Chapter 17. DB2 and the Internet

IN THIS CHAPTER

• The Internet Phenomenon

• Accessing DB2 Over the Internet

• Using XML and DB2

• Finding DB2 Information Using the Internet

The data processing world is increasingly becoming an online world. This phenomenon is being driven by the Internet. By providing a vehicle for interconnecting computer systems across national and international boundaries, the Internet has brought computing power to the masses and established a sense of community where none previously existed. Such is the case for the DB2 community ”the Internet allows us to stay connected to one another, share information, and send DB2 data anywhere we might please .

How to Access the Internet

All of the large, commercial online service providers such as America Online and the Microsoft Network offer access to the Internet. If you are accessing the Internet from home, you will probably access it from one of these servers. Or, you may have broadband access through a provider such as Roadrunner.

Most corporations provide broadband Internet access directly via an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and a T1 connection. If this is the case, you will not have to set yourself up with an online service. The best way to find out whether your corporation has an ISP is to do some snooping. Ask your Help Desk, DBA, or manager whether your company is hooked up to the Internet. If so, all you will need is a TCP/IP connection and some basic software to begin surfing the Net for DB2 nuggets!