Section 1.13. Summary

1.13. Summary

This chapter introduced DB2 and its history. IBM pioneered relational database management systems and invented SQL. IBM's technology in the relational management system area has been around for more than twenty years. Its legacy is visible in the DB2 product line, which now represents a portfolio of information management products: database management software, business intelligence software, content management software, information integrator software, and DB2 and IMS tools.

You also learned about the types of clients and servers available with DB2. Although different editions are available to provide varying functionality, the core DB2 product is the same; therefore, application development on any edition will work on all editions. The various editions allow you to choose the functions that best suit your needs.

The chapter also discussed federated support, replication, the IBM DB2 Information Integrator, and packaging options available for application developers. These packaging options allow developers to obtain DB2 software at a reduced price.