Maybe, but I would find that hard to believe, although a lot of licensing is not software enforced and you are just expected to comply with the terms of the license, which may require you to upgrade your DB2 Connect.

If you pay for the software (even as an IBM organization) there is an IBM software rep somewhere. Of course, not all IBM software reps understand DB2 licensing, which can get complicated.

I think you're right. But I don't understand what's involved in upgrading DB2 Connect product (assuming we have/had an entitlement for some version/edition) if all we use is db2jcc_license_cisuz.jar and this file is the same for all DB2 Connect versions. If we had DB2 Connect installed somewhere and were using it to access DB2 z/OS, then I understand we need to upgrade. In our case, with just db2jcc_license_cisuz.jar file, I'm not sure what's there to upgrade?

I think they used to have a dedicated server with DB2 Connect installed, but it got decommissioned and they're using jdbc type-4 instead.


What's the use of this IBM rep if he/she doesn't understand DB2 licensing? All I need to know is if we're licensed to use db2jcc_license_cisuz.jar on multiple application servers and, if not, what we need to purchase, etc...

The reason you don't need DB2 Connect code installed anymore, is that it was creating too many problems where people were trying to install both the DB2 client (free) or DB2 Server, plus also install DB2 Connect on the same machine. It was too much of a mess, so they built the DB2 Connect code into the DB2 Client and now just require the license. IBM licensing is often times based on voluntary compliance and audits, and is not always enforced by installed code.

One can use jdbc type 4 driver to connect to a DB2 Connect Gateway machine, which in turn connects to DB2 z/OS.

Good question, but some do understand or can research it for you. Anyway, if you get their response in writting, then you will be covered in case of audit.

Welcome to the real world of a DB2 DBA.

That's exactly what we want to get from IBM. I'll do some additional research and then open a pmr (and try to locate our rep).

I didn't have to know (and didn't really care) about licensing until now.


Thanks for all your help!

We don't have a sales rep. I found some presentations that cover DB2 Connect packaging/licensing in detail (I think this material is for sales people, but I find it very helpful). Just wondering...don't companies (big or small) get some kind of a discount if using a sales rep?

Customers don't get a discount for using a Sales Rep, but they do get a discount based on the amount they spend with IBM on hardware/software per year.

I am fairly sure that there is some person or group in IBM who deals with IBM internal purchases (for situations where the software is needed for external customers). But I realize that it may be hard to find them.

One more thing. If you pay for software, you should have a support contract and have access to Passport Advantage. In that case you will have a customer number used if you open a problem. You may be able to figure out who the IBM sales contact is for that customer number.

We have everything (support contact, PA access, etc..) but no rep. But I guess we don't need one if there is no additional discount.

There may not be a sales rep in the traditional sense, but there is someone in IBM responsible for internal IBM purchases. Sales reps don't have anything to do with discounts.

OK.

Congrats on reaching 5,000 posts!

If you are using Websphere, then db2 connect licensing terms "may" be different! You must take that into account as well.

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Can you elaborate please?

They are using WAS (Websphere Application Server). I read that DB2 Connect (limited use) is bundled with Websphere Replication Server. If you have any docs for Websphere and DB2 Connect, please send them to me.

Which edition of DB2 Connect is right for you?

This talks about what license you can/cannot use for WAS when using DB2 Connect.

Of course, this is for 8.2. will see if I can find something for 9.x


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