DB2 Magazine E-Newsletter

August 10, 2006

DB2 Magazine Email Newsletter
Volume 7, Issue 8
http://www.db2mag.com/

*****************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. From the Editor
   * DB2 Magazine Q3, 2006: XML tips for developers and DBAs
2. IBM News
   * IBM to buy FileNet
   * IBM Information Server podcast and previews
3. Asked and Answered
   * How to access the right data, even when multiple tables share the
     same unqualified table name
4. Poll Positions
   * What's on your mind: technology or business?
5. Skill Sets
   * Business intelligence certification, plus news and offers
6. Must Read
   * IBM Rational ClearCase, Ant, and CruiseControl
7. In the Zone
   * The latest DB2 and Informix articles from developerWorks

****Sponsor: Quest Software****
Manage Your Complete DB2 Environment
What factors affect performance in your multi-platform DB2 environment? Find out in the new Quest Software white paper, "Managing Performance in a Heterogeneous DB2 Environment." Learn how to identify and resolve common performance problems in DB2 running on LUW and z/OS.

Read the white paper now.
http://www.quest.com/landing/?id=649

********************************

1. FROM THE EDITOR

* DB2 Magazine Quarter 3, 2006: XML tips for developers and DBAs
Last month, I promised tips, techniques, code samples, and advice for working with DB2 9's pureXML abilities. Well, that promise is now fulfilled. The Quarter 3 issue is so packed with information for programmers, developers, and DBAs, I'm just going to cut right to the chase and point you to the highlights. (Make sure you check DB2mag.com for two bonus articles not available in print.) I'd like to hear what you think of the articles. The first three readers to send me comments on the issue can choose a book from a list of IBM Press and other technical volumes stacked up in my office. You'll find my email address here or on page 6 of the print magazine. I hope you find the issue useful.
--Kim Moutsos

* For everyone
--XML in Focus. Ken North explores the developer-friendly features that are speeding application development at companies like financial-services giant Storebrand.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502768
--Eye on XQuery. DevX.com contributor Justin Whitney demonstrates DB2 9's Visual XQuery Builder, a versatile design tool for developers new to XQuery and veterans seeking a faster way to build complex queries.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191600158

* For Java programmers
--Opening the Door to XML. Learn how to connect to DB2 9's new XML capabilities using techniques you already know.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502778

* For PHP programmers
--XML Programming with PHP and Ajax. Find out how you can use your knowledge of popular programming languages to put DB2 9's XML capabilities to work in business scenarios, including service-oriented architecture (SOA).
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191600027
--PHP and Informix Dynamic Server. How to use the popular Web-development language to access Informix data.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502698

* For DBAs
--What's it to You? XML is here to stay. Distributed DBA columnist Roger E. Sanders tells DBAs what they'll need to know to manage it.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502500
--Parlez-Vous SOA? Robert Catterall schools DBAs in the building blocks of SOA.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502499

2. IBM NEWS

* IBM to Acquire FileNet
IBM entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FileNet Corp. for approximately $1.6 billion. The acquisition, subject to FileNet shareholder approval, regulatory reviews and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006. FileNet provides business process and content management solutions. Following completion of the acquisition, IBM intends to combine FileNet's operations with IBM's Content Management business and preserve and enhance customer investments in FileNet and IBM Content Management platforms. IBM will also integrate its BPM and service-oriented architecture technologies with the FileNet platform.
--Find out more.
http://www.filenet.com/English/News/Global-English/Current_Press_Releases/ibm06.asp

* New Podcast: IBM Information Server
IBM Information Server, working hand-in-hand with the patented Iterations 2 data integration methodology, supports integration of all data types and multiple architectures, providing a solid basis for integrating disparate data and delivering trusted information wherever and whenever needed. IBM's Michael Curry discusses how Information Server can impact your business.
--Listen now.
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/sw-library/en_US/detail/U499773H23397U64.html
--Find out more on the Information Server Web site.
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/integration/info_server/

