DB2 for Mainframes Gets Native XML with V9.1 Release
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

Having divulged its plans for the improvement of its three key operating system platforms for the mainframe, IBM this week completed the hat trick by getting the "Viper" edition of its database management system, sold as DB2 9.1, up and running on its mainframes. Like the Viper release for Windows, Unix, and Linux servers--which is a code base that is distinct from the DB2 that runs on mainframes--DB2 9.1 for z/OS supports native XML document as well as relational data formats. READ MORE >

Top Mainframe Stories from Around the Web

(eWeek) In the history of airline computing, no one has ever swapped out a mainframe-based reservation system, but that is exactly what Air Canada is doing. The system will include reservations, inventory control, and seat availability, along with airport check-in and airport operations modules. A farm of Linux PCs will take over the duties that were once the responsibility of mainframes. If that comes as a shock to you, better sit down before you find out the language these apps are written in. READ MORE >

(ComputerWeekly) The mainframe mindset is an appreciation that any business system needs to be affordable, installable, maintainable, and upgradeable to provide support and enhancements effectively and profitably. It developed in an era when computers were run by teams of highly skilled people. READ MORE >

(Clerity) Public relations in the technology business is not likely to take the approach of what's old is new again. But there's nothing wrong with revisiting and improving upon a mainframe rehosting technology and calling it by its original name. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, you might as well call it a duck. READ MORE >

Chats, Webinars, Seminars, Shows, and Other Happenings

See our full calendar of events at
http://www.itjungle.com/big/big-calendar.html

March 6 -- Tampa, Florida - This technical briefing, WebSphere Live for SOA, is a one-day forum that emphasizes and explains why service oriented architecture (SOA) is a key differentiator for the success of companies of all sizes across all industries. It is aimed at a technical audience. LEARN MORE >

March 8 -- Southfield, Michigan - This technical briefing, WebSphere Live for SOA, is a one-day forum that emphasizes and explains why service oriented architecture (SOA) is a key differentiator for the success of companies of all sizes across all industries. It is aimed at a technical audience. LEARN MORE >

April 23-27 -- Orlando, Florida - IBM system management products are the highlight of the Automated Operations Technical Council conference, where sessions are presented by representatives from IBM software development teams and their customers. The focus is on the mainframe environment, but extends out into the enterprise. The AOTC is a closed conference, with attendance by invitation only. Contact your IBM field representative for more details and an opportunity to attend. LEARN MORE >

May 6-10 -- San Jose, California - The International DB2 Users Group conference, known as IDUG 2007 North America, offers training and education on topics that include including DB2 for Linux, Unix, Windows; DB2 for z/OS; Informix; Java; Websphere; and XML. LEARN MORE >