DB2 Query Management Facility

QMF for TSO/CICS is a full-function query, reporting , and graphics solution using a traditional 3270 terminal interface (or emulator). It provides an easy to use, PF-key driven set of functions, fast-path commands, and extensive contextual help. It enables the the end user to quickly create a query, modify the output with an array of formats and enhancements using a series of intuitive forms.

QMF offers additional unique features such as the ability to add/edit/update information in DB2 or use the ISPF editor to create and manage its objects (queries, procedures).

QMF users can create procedures to bind units of work into single packages for storage and later execution. Its objects (queries, forms, procedures, etc.) can be secured for single user authorization, groups of users, or public consumption.

QMF offers extensive batch capabilities in addition to ad hoc, interactive use. It may be called from other programs such as ISPF thus extending its reach beyond its own user interface and architecture.

QMF High Performance Option

QMF High Performance Option (HPO) is a multifaceted offering, installed as a companion product to DB2 QMF for TSO. QMF HPO contains two subcomponents: one dedicated to the resource governing and auditing of QMF queries, reports and procedures and the other capable of compiling query and report actions into efficient COBