IBM Db2 for z/OS and Its Ecosystem – March 2025 Newsletter Summary

This edition includes crucial updates on product support, new feature rollouts, user programs, blogs, educational opportunities, and upcoming conferences. It’s designed to keep Db2 professionals current and connected.

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Key Alerts and Announcements

End of Support for IBM Data Studio – March 31, 2025

IBM Data Studio will reach its end of support soon. Organizations are encouraged to transition to:

• Db2 Administration Foundation
• Db2 Developer Extension

These tools replicate and extend Data Studio’s capabilities. Learn more in the blog by Haakon Roberts:
The Future of Db2 for z/OS Administration and Application Development

Sponsor User Program

Users can now become sponsor users, participating in early design processes for new features.
Interested? Contact: Dorothy Lin

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Product Enhancements and Releases (Jan–Feb 2025)

Db2 for z/OS APAR Highlights:

• PH63652: AUTHID-based security monitoring
  Learn more
• PH63990, PH64220, PH64377, PH62780, PH63420: Core system improvements
• PH64802: Fix for backup/fallback job issues in Db2 AI for z/OS 1.6.0

Other Products:

• Data Gate for z/OS 7.1.0 – Bug fixes
  Read more
• Data Gate for watsonx 1.1.5 – Bug fixes
  Read more
• Data Server Driver 4.34 – JWT support for secure connections
  More info

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AI and REST Enhancements

• EXPLAIN(ONLY) support for Db2 REST services
  Details
• New REST API & shell CLI for SQL Data Insights
  Overview
• APPLCOMPAT abbreviation support
  More info
• Improved sort work file monitoring
  Learn more
• MQListener Datagram message support
  Details

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Tooling Enhancements

Db2 Automation Expert

• New ML-driven REORG utility estimation based on historical data
  Read more

Db2 Log Analysis Tool

• Send reports to OMEGAMON Data Provider and Elastic Stack
• Re-migrate datasets recalled from archive storage
  Explore updates

Db2 Administration Tool

• View RACF-based authorization
• Enhanced obsolete package cleanup using a custom list
  More APARs

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End of Support Notices

Support ends on April 30, 2026 for:

• Db2 Log Analysis Tool 3.5.x
• Db2 SQL Performance Analyzer 5.1.x
• Db2 Data Gate 2.1.x

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Recent Blogs from the IBM Community

Notable recent blog posts include:

• Insert Algorithm 2 update for Db2 13 for z/OS
• Db2 Utility REORG estimation feature
• SQL APPLCOMPAT abbreviation support
• SQL Data Insights REST API automation
• Visual Studio Code and Db2 Developer Extension rollout
• Protecting against DSNL030I message flooding

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Education and Webinars (March 2025)

All online sessions are free unless noted:

• Mar 13 – IBM QMF updates
  Register
• Mar 18 – Db2 Tools Portfolio, Utilities, Automation
  Sessions | More
• Mar 19 – Observability, Migrations, and Cybersecurity
  Details, Db2 & You
• Apr 9 – Migrating from Db2 12 to 13
  Info

Paid Master Classes:

• May 12–16, Böblingen, Germany
• Sept 29–Oct 3, San Jose, US
• Apply online (Details)

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Upcoming Conferences

• IDUG Australasia
  Mar 17–21, 2025 – Sydney & Canberra
• Db2 Virtual Summit
  Mar 18–19 – Register
• GSE Europe
  Mar 31–Apr 4 – Register
• Central Canada Db2 User Group
  May 13–14 – More info
• IDUG North America
  Jun 8–12, Atlanta – Register
• TechXchange Conference
  Oct 6–9, Orlando – Call for Speakers
• IDUG EMEA
  Oct 26–30, Dusseldorf – Submit by April 4

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This newsletter underscores IBM’s dedication to continuous innovation and customer engagement in the Db2 for z/OS ecosystem. Make sure to follow the IBM Community to stay updated.