I want to thank everyone who helped make the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Db2 for z/OS Users Group virtual meeting such a great success:

• my colleague, Kim May, for pulling the meeting together and for filling a void of timely technical content for this topic and this region
• our presenters for crafting and delivering a comprehensive new way of considering IBM System z
  • Andrew Austin, Red Hat
  • Clark Hale, Red Hat
  • Elton (the Wizard) de Sousa, IBM

The recording of the meeting is here: https://youtu.be/Am279HW1DDY

Individual presentations are as follows:

Db2 VUG – OpenShift Introduction – Austin + Hale

Db2 VUG – OpenShift on IBM z – de Sousa

Db2 VUG – Mainframe Modernization Field Notes – Fillmore

Please share this content with your colleagues.

IBM Data Replication 2020: In a Nutshell

IBM replication is based on two unique technical solutions: InfoSphere Change Data Capture, the heritage DataMirror product, and Q-Replication, the IBM-developed replication solution that uses MQ messaging.

IBM replication supports numerous sources and targets. For heterogeneous environments, that is, where either the source or target are not Db2, IBM recommends InfoSphere Change Data Capture. For Db2 to Db2 replication, IBM recommends Q Replication.

The currently available sources are targets are below. New offerings are always being added; for a current list visit the IBM replication homepage.

New offering highlight: Mainframe replication for Db2 for z and VSAM featuring “Remote Capture”, with the replication engine installed off the mainframe. The new solution delivers easier installation and administration as well as lower MIPs consumption to support replication from System z.

Coming soon: Refreshed monitoring tools built on Watson Knowledge Catalog, enabling expanded governance and integration with replication monitoring.

Implementation support, healthchecks and education:  Contact The Fillmore Group. We have several Quickstart offerings and have been delivering the IBM replication education offerings for decades.

Replication Sources: Db2 (LUW, Z/OS, iSeries), Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, VSAM, IMS, Informix, Sybase, MySQL.

Replication Targets: All above RDBMSs plus Teradata, Kafka, Hadoop, Files, Information Server (DataStage/QualityStage), Cloudant, AWS RedShift, S3, Azure SQL DB, JDBC targets (MongoDb, etc.), IBM IAS/ Db2WH/Db2WHoC, Netezza/Cloud Pak 4 Data System, and more.

Remote Capture Quickstart

Postgres Capture Quickstart

Kafka Replication Quickstart

The IBM Request for Enhancement (RFE) system has been moved from developerWorks to the IBM Data & AI Ideas portal.

Each “idea” submitted can be voted on by users who log in. The number of votes for each particular request is taken into consideration by the IBM Product Development teams when they are planning product enhancements. More votes = higher probability of getting the request fulfilled.

I am reaching out to ask IBM Data & AI solutions users to vote for an existing RFE in the Ideas system, QREP-I-216. This is a replication enhancement to IBM’s Q Replication, for customers using the Oracle QApply.

The Oracle QApply was developed several years ago when IBM was planning to merge Q Replication and InfoSphere Change Data Capture. It enabled customers to replicate from Db2 for z/OS to Oracle without adding a layer of federation (the old method of applying changes to heterogeneous databases).

The user requesting the request has had Q Replication with QApply in production for several years and is asking to have replication monitoring improved.

If you haven’t logged on the Ideas portal, it’s easy, and the homepage gives you access to the enhancement requests as well as each solution roadmap.

For this particular RFE, log in here and click on the button on the left side of the screen to vote.

Thanks for voting!!

https://ibm-data-and-ai.ideas.aha.io/ideas/QREP-I-216

Over 180 folks attended the “45 Minutes to Understand IBM Replication – Sources & Targets, Lower Latency, Costs” webinar on April 30, 2020 hosted by my colleague @KimMayTFG and me.  Thank you for joining us – along with the excellent questions and feedback.

These are the presentation materials IBM Data Replication Update 2020-04-30

You’ll find the recording of the webinar here.

This Thursday, April 30th, join Frank Fillmore for a fast, information-packed webinar, loaded with IBM replication solution information for both non-IBM and IBM replication customers.  Come join us and learn!  Details and the registration link are in the post below.

Please join us for a webinar Thursday, April 30th, on IBM replication:

45 Minutes to Understand IBM Replication – Sources & Targets, Lower Latency, Costs  

The webinar is intended for technical teams currently not using IBM replication solutions, although the webinar content will provide an excellent overview of IBM’s current offerings – an excellent refresher and update for IBM replication customers.  Hey, it’s a webinar – anyone can attend!!

