to get some good sources for future information.

Cake and more cake and social media

More social media

And back to where it all started. Click on the picture to get to the announcement page. The American and European announcements are put together.

Happy Anniversary, DB2 !

Updated alerts for Red Alert APAR OA42277

Last week I posted on a 'Red Alert : Potential loss of data for DB2 v10 users on z/OS 1.12 and 1.13'. Now there are two updates on this Alert.
You can check them out over here :

• 2013.05.31
  Updated alert for OA42277 - Potential loss of data for DB2 v10 users & IMS FastPath DEDB users on z/OS 1.12, 1.13 and 2.1 releases 
  It seems that not only DB2 users can be affected : "The problem may occur for DB2 V10, IMS FastPath DEDB or PDSE data sets".

• 2013.06.03
  Updated alert for OA42277 - An error has been discovered in a Pre Req for Red Alert APAR OA42277 

I'm taking over the content of this last Red Alert.

Abstract:

An error has been discovered in a Pre Req for Red Alert APAR OA42277

Potential loss of access to data in DB2 or MQSeries Log data sets greater than 2gb on z/OS 1.12, 1.13 after application of PTF's UA68675 & UA68676 for APAR OA39870 and base z/OS 2.1.

Description:

Any application using the RBA interface to Media Manager accessing Extended Format (EF) VSAM data sets greater than 2gb may lose access to the data past 2gb. Applications using the relative CI interface are not affected. Data sets defined with Extended Addressability are also not affected. This includes all current versions of DB2 and MQSeries and potentially other users of Media Manager's RBA Interface to access EF VSAM Data Sets greater than 2gb, such as IMS FastPath DEDB and other utility programs which may access these data sets.

A usermod/method is currently being developed to be able to access the data above 2gb.

Please see APAR OA42425 for more details.

Recommended Actions:

1. Do not install PTF's for Red Alert APAR OA42277 or PTF's for Pre Req OA39870.
2. To avoid the problem in Red Alert APAR OA42277, zDMF users should refrain from using zDMF until complete PTF chain can be installed. The risk of OA42277 is extremely small for those customers without zDMF.
3. If PTF's for OA39870 are installed on z/OS 1.12 or 1.13 please remove as soon as possible.
4. Extended format VSAM datasets greater than 2gb, such as DB2 Logs, MQ Logs and IMS FastPath DEDB, accessed with Media Manager using the RBA interface while the fix for OA39870 was installed, should be verified. Please see APAR OA42425 for instructions.
5. Monitor APAR OA42425 for updates regarding the availability of the usermod and recovery procedures.
6. z/OS 2.1 users will need to install the ++APAR for OA42425 when available.

Red Alert : Potential loss of data for DB2 v10 users on z/OS 1.12 and 1.13

Here's a new Red Alert. I'm just taking over the content.

Potential loss of data for DB2 v10 users on z/OS 1.12 and 1.13 releases

Users affected:
DB2 V10 and PDSE users potentially affected by error in z/OS Media Manager IO recovery. Users of zDMF running zHPF may be particularly exposed because all I/O requests are intercepted by zDMF and returned to Media Manager in error for IO redrive using FICON, however any I/O errors, including interface control check and unit checks, that are retried by the media manager are also subject to the problem.

Description:
There are certain situations where the Media Manager will redrive the failed channel program with a different type of channel program. In some highly timing dependant cases, such as with I/Os that cross extents, the redrive may not occur correctly, and no error is presented to the caller, potentially leading to data being down level on disk. The problem may occur for DB2 V10 or PDSE data sets. Please see APAR OA42277 for more details.

Recommended Actions:

Apply ++APAR or PTFs for OA42277. Activation requires re-IPL of the system.

Also please do not use zDMF until the fix for OA42277 is applied.

If you haven't signed up to the Red Alerts by now, you really should do it. Just go over here.

DB2 for z/OS turns 30 in June

With DB2 11 for z/OS on the horizon, it's a good moment to look back at the first 30 years of DB2. Of course all of you know already that DB2 for z/OS turns 30 on June 7, 2013. I looked it up because the date rang a bell with me. So, it shares its birthday with Damien Hirst, Anna Kournikova, Tom Jones and Prince. That's where I also knew the date from.

But I want to point you to a website and particularly to a publication on that site. The site is 'IBM DB2 Celebrates 30 Years of Superior Technology'. You can find it over here. The site has several tabs with customer stories, resources, IBM DB2 contact persons and a list of events on DB2. It's definitely worth a look.

