June 17 2008
Volume 9, Issue 11

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. From the Editor
* The IBM Database Magazine Wiki is back and looking for a few good contributors
2. DB2 Turns 25
* Trace DB2's rise over the decades
3. Survey: Operational intelligence and complex event processing
* Ventana research seeks participants
4. Skills Set
* News and information about IBM education
5. In the Zone
* The latest developerWorks articles on DB2, Informix, and more

**** Sponsored by Computer Associates *****

New Survey: Expanding Roles of Data Management Professionals Download this survey of the International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) to learn The challenges as outlined by over850 data professionals.

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1. FROM THE EDITOR

* Looking For a Few (or More) Good Contributors
After a brief hiatus, the IBM Database Magazine Wiki is back in action, and we're looking for your help to make it better than ever. Contribute your best tips and technical articles, start a discussion on a page that already exists, or help out with one of the community projects. Anyone (registered or not) can browse the wiki content; only registered users can edit existing pages or create new ones. Here are a few pointers on getting started.

-- Read the Terms of Service
-- Find out how to register
-- Browse the list of community projects
-- Check out this recent article on pureXML

2. DB2 TURNS 25

* Highlights of DB2's Long History
On June 7, 1983, IBM issued a press release announcing a "relational data base management system [RDBMS] for large enterprises," and so began the life of Database 2, now simply called DB2. Look back at some of the key happenings that led to the birth of DB2and to the formation of the RDBMS industry as a whole.
-- Read the DB2 birthday summary
-- Browse the DB2 timeline (and consider adding new details)
-- See Craig Mullins' article "Eight Breakthroughs That Changed DB2 Forever"
-- Read InformationWeek's "rags to riches" account of DB2's past

**** Sponsored by IBM's e-book "Business Intelligence: Integrating the Data" *****

Today's corporate performance initiatives require greater visibility into all corners of the enterprise. Business intelligence has become a central element to every part of the business. Download e-book today

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3. SURVEY: OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMPLEX EVENT PROCESSING

* Participate in this Ventana Research study
Ventana Research, current employer of former DB2 Magazine Editorial Director David Stodder, is conducting a benchmark study of how organizations are innovating with operational intelligence (OI) and complex event processing. This research will investigate OI, activity monitoring, how OI fits with operational BI, database systems, real-time data warehousing and more and will yield valuable insights into the changes organizations are making to reduce information latency and drive competitive advantage. All qualified participants receive a report of the findings and a chance to win a $100 American Express Gift Cheque.

-- Spend just 15 minutes responding to the brief survey

4. SKILLS SET

* IDUG North America Wrap Up
Nearly one thousand DB2 and IMS users from around the world landed in Dallas, Texas, for IDUG 2008  North America, May 18-22, for a week of technical learning, formal and informal networking, and focused training.
-- Read highlights of the week.
-- Details on all IDUG user-driven educational events are available at www.IDUG.org.

* Save on IBM DB2 9 Certification
IBM's Certify and Save program offers candidates $75 off a certification exam with the purchase of the associated certification study guide. Purchase the study guide and register before June 30, 2008 to be eligible for this offer.

* New Exam: IBM U2 UniVerse V10.2 Administration
IBM is now offering an IBM Certified Solutions Expert for U2 UniVerse V10.2 Administration Exam (718) and related classroom courses.

* IBM DB2 Training and Certification on Facebook
Facebook fans of IBM DB2 Training and Certification receive interactive updates on anything related to DB2 training and certification. Discuss DB2, read blogs, view photos, and receive education offers online. Fans can network with fellow DB2 students and experts across the globe.

* New Redbook: Up and Running with DB2 on Linux
The new Redbooks publication Up and Running with DB2 on Linux helps readers build skills on one of the fastest growing server operating platforms on the market. This informative guide explains how to effectively integrate DB2 for Linux, Unix, and Windows with SUSE and Red Hat Linux operating systems.

* IBM IDS 11 System Administration Tutorial Series
IBM offers a complete certification tutorial series to help certification candidates prepare for the latest IBM Informix exam, Version 11 Systems Administration (918).

* Discount: Information Management Books
IBM Press has recently published new DB2 and Information Management books and is offering shipping at no cost within the U.S., along with a 35 percent discount on many titles.

* IBM Info On Demand 2008 Pass with an IBM HealthCheck
Customers who sign up for an IBM HealthCheck will receive a pass to the IBM Info On Demand 2008 conference in Las Vegas this October. A HealthCheck uses IBM expertise to optimize and accelerate database performance.

5. IN THE ZONE

* What's New in the Data Server Migration Toolkit 2.0

* Demo: Introduction to BIRT

* XML schema and content validation using DataPower and DB2 pureXML

* Leverage DB2 trusted context support using Data Studio

* QuickStart samples accessing U2 tables and files using IBM Data Server Provider for .NET