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DB2 Express-C partner frequently asked questions

Information Management software

Free to develop, free to deploy, free to distribute

FAQs for partners

What is DB2 Universal Database Express-C?

DB2 Express-C is a member of the DB2 Universal Database family. DB2 Express-C is a version of DB2 Express Edition for the developer and partner community. Designed to be up and running in minutes and to be self-maintaining, DB2 Express-C is a production ready data server.

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How is DB2 Express-C different from DB2 Universal Database Express Edition (DB2 Express)?

DB2 Express-C has all the resiliency and robustness of the DB2 Express but without some extended features available via the fee-based DB2 Express offering. These extended features include Warehouse Manager Tools & servers, Extender support, Informix Data Source Replication, Replication Data Capture, APPC and NetBIOS support. The resulting image has a much smaller footprint. Unlike DB2 Express which offers fee-based 24x7 support as well as free online community forum support, DB2 Express-C support is only available via the online community forum.

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What are the benefits of DB2 Express-C for an Independent Software Vendor?

With DB2 Express-C, you may embed and distribute DB2 database technology which contains industry’s first multi-structure data server for relational and XML data, with your applications or products without incurring any license fee. This value-add can help you penetrate the costconscious small and medium businesses.

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What are the benefits of DB2 Express-C for a Value Added Reseller and Value Added Distributors?

DB2 Express-C is an ideal market seeding tool. Generate high value for your product without incurring additional software costs. Only customers with needs compatible with the package T&Cs and community support availability are suitable for DB2 Express-C. The perfect upsell opportunity occurs when the customer requires advanced features or outgrows DB2 Express-C usage. Each customer using an application or product powered by DB2 Express-C is a candidate for buying other DB2 editions and optional features. You may also generate additional services and application revenue opportunities at deployment.

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Can I distribute DB2 Express-C with my applications or products at no charge?

Yes, you may register to distribute DB2 Express-C with your products and applications at no charge as usage follows DB2 Express-C license terms and conditions. Submit the redistribution registration form available at (www.ibm.com/db2/express/partnersolutions.html). You’ll be kept informed of package updates by the DB2 Express community team. For more details, visit us at www.ibm.com/db2/express/

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I am only interested to distribute a subset of DB2 Express-C with my application. Is this possible?

Yes, you may do so. If you choose to create a custom install image of DB2-Express-C, use the ‘db2iprune’ utility for Windows and narrowing down RPMs for Linux. It is common for partners to remove the elements of the install image that may not need such as the graphical installer, tools, globalization support, etc. You can further reduce the install image footprint from with this process and redistribute the resulting image (remember to include the license file).

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I am a registered ISV at the IBM Virtual Innovation Center (VIC). Will the VIC help me with my DB2 Express-C technical questions?

No, DB2 Express-C is only supported by the online community forum. The IBM Virtual Innovation Center (VIC) is an online knowledge and enablement center designed to help you build the industry applications your clients require to become an On Demand Business. The center provides educational coursework, live mentoring, online technical support, solution roadmaps, client simulations, FAQs, case studies, and discussion forums. You have access to world-class assistance and technologies around the clock. DB2 Express and DB2 Enterprise Server Editions are both supported by the VIC.

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Will IBM offer 24x7 support for my customers directly if I redistribute DB2 Express-C with my application or product?

IBM does not offer a support license for DB2 Express-C. ISVs would have to provide technical support for DB2 Express-C for use with their applications. You may register to receive free online community support. On a related note, your customer may acquire the appropriate DB2 Express license which includes first 12month maintenance and support if their business and support needs exceed DB2 Express-C.

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How do I migrate DB2 Express-C to other DB2 editions?

There are no application code changes when you choose to deploy with DB2 Express, Workgroup or Enterprise Server Edition upon completion of pilot testing with DB2 Express-C.

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DB2 Express-C is an opportunity for mid-market ISVs to leverage superior DB2 technology and free online forum support as an alternative to shipping open source database in their applications. What are the resources available to help me migrate from MySQL to DB2 Express-C?

The Migration Station at IBM DeveloperWorks provides resource to help you migrate from Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, and other database platforms to DB2. For MySQL migration to DB2, the best practices in migration strategy and planning, migration tools, and practical migration examples are included in the IBM Redbook MySQL to DB2 UDB Conversion Guide. It is intended for technical staff involved in a MySQL to DB2 UDB conversion project. This redbook also provides step-by-step instructions for installing and using the IBM DB2 Migration Toolkit (MTK) to port the database objects and data from MySQL to DB2 UDB. Application programming and conversion considerations are discussed along with the differences in features and functionality of MySQL and DB2 UDB.

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I am new to IBM. How do I learn more about partnering with IBM?

We recommend that you visit www.ibm.com/partnerworld to register in our world-class business partner program and review the benefits we offer to help us mutually succeed in the marketplace. The PartnerWorld program is designed to help you expand your business, grow your skills, recognize your expertise, and increase your impact in the marketplace. PartnerWorld benefits and resources are aligned to three industry-recognized business models -- Consultant and Integrators (SIs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Value-Add Resellers. Choose the model that most closely reflects your business, and join the team focused on your success!

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If I choose to distribute other DB2 Editions as my usage exceeds DB2 Express-C, what is the process?

If your application needs extend beyond DB2 Express-C, we have full license offerings which can be easily acquired. Depending on your business model and the architecture of your application offering, one of the best alternatives IBM offers is the OEM Earned Discount contract. OEM Earned Discount contract provides an aggressive set of value statements, such as flexible pay-as-you sales model, flexible license terms, Co-marketing funds, and attractive discounts. With the help of the IBM OEM sales team, an ISV can draft an OEM Earned Discount contract to include the full license version of DB2 UDB data servers. Under the OEM Earned Discount contract, ISVs own the customer relationship and can apply their own business models at a worldwide level. The OEM Earned Discount contract provides restricted product licensing, which are sold and supported (Level 1 & Level 2 support) by the ISVs. Membership to PartnerWorld is a prerequisite for the OEM Earned Discount contract. To start the process, contact your local IBM Channels representative or send an email to Manuel Corniel - WW Information Management OEM Sales Leader

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If I would like to become an IBM reseller, how do I get started?

The path to becoming an IBM partner/reseller is a very simple one. For those companies interested in becoming a partner, simply go to the PartnerWorld website at www.ibm.com/partnerworld and follow the instructions for joining Partner World, either as a reseller, and ISV, or as a Consultant/Influencer. Here you will find all the necessary information to address your questions on what programs and tools that IBM offers it's partners; from selling & marketing resources, training/certifications, products/services/solutions, technical resources, events, just to name a few. Once PW membership has been established, then a partner can take advantage of all the available partner resources, as well as facilitate purchases of IBM software for their customers thru Passport Advantage or Passport Advantage Express.

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Can I submit a DB2 Express-C customer reference?

Yes, IBM Business Partners can submit a reference here.

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How do I find out more about DB2 Express and DB2 Express-C?

Visit us at http://www.ibm.com/db2/express/. This web site is updated regularly.

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