IBM Cloud’s Db2 is a fully-managed SQL database service, boasting a high-powered Db2 engine designed for enterprise-level Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) performance. This service is engineered to meet the needs of businesses requiring high availability and robust performance, offering a 99.99% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA) for high availability plans, and a 99.5% SLA for single-node configurations. It supports various programming interfaces and protocols including .NET, ODBC, JDBC, and REST, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Db2 is also compatible with Netezza and Oracle, which facilitates easier migration or integration with existing database systems.

One of the key features of IBM Cloud’s Db2 is its commitment to security and compliance. It includes daily backups retained for 14 days, at-rest database encryption, and SSL connections to ensure data is securely transmitted and stored. For those requiring high availability, the service offers plans that include two servers configured as a high availability (HA) pair. Moreover, it provides options for businesses needing to comply with HIPAA, alongside certifications like ISO 2001, SOC 2, and SOC 3, making it suitable for a wide range of regulatory environments.

IBM Cloud’s Db2 pricing is designed to be flexible, with monthly costs adjusted based on the days of activated service, allowing for billing by the day. This flexible pricing model is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to manage their expenses more effectively. For a limited period, IBM Cloud is offering a 7-day free trial for the small plan, giving potential users an opportunity to test the service before committing.

In addition to Db2, IBM Cloud also recommends Db2 Warehouse on Cloud for those in need of an enterprise-class cloud data warehouse, and Db2 Hosted, an unmanaged service that users configure themselves, for more hands-on control over their database environment.

For users encountering issues with the product, IBM Cloud directs them to the IBM Cloud Support Center for assistance. Here, users can create a support case or seek more information on obtaining support. The guidance includes a pathway for users of third-party and community-supported products, which might direct them to a support process outside of IBM Cloud.

Db2 on IBM Cloud represents a robust, secure, and flexible database service option for businesses of all sizes, providing the tools and reliability needed for critical database operations in a cloud environment.

(february 2024)