Abstract:  Technical organizations rely on replication to deliver accurate data when its needed. IBM replication supports an extensive list of sources and targets – including legacy mainframe data repositories – as well as best of breed deployment models and specialty replication solutions.

If your organization is considering a new replication deployment or looking to replace your existing replication to extend functionality – or reduce cost – please join IBM Gold Consultant Frank C. Fillmore, Jr., for a webinar overview of IBM’s replication offerings.

The webinar will cover:

1. The sources and targets supported by IBM replication.
2. Each solution available today, and their costs.
3. Latency, deployment and administrative considerations.

Date:          Thursday, 4/30/2020

Time:          11:00am – 12:00pm EDT

Register HERE 

Presenter:  Frank Fillmore

Frank C. Fillmore, Jr. is the Founder and President of The Fillmore Group, Inc., an IBM Business Partner specializing in replication solutions in the IBM Data and Analytics portfolio. Frank has been a Db2 Gold Consultant since 1998 and is currently an IBM Champion for both Analytics and System z. Frank frequently presents on cutting-edge topics at regional and international user group meetings and is an IBM authorized instructor for delivery of replication courses including Q Replication, ICDC and pureScale.  Frank leads a team of expert consultants delivering presales, implementation and enablement support to IBM replication customers.

Want to learn more about the Gold Consultants?  Visit the IBM Gold webpage HERE.

Yesterday was one of those, “Where were you when you heard the news?” days – I was at the gym (yes, I do go once in a very long while), watching the financial news and saw the headline announcing Arvind Krishna as IBM’s New CEO, effective April 6th.  I was so excited I ran out to my car, grabbed my phone and started calling Db2 people.

Arvind has been a great supporter of the Db2 community, is the executive sponsor of the Gold program, and the rare sort of leader who can hand you a challenge and make you feel honored to be asked.  I am so excited for IBM, their customers, and Business Partners to have Arvind in charge.

The photo below is from an IBM dinner I was invited to attend a few years back with two of the best IBM’ers I know – Arvind and Db2 and replication superstar Christian Zentgraf.  I am looking forward to an exciting 2020 for the Db2 community!!

If your organization is considering a year end CDC acquisition and plan a 2020 implementation, consider training and services from The Fillmore Group to accelerate your success.  The Fillmore Group is working to update the IBM Change Data Capture curriculum – course KM020G – adding optional sessions covering replication to Kafka and replication to and from PostgreSQL.  Please note: customers purchasing replication licenses prior to year end may qualify for free PostgreSQL or Kafka education.  Contact me if you are interested.

In addition, our team is also ready to assist with replication Quickstart services.  A TFG consultant will help your organization leverage the best features and functionality available in the IBM replication product family – quickly!

Training
2/3/20 – 2/5/20 Change Data Capture Essentials.  Prepare for planning, installing, managing and monitoring IBM replication with this IBM training class, KM020G.  Cost:  $2775.  View the course outline: KM020G Change Data Capture Essentials

2/6/20 – 2/6/20 CDC New Features – Kafka and PostgreSQL.  These 1/2 day sessions are designed to extend the KM020G class material with topics specific to Kafka and PostgreSQL replication.  Cost:  $350.  Outline: Kafka and PostgreSQL Replication Class Module Abstracts

Services

• Kafka Quickstart.  Leverage expert technical assistance for a successful implementation.  Overview: Kafka Replication Quickstart.
• PostgreSQL Quickstart.   The Fillmore Group’s PostgreSQL delivers a skilled consultant to work with your team to plan and execute a successful replication implementation.  View the offering summary: Postgres Capture Quickstart.
• Remote Capture Quickstart.  Work with a skilled replication expert to apply this new offering in your environment with services to help you design, install and administer replication away from System z, reducing MIPs consumption and lowering System z  data replication costs. View the offering summary: Remote Capture Quickstart.

Through a partnership with TechData, one of IBM’s select global training providers, The Fillmore Group delivers authorized training for the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IBM Analytics solutions. This partnership allows The Fillmore Group to leverage the award winning IBM technical training content that is exclusive to IBM’s global training providers.

