March 25, 2008
Volume 9, Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. DB2 for Linux, Unix, and Windows Performance
* Analyzing direct I/O and the impact of hidden LONG and LOB objects
2. DB2 9 DBA Certification Study Questions
* Returning a database to a particular state and removing a view
3. Informix Update
* E-Book: Informix Dynamic Server 11: The Next Generation in OLTP Data Server Technology
4. Tech Term of the Day
* Anyone heard of LEO? We're not talking about the star, though you might see it in the sky

**** Sponsored by IBM *****

Bring together transactional data and XML data, allowing them to be stored in the same place. IBM DB2 9 lets you combine data types for real-time access to information, which helps to speed intelligent business decisions. It also enables storage consolidation and cuts down on costs.

Watch the video today

1. DB2 Performance: Analyzing Direct I/O

Direct I/O is, according to performance-expert Scott Hayes, I/O that occurs directly to disk without an intermediate visit or presence in the buffer pools and is used in support of LONG and LOB objects. Here's the thing, DB2 might be using direct I/O whether or not you realize you're using LONG and LOB objects. That's because DB2 uses both kinds of objects implicitly. Hayes' recent blog entry explains how to measure this potentially hidden time drain in analyzing system performance.

2. DB2 9 DBA Study Questions: ROLLFORWARD and removing a view

Those of you enjoying extra hours of daylight might use the time to study up for the DB2 9 for Linux, Unix, and Windows Database Administration exam. Roger E. Sanders challenges DBAs to prove their knowledge of the ROLLFORWARD command and view privileges in the latest round of sample questions reprinted from his popular certification study guide.

3. Informix E-Book: IDS 11: The Next Generation in OLTP Data Server Technology IBM Informix's Carlton Doe wrote this guide to Informix Dynamic Server 11 (formerly known as Cheetah). Download the book to find out what's behind the roar that greeted Cheetah's release, then think about participating in the "Cheetah 2" beta going on now.

4. Tech Term of the Day
* Anyone heard of LEO? We're not talking about the star, though you might see it in the sky

Neither Hollywood,zodiac associations, nor knowledge of DB2's inner workings will help you figure out the meaning of this term. But the new Tech Term of the Day feature on ibmdatabasemag.com will shed light on yet another definition of LEO.