what advantages can be gained by building a datamart in db2 vs sql server?? what are the disadvantages if any??

would a mainframe datamart be preferable to udb/nt???

Both databases perform well in benchmark testing. The main difference is that DB2 runs on other platforms (UNIX, Linux, Windows, OS/390) instead of just Windows.

If the database is very large, DB2 excels in parallel processing and has set several TPC-H Benchmark records recently. But MS SQL Server also performs well.

The main advantage of staying off the mainframe is usually cost of the hardware and software. But if there is capacity on an existing machine, and the data comes from mainframe operational systems, then it might be a good solution. Capacity planning and understanding the incremental demand are the keys to making the platform decision.

I wouldn't expect much difference in performance, but SQL server T-SQL misses out some of the functions as offered with DB2. In most cases SQL server is quite a bit cheaper, has MUCH better GUI tools and is more 'self supporting' . You have to invest more into DB2 to get to know the ins and outs, more fun really :-)

Like what? It's been the otherway around for the longest time. What feature are you referring to?

Esp. If you have to worry about mainframe DASD charges...



GUI's are overrated, and all high end SQL Server dudes and dudettes use Query Analyzer...kinda a like a notepad you can execute SQL in.


And to answer the question, it's like apples and oranges. SQL Server vs DB2 (on the mainframe)...it's like culture shock between thos 2 worlds.

What resources do you have? That's the question. Or do you plan to hire consultants?

How much data will you have? Growth? Number of Fact/dimensions?

Where are your primary user community located?

How many disparate data sources do you have to deal with?

Do you already have mainframe? N/T Server?

Sorry...just a couple of questions...

I am not sure the choice is only between DB2 on mainframe and SQL Server on Windows. If working on the Windows platform, then it's DB2 for Windows vs SQL Server.

The choice may also be between DB2 OS/390 vs DB2 for Windows.