* IBM Information Server Interactive Overview
This interactive presentation provides an detailed overview of this new unified platform for data integration.
--Learn more.
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/sw-library/en_US/detail/P807168Z99664G43.html


3. ASKED AND ANSWERED

* When a program contains a static SQL statement that references an unqualified table name, how can you know which table will be accessed when your database includes several different tables (same structure, different data) that have the same unqualified name but different high-level qualifiers (such as different table owner IDs)? --Find out what DB2 DBA columnist Robert Catterall suggests.
http://db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=191502413
--Browse the archive of Asked and Answered questions.
http://db2mag.com/qanda

4. POLL POSITIONS

* When you head off to a conference such as Information On Demand 2006 in Anaheim in October, are you looking to boost your technical abilities, your business savvy, or both?
--Let your opinion be known.
http://db2magazine.com/
--Find out how the former head of the House of Mouse rated in last month's poll.
http://db2mag.com/poll_results

5. SKILL SETS

* Certified Intelligence
With companies clamoring for business intelligence, a certification credential can give DBAs and programmers an significant edge with employers. Certification columnist Howard Fosdick hands out the inside intel on passing IBM's DB2-based business intelligence exam.
--Read Fosdick's column
http://www.db2mag.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=191502635
--Browse the archives for more certification strategies.
http://www.db2mag.com/education/certification.shtml

* IBM skills and certification news and offers
--Get the latest information on where, why, and how to certify.
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/education/news.html

**** Vendor Whitepapers****
Get detailed information on products and strategies that work with DB2. Whitepapers from Quest, Altova, and others are available for download today.
http://db2mag.com/vendor/

****************************

6. MUST READ

* IBM Rational ClearCase, Ant, and CruiseControl
By Kevin A. Lee

This step-by-step guide to creating Java build processes introduces best practices for integrating and using three industry standard tools: IBM Rational ClearCase software configuration management (SCM) system, the open-source Ant build tool, and CruiseControl for automating continuous builds. The book explains everything from configuring SCM environments and defining build scripts to release packaging and deployment. Key techniques are presented in real-world context, through a three-tier application case study.
--Read more about the book.
http://www.db2mag.com/bookstore/

7. IN THE ZONE

* WebSphere Product Center--First Steps
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0608lee-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=WN

* Create z/OS procedures with Database Add-Ins for Visual Studio 2005
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0608surange-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11

* DB2 Partitioning Features: An Overview for Data Warehouses
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0608mcinerney/

* Oracle to Informix Dynamic Server Porting Guide
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/long/dm-0608marino/

* Develop Custom Client Apps with DB2 Content Manager OOAPI, Part 1
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0608li/

* SQL & XQuery Tutorial for IBM DB2, Part 1: Introduction to Aroma and SQL
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0607cao-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=WN

* SQL & XQuery tutorial for IBM DB2, Part 2: Basic Queries
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0608cao2-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=WN

* DB2 XML Wiki--Share your knowledge or learn from others
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0608cao2-i.html?S_TACT=105AGX11&S_CMP=WN

* New IBM Information Server Platform: A Unified Foundation for Integrating Information
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/integration/info_server/

* Webcast: Migrating to DB2 9 - Advice from the Pros
https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/iwm/web/preLogin.do?lang=en_US&source=dw-c-wcsdp&S_PKG=080906

****Sponsor: IBM Information On Demand 2006****
IBM Information On Demand 2006, October 15-20th, 2006, Anaheim, CA.
The premier information management event for business and IT professionals.
Register now and save $200 with our early bird rate!
http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/ondemandbusiness/conf2006/

**************************

SUBSCRIBE TO DB2 MAGAZINE
If you like what you read in this newsletter, you'll love DB2 Magazine. It's free. It's filled with expert advice.
Don't miss a single issue issue. Sign up today! http://www.db2mag.com/subscribe/

Get your own copy of this DB2 Email delivered directly to your inbox each month.
http://www.db2mag.com/newsletter/