Having participated in many board meeting debates over the years about the best place to hold meetings of the Baltimore/Washington Db2 Users Group, it’s a bit sad to learn that the 2021 IDUG North America Conference is already being planned as a virtual event, with the possibility of an in-person component.  Let’s hope we can all get together sometime in 2021!

In the meantime, it’s certainly worth noting that with so many people working remotely, many conferences and users groups have actually been quite successful adopting a virtual format.  Some changes resulting from the transition from in-person to virtual events are welcome improvements.  One of these is the more flexible session scheduling IDUG is offering.  I think it’s great, as one-size-fits-all is difficult to accommodate with technical topics.

To the many people I’ve spoken to who have said they have a topic but aren’t sure they have enough (or maybe have too much) material, IDUG 2021 may be a great option as, new this year, IDUG is offering three different presentation timeslots—30, 60, and 120 minutes. You can choose what length works best for you. You can also opt out of the live session and instead pre-record your presentation. To help inspire you, here are some of the most popular session categories:

New Db2 releases: migrating and effective usage
Analytics & Business Intelligence
New technologies: mobile applications, cloud, XaaS, etc.
Application development and data modelling
Db2 and packaged applications (ERP, etc.)
Performance, availability, & security
User experiences and best practices: what did you achieve with Db2?
Db2 and non-standard data types (JSON, etc.)

This is your chance to share your technical expertise and connect with the global community of Db2 users. If you’ve never presented at an IDUG event, this is a great opportunity. First-time speakers are always welcome, as is material geared toward beginner, intermediate, or advanced users.

To submit an abstract, visit IDUG at:  https://www.idug.org/p/cm/ld/fid=2495

I hope to “see” you at IDUG 2021!

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

Join the Mid-Atlantic Db2 LUW user group members – and more! – for a virtual meeting coordinated by IBM Hybrid Data Manager Technical Sales Specialist and user group supporter extraordinaire Kay Groski this coming Wednesday, June 10th.  “And more!” means, of course, that anyone from any users group (or not) is welcome to join.  Please do!

Kay has scheduled Db2 Offering Manager Karthik Gopalakrishnan to introduce Db2 v11.5.4 aka “Nebula”. Karthik’s team is also working to deliver a series of webinars detailing the new features included in Nebula. The schedule for these sessions and details are below.

For next week’s Virtual RUG:

Topic: Db2 Virtual RUG Meeting June 2020
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Time: 2:00pm – 3:15pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Meeting address: ibm.biz/June2020RUG
Program registration password: Db2RUG

The follow-on sessions will provide additional detail on specific new features.  Sessions currently scheduled are below.  For speakers, agenda and registration details go to:  http://ibm.biz/db2webinar[ibm.biz]

Overview of Db2 Editions
Overview of Db2 Editions and Entitlement migration paths from older editions to new.
June 9, 2020

Strategy and Roadmaps
Overview of Db2’s strategic direction and future Roadmap.
June 11, 2020

Container Strategy
Overview of Db2’s Containerization Strategy for Docker and Red Hat Open Shift.
June 16, 2020

Developer Features
Overview of Db2 REST Service, Python UDF and Drivers.
June 18, 2020

Unpacking 11.5.4
Deep Dive into Db2 Nebula release. We will go through exciting new features.
June 23, 2020

Graph Database
Deep Dive into Db2 Graph Capabilities.
June 25, 2020

Machine Learning
Deep Dive into Db2’s Machine Learning capabilities.
June 30, 2020

Enterprise Features
Deep Dive into Db2’s new Enterprise readiness capabilities.
June 30, 2020

I can’t say I’m too disappointed to be taking a break from conference travel and post conference exhaustion, and it’s refreshing to see the creative changes facilitated by the mass transition to virtual events. Given that the primary goal of these events, whether in person or virtual, is to share technical announcements and updates, it seems either format can be successful.  And of course, each has its pros and cons.

When this is all over, however, I look forward to reconnecting – in person – with friends and colleagues to share technical updates.  Along with dinner and drinks!!