But, the publication I want to tell you about is 'IBM DB2: The Past, Present and Future: 30 Years of Superior Innovation' that you can find on the right hand side of the Overview page. It's divided into 3 major parts. The first part is a history overview of DB2 by Don Haderle himself and Cynthia Saracco. The second part tells you about 'Planning for IBM DB2 10 for z/OS Upgrade' and the third part is a 'DB2 10 for z/OS Query Optimization Update'.
And there's also a part where people are asked what was their most important moment in DB2 history. You should read it too. That's where the anecdotes are. And I'm glad to see at least three fellow countrymen : Jan Tielemans, Kurt Struyf and Cristian Molaro. I mention them because I want to at least quote one anecdote and it comes from Cristian Molaro. I promise, just one. You'll recognize it, for sure.

Back when we migrated to DB2 Version 6, we DBAs suspected that users were quickly justifying a lot of small incidents by blaming the “new DB2 version.” When we moved to DB2 7, we announced the availability of the new version two weeks after the actual migration. Nobody reported a DB2-related issue in between. After the public notification, things suddenly, and suspiciously, started to fail because of the “new DB2  version.” This was one case where we had to deal more with human expectations than with DB2 itself.

Red Alert : PTF UK91435 required for DB2 10 for z/OS in a Data Sharing environment

Here's a new Red Alert. I'm just taking over the content.

PTF UK91435 (APAR PM79520) is required for DB2 10 for z/OS customers in a Data Sharing environment

Description:

The subject PTF addresses a potential data loss in a DB2 10 Data Sharing environment.

The problem is related to lost spacemap updates in Data Sharing. Data modifications (insertions, mass deletions) may have been lost, and if so, will not be recoverable by standard recovery procedures. The modifications will remain recorded on the DB2 recovery log and can be recovered using tools such as the Log Analysis Tool. Rebuilding the index will make the Index consistent with the data but will not recover data that is missing nor attend to erroneously present data. The same is true of reorganizing the object. If in the interest of system availability indexes are rebuilt or the data is reorganized prior to determining if there is data loss, it is recommended that this action be followed with analysis and possible remedial action as outlined below.

Possible symptoms include: Incorrect output; ABEND04E RC00C90101, RC00C90102, RC00C90105, or RC00C902xx in various CSECTs; data/index inconsistencies reported by the CHECK INDEX utility; and, page regression reported by the DSN1LOGP utility.

Recommended Actions:

IBM recommends that all DB2 10 for z/OS Data Sharing customers apply PTF UK91435 as soon as possible.

Customers may validate their data by using CHECK INDEX or CHECK DATA utilities. Any issues uncovered should be reported to IBM Software Support to determine root cause. The data may not be recoverable by standard recovery procedures.

Refer to the cover letter for UK91435 for further details regarding this issue.

Catching up on my reading : Hot Topics, IBM Systems Magazine and Enterprise Tech Journal

Finally, I found some time to catch up with some reading.

Hot Topics, a z/OS Newsletter (August 2012)

Let me start with the Hot Topics Newsletter. Unfortunately enough, it will only appear once in a year from now on. You know, I just make a random selection of articles I particularly liked, but of course all the rest is worth your while. And that also goes for the other magazines.
I have the impression that z/OSMF is for many customers still a great unknown and people are hesitant to use it. Well, the article 'Don't just emulate it!' on the z/OSMF ISPF feature might be a good entry point. It describes how you can use z/OSMF to open one or several ISPF sessions in your browsers, use split screens or tabbed displays, you can even have several, parallel TSO/E user sessions at once.
Another article on the new GRS support of FICON CTC communication shows you how much your GRS configuration might be affected and how much planning you might have for migration.
Furthermore : hints and tips on migrating to z/OS 1.13, learn how z/OS 1.13 SPOOL migration lets you merge/consolidate volumes to new volumes in a non-disruptive manner within a few hours, an article on learning how to obtain new mainframe skills directing you to the Academic Initiative but also to (quite interesting) online course materials

IBM Systems magazine (September-October 2012)
Online Version - PDF Version

This issue focuses on data analytics in the broadest sense but I think the title of the intro by Greg Lotko sums it up nicely : 'Transforming Data Into Value' ! Of course this also implies there's a lot of attention for the new zEC12 including the cover article. There's a good article on Data Marts. Data Marts are great but tend to have some issues like rapid multiplication, a lack of architecture, administrative complexity and so on. This article shows how the zEnterprise can play a role in tackling these problems.
Ever heard about millicode ? Well, just check out Bob Rogers' article on the evolution of microcode and millicode. Great reading material.
At the end of this issue, you can also find the 2013 Mainframe Buyer's Guide listing a bunch of IBM partners. And, there's also an issue about Women in Technology which is not included in the .pdf version.