IBM is hosting the September meeting of the Baltimore/Washington Db2 Users Group to be held at the BWI Hilton on Wednesday, September 11th.  IBM’s Kenishia Sapp and Anthony Ciabattoni will be presenting on Db2 for z/OS topics (see agenda below) and *drum roll!* IBM Replication Product Offering Manager Davendra Paltoo will be presenting on IBM’s recent replication enhancements and new offerings.

With the recent Gartner report validating IBM’s market position in their “magic quadrant” with IBM’s offerings supporting a broad range of replication sources and targets (including Postgres and Kafka), and the increased focus on making data accurate and available for analytics, it’s important to understand what IBM is delivering to customers today.

If you are in the Baltimore/Washington area I hope you will join us for the meeting and the opportunity to talk replication with Davendra.

The full agenda is below.  Registration is required – please register on the Baltimore/Washington Db2 Users Group website HERE.

Date:  Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Time:  9:00am – 3:30pm (registration open at 8:30am)

Location:  BWI Hilton, 1739 W Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD  21090

Agenda:

9:00am – 10:15am   APIs: A Pathway to the Modern Enterprise, Kenishia Sapp, IBM NA z API Swat Team

As Enterprises begin their modernization journeys, REST and the API economy are integral elements of their roadmaps. There are many ways to achieve the goal of REST API enablement for the mainframe, and it can be hard to distinguish the benefits and unique value points among them. Kenishia Callaway will illustrate how solutions such as z/OS Connect, API Connect and others can be used to modernize while retaining the well-developed systems that differentiate company value.

10:30am – 11:45am  Db2 for z/OS Native RESTful Experience, Anthony Ciabattoni, IBM Db2 zOS Development SWAT Team

IBM Db2 for z/OS is still the undisputed leader for storing and maintaining mission critical data. It remains the “gold standard” for system availability, scalability, security and cost effectiveness. A majority of Fortune 500 companies, including the world’s top banks, retailers and insurance providers trust Db2 for z/OS for storing their data. In addition, Db2 for z/OS continues to invest in industry leading easy to access, efficient and cost effective data access capabilities while maintain our mainframe heritage.This session will show how Db2 REST services allow modern applications to access and consume Db2 data and to reuse existing SQL statements and stored procedures. We will present how they are easily deployed, managed and also promote the rapid/agile development and deployment of new applications that are mobile friendly.

12:45pm – 2:00pm  Db2 12 experiences from the field, recipe for successful migrations, FTB’s & Insert Algorithm 2, Anthony Ciabattoni

Migrating to Db2 12 and exploiting and taking advantage of new features and functions needs to be planned, prepared and executed to maintain availability and achieve organizational success. This session will go through the recipe of a successful Db2 migration, what can be completed prior to the migration window and what steps actual customers have made to achieve a successful migration. In addition, Fast Traversal Blocks and Insert Algorithm 2 are two of the most popular new features in Db2 12. During the session these two features will be described in detail along with the appropriate use cases for both technologies. Lastly, real life customer behavior, experiences and implementation successes will be discussed. If you are an organization that is in the process of migrating to Db2 12 or are planning for a Db2 12 migration before Db2 11 End of Service this is a must attend session.

2:15pm – 3:30pm Delivering a Real-time Experience for Dynamic Digital Businesses, Davendra Paltoo, Replication Offering Manager

Learn how organizations use IBM Data Replication to deliver near real time data across the enterprise from Db2 and most other major databases. IBM Data Replication key capabilities and plans will also be covered.

IBM recently introduced the Data and AI ideas portal for clients where users are invited to request enhancements.   And vote on them – sort of like voting for class president.

I submitted a request earlier today for the addition of Oracle ASM support in IBM InfoSphere Data Replication/Change Data Capture.  I did this because I was introduced to an Oracle customer currently using Informatica replication who needs to find an alternate replication solution, as Informatica is moving replication to the cloud.

IBM’s replication solutions are quite strong compared to other vendor options.  The list of ICDC supported database sources and targets continues to grow, with Postgres and Kafka being recent additions.

I think IBM should continue to enhance ICDC by adding support for ASM so we can introduce more Oracle customers to ICDC.

PLEASE!  Vote for my enhancement – I believe it’s I-83 at this link.  It’s currently in “under consideration” status so I may need to update the link when I have confirmed it’s available for voting.

I’ll post some signs up in the hall announcing my enhancement’s candidacy.  Vote early and vote often!!  Thank you for your support!!