With a virtual “Cheers!” to everyone, here is a list of current and upcoming Db2 events:

1. Going on NOW – Enterprise Data & AI on IBM Z Virtual Symposium, May 19, 20, 21
This complimentary virtual event will explain how to use IBM Z data for modern engagement, analytics and AI applications to become truly insights-driven. Please note: you must register to access copies of all replays.

Register here: http://ibm.biz/BdqvcX

2. July – IDUG Virtual Db2 Tech Conference, July 20, 21, and 23
This three-day event will be followed by three additional weeks of IDUG conference content, making this the perfect way to access the cutting-edge sessions of an IDUG event directly from your home or office.

Conference registration also comes with complimentary, year-long premium membership to IDUG, enabling full access to IDUG exclusive articles, blogs, presentations, and forums.

Cost: $199
Register here: https://www.idug.org/e/in/eid=109

3. August – SHARE Boston, dates TBD
In an effort to continue to provide education, networking and influence, SHARE Boston will now be a virtual event. SHARE is looking to deliver opportunities to learn and network with peers in this new format. Stay tuned to the SHARE website for updates.

More information: https://event.share.org/

4. Db2 LUW Virtual Users Group – July, date TBD
IBM’s Db2 LUW coordinator extraordinaire Kay Groski is working to schedule speakers and topics so the groups she started in 2018 (including the Mid-Atlantic group I attend) can extend their reach by going virtual – at least for a while. As details are confirmed I will share more here.

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!!

IBM Champion Program Director Libby Ingrassia sent messages to the selected 2020 IBM Champions last night.  Congratulations to all – particularly new Champions!  Libby posted a complete list of Champions, by competency, on the IBM Developer Blog.

Congratulations to Frank Fillmore for being selected as both a Data and AI Champion and a System z Champion.  Along with Frank, I am proud to have been selected as a Data and AI Champion.  As long-time participants in the program we recommend it to anyone actively supporting the Db2 community – through outreach efforts such as conference presentations, blogging and promoting IBM events, as well as internal events, such as mentoring co-workers and facilitating skills enablement for your peers.  The goal of the program is to support – and celebrate – your success.  If I can help guide you through the process so that you can be a 2021 Champion let me know.  I would be happy to help!

What are IBM Champions?  From Libby’s blog:

“These individuals evangelize IBM solutions, share their knowledge, and help grow the community of professionals who are focused on IBM offerings. IBM Champions spend a considerable amount of their own time, energy, and resources on community efforts—organizing and leading user group events, answering questions in forums, contributing articles and applications, publishing podcasts, sharing instructional videos, and more. We have book authors and YouTube stars, as well as those who work behind the scenes as client, press, or analyst references. The program selects Champions annually based on individual contributions that go beyond the scope of a person’s job, so that we can recognize and reward those who give so generously of their time, effort, and energy.”

Libby also hosts a Champions in Action series, coordinates Champion events at Think and IDUG conferences, and maintains a directory of all Champions. Keep up with the IBM Champions and their activities on Twitter either by @IBMChampions or by the #IBMChampion hashtag.

Thanks Libby and Congrats 2020 Champions!!!

The next Mid-Atlantic Db2 Users Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2019 at IBM in Bethesda.  There are some great speakers lined up and exciting topics – see the full agenda below.  The meeting is free, so please share the invitation with anyone you know who may be interested.  And of course, please join us!

Date:  Thursday, December 5, 2019

Time:  9:30am – 2:45pm

Location:  IBM, 6710 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD  20817

Registration:*  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-atlantic-winter-db2-luw-users-group-registration-82353671047

*Pre-registration is required to enter the building – don’t forget!

Agenda:

9:30am -10:30 SESSION 1
My Favorite Db2 Problem Determination Tricks presented by Pavel Sustr
10:30 -1045 BREAK
10:45 -11:45 SESSION 2
IBM Cloud Pak for Data presented by Brad Rowen
11:45 – 12:45 – Networking Lunch
12:45 – 1:45 SESSION 3
Table Space Odyssey presented by Pavel Sustr
1:45 – 2:00 BREAK
2:00-2:45 SESSION 4
Db2 Augmented Data Explorer Demo by Kay Groski