Enterprise Tech Journal (October-November 2012)

The Enterprise Tech Journal also focuses on the new zEC12 in its cover article but puts the emphasis on workload optimization. In other words : software performance is of the essence. I'm just not sure that when there's e.g. a forecasted performance improvement of 45% for Java Workload that this is already the case for the moment. Some of the new features like the new transactional execution facility is implemented but I have the impression it's not being used by any software for the moment. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Furthermore : a good introduction to the RMF Device Activity Report as well as to 'Rational Developer for z/OS', there's an interesting article on how backup strategies are important as they can have a significant influence on your recovery processes, Willie Favero helps you plan your upgrade to DB2 10, Marcel den Hartog (re)introduces us to "the dying art of performance management" for speeding up the mainframe and of course there's a lot more there to enjoy.

As I always say, just check them out !

IBM System z software announcements : DB2 11 for z/OS ESP

The latest versions of DB2 for z/OS have known a three year release cycle with an end of support 7 years later. Just a small recap :

• V6 : GA 1998, EOS 2005
• V7 : GA 2001, EOS 2008
• V8 : GA 2004, EOS 2012 (support lasted an extra year)
• V9 : GA 2007, EOS 2014 (back to normal)
• V10 : GA 2010, estimated EOS 2017

So today, IBM announced an Early Support Program for DB2 11 (ZP12-0467). Apparently we're on schedule for a GA by the end of 2013.

DB2 11 for z/OS seems to be focusing on the following 4 areas. I'll each time give you a couple of examples.

• Help save money, save time, and reduce costs.
  "Compared to DB2 10, DB2 11 clients may achieve up to 5% out-of-the-box CPU savings for various traditional online transaction processing (OLTP), heavy INSERT, and SAP workloads. Select query workloads may see even more benefits, with up to 20 to 30% CPU savings. Read intensive OLTP workloads may see up to 10% CPU savings with DB2 11".
  Also "decompressing data is much faster using DB2 11, with significant performance improvements, delivering up to 15% CPU savings when running the queries against compressed tables".

• Provide unmatched availability, reliability, and security for business critical information
  "With new capabilities you can reduce the number of REORGs, automatically clean up after index pseudo deletes, and achieve even faster performance when a REORG is needed".
  "DB2 11 improves performance for BIND and DDL options on long-running persistent threads".

• Provide enhanced analytics for business growth
  On the one hand there are improvements for QMF. on the other hand with IDAA "you can run your online transaction processing (OLTP) and data warehouse as one integrated workload in real time with great cost effectiveness". Sounds interesting !

• Offer simpler, faster migration for faster ROI
  A "new application compatibility feature helps streamline the migration process by allowing an application with incompatible SQL or XML that is no longer compatible with DB2 11 to continue to run with DB2 11 without requiring code changes".

An ESP implies that IBM intends to make this version available to a select group of clients in a closed Early Support Program which becomes available on March 7, 2013. z/OS V1.13 is a prerequisite.

IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS V3.1

Yesterday was a prolific announcement day for IBM. Rumours of improvements for the IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA) were already heard before the summer, but now they're officially announced : "IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS V3.1, together with related prerequisite hardware, is a high-performance software offering that delivers fast analytic query responses (ZP12-0503)". We're of course talking about the Netezza technology which replaced the Smart Analytics Optimizer last year.
In short, DB2 tables are offloaded to the Netezza box. When a query is launched DB2 decides whether to fetch the data in its own tables or to go and get them from the Netezza box. The IDAA has proven to be way more performant than queries executed on the mainframe itself. It makes analytical queries possible which were unthinkable of in the past. This happens all transparently to the user or application program launching the queries.

So, what's new with this new version ?

The IDAA can now function as a High-performance storage saver : "this feature stores a DB2 table partition or full table of data solely on the accelerator, reducing the need for host storage. This feature removes the requirement for the data to be replicated on both the DB2 storage and the Accelerator storage. Tables can now be divided between traditional database resident partitions on DB2 for z/OS and high-performance storage saver on the DB2 Analytics Accelerator". The implication is of course that you have data which is only stored in one place. In case the IDAA is unreachable, you don't have access to those data. On the other hand, it could be a great solution to put archived data not only on tape with rather slow access, but also keep them on the IDAA for fast access when needed. In other words : another opportunity to improve and speed up your analytical queries.

Another complaint that was sometimes heard was that customers needed (even for their Data Warehouse) near real-time accessability. This was not possible until now as you always had to copy at least on a partition level. Now we have the incremental update feature. "With the new incremental update capability, tables within the accelerator are continually updated throughout the day. This technology reads the log of the database residing on DB2 for z/OS and applies those updates to the DB2 Analytics Accelerator. With this feature enabled, queries off-loaded to the DB2 Analytics Accelerator operate on a near real-time version of the data". Of course you still control the timing for those updates yourself. Nice improvement !

Also the UNLOAD of the data has been changed via what's called Unload lite. "With UNLOAD Lite, the data conversions are done on the accelerator and not on z/OS". This implies that you can save some MSUs with this.


The DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS software requires :z/OS 1.11, or later,DB2 V10.1 for z/OS, DB2 Utilities Suite for z/OS V10.1, XML Toolkit for z/OS V1.10, IBM Ported Tools for z/OS V1.2.0.

This new version will become available on November 30, 2012.

Short takes on DB2 resources, IBM PureSystems, IDAA, Destination z and IBM Tape turning 60

It's been a while since I had some short takes. Sometimes I'm making a bookmark thinking 'I'm going to blog about this'. But then, it's often too short, too little, just a link, but still, interesting enough to mention. So here we go.

• Susan Visser (also on Twitter as @susvis) writes an excellent blog on DB2 resources. The focus : "Build your Skill on Information Management : books, certifications, tutorials, and more". And here's an very interesting post on Skills Resources for DB2 for z/OS Enthusiasts containing magazines, books, eBooks, Twitter, Redbooks, blogs, events, certification material, communities . . .  

• Just some pictures this one : Roger Luethy with his Storage CH Blog directs us towards a peek inside the new IBM PureApplication System. Go have a look over here and . . . watch your step !

• On a somewhat more serious note is a blog post on Dancing Dinosaur about the relation between the newly announced PureSystems and zEnterprise : 'PureSystems Joins zEnterprise Hybrid Family'. When to use zBX, when to use PureSystems, how are they related, do I not end up with 2 separated hybrid worlds, indeed all very interesting questions that Alan Radding is trying to answer. Just one small quote : "Looking ahead, IBM already is planning zBX support for the next generation z and promises to more tightly integrate the zEnterprise with PureSystems".

• What about IDAA ? Well, Willie Favero blogs about enhancements to the IDAA (IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator) in this post. The enhancements are due for this summer and they are quite interesting : IDAA will e.g. be updated to allow an incremental update. Now I find that great news since "this also means that the data in the Accelerator can be continuously updated, giving queries an almost real time copy of the data". Also the capacity of the IDAA is raised from 128TB up to 1.280TB. you can find more information over here in an article of Alan Meyer in the IBM Data Management Magazine.

• I mentioned the tips and techniques contest on the Destination z site earlier. Well, here are the finalists. Have a look at them and decide which one is your favourite. Then go over to the voting page where you can cast your vote until next Friday. You should do it, because for the moment it's a head to head race between two of the contestants. You might cast the decisive vote.

• Last but not least we have a special anniversary this month : IBM tape has turned 60 ! Here's a brief history of it. Or you can have a look at several storage blogs or at the IBM site itself. To me the titles up there summarize it very well : "Tape is an essential component of today’s storage infrastructure" and "60 years of innovation – and counting".
  I still know what was the first tape I ever came across in my career, about 25 years ago. You know why : I kept one of those when they disposed of them in favour of some shiny, brand new 3480s. So here it is ! (I'm not even sure it's IBM material. Anyone ?).
  So, happy anniversary to IBM tape !

 

And . . . as I always say, do check them out !

DB2 10 for z/OS - Free eBooks

Here's some more DB2 for z/OS news. As you all know, last Monday (April 30, 2012) DB2 V8 for z/OS went End of Support. So, no wonder that there's lots of information to be found on DB2 10 for the moment. Here's two eBooks about DB2 10, you might find interesting.

The first one has been circulating for some time now : 'DB2 10 for z/OS - Cost Savings . . . Right Out of the Box' can be found over here. it's a very good introduction to DB2 10 focusing on three areas : cost savings, simplifying database management with more automation and providing proven technology. The objective of this book is to give you an update on the latest functions, features, and benefits. I must say it succeeds very well in doing so. Nice introduction.

The second one is new, I think, and it concentrates on upgrading to DB2 10. 'DB2 10 for z/OS - The Smarter Faster Way to Upgrade' can be found over here.

"The objective of this book is to help customers plan their migration strategy effectively and efficiently by providing the right information, facts, and guidance.

This book is segmented into two parts:

I. Planning for DB2 10 for z/OS upgrade

II. Gaining the financial benefits of DB2 10 for z/OS"

 If you're upgrading to DB2 10 be sure to have a look at this document from John Campbell, Cristian Molaro and Surekha Parekh. If I'm correct, John Campbell has recently given a series of webcasts and presentations on the subject. If you have a look at the download section of the GSE Belux DB2 Working group, you can also find the two presentations he gave for that workgroup : 'DB2 10 Migration Planning and Very Early Experiences'.

So, as I always say, just check them out.
And, if you didn't know it yet, End of Support date for DB2 9 for z/OS is June 27, 2014.

Hey, What Are You Calling a “Legacy System”?

I received a mail about a couple of weeks ago with the question if I could add a link to the IBM Data Management Magazine page on my blog. Well, I must say I'm rather hesitant to add links as most of the requests I get are pure publicity and adds. And I'm not interested in those ones.

So I had a look at it and of course, this is the former DB2 Magazine of which I somehow lost track. Shame on me. In my 'former' life as a DBA I really learned a lot from that magazine. Have a look at it, you'll (still) like it. It now has a broader scope as the scope of the IBM Information Management product family has also broadened since. So, of course, as you can see on the right hand side I added the link.

But what about the title of your post, you might say. Well, let me call it another teaser to go and have a look. As I saw some familiar contributors like e.g. Bonnie Baker, I also noticed this contribution by Robert Catterall on legacy systems. How do you go about when an IT executive dismisses the system z servers as just "legacy systems" ? How do you convince someone that system z servers are more than just that stereotyped image a lot of people have of them. You might say :

“Legacy system, you say? Would that be the system that runs the applications that keep your factories humming, your trucks rolling, and your customer invoices flowing? You know, the applications that make you money and keep your business alive? You mean that legacy system?”

or

“Speaking of that System z server of yours, you must be aware that DB2 on that platform is a great data provider for those modern, multitiered, service-oriented applications on which you’re focused, right? If you’re not convinced of that, see what your own development teams are up to these days.”

Go find out yourself how Robert Catterall tackles the issue. You might get some additional ideas on how to defend that old-fashioned, legacy system next time.

Red Alert : Potential data loss when executing data recovery in a DB2 10 (NFM) Data Sharing environment

Here's a new Red Alert:

PTF UK76697 (APAR PM51093) is required for DB2 10 for z/OS NFM (New Function Mode) customers executing data recovery in a Data Sharing environment

Description:

IBM has become aware of potential data loss when executing data recovery in a DB2 10 Data Sharing environment.

The problem is related to Fast Log Apply processing when LRSN values are used for log record sequencing and may result in some log records not being processed when duplicate LRSN values are encountered. This situation applies to the RECOVER and RESTORE SYSTEM utilities and LPL and GRECP recovery. The REORG utility and DB2 restart processing are not exposed to this issue.

Possible symptoms include ABEND04E RC00C90102 DSNIBHRE:0C22 accompanied by MSGDSNI012I PAGE LOGICALLY BROKEN or other consistency errors during log apply. Other abends or errors may be encountered following log apply processing, including errors reported by CHECK INDEX or CHECK DATA.

Customers may validate their data by using CHECK INDEX or CHECK DATA utilities and any issues should be reported to IBM Software Support to determine root cause.

Recommended Actions:

It is recommended that all DB2 10 for z/OS data sharing customers apply PTF UK76697 as soon as possible. Customers planning to migrate to DB2 10 NFM should ensure that UK76697 is applied before they do so. The corrective maintenance can be applied incrementally across members of a data sharing group. A group wide restart is not required.

Fast Log Apply processing may be disabled to prevent further exposure to this problem before UK76697 can be applied. The process for doing so is as follows, and should be repeated for each subsystem:

1. Edit macro DSN6SPRC in the SDSNMACS library.
2. Change &SPRMFLB SETC '10' to &SPRMFLB SETC '0'.
3. Run job DSNTIJUZ to reassemble and relink the new zparm.
4. Recycle DB2 to load the new zparm.

Refer to the cover letter for UK76697 for further details regarding this issue.

If you want to have an overview of all past Red Alerts, then take a look over here. You can also subscribe on that same page so you'll be notified of any future Red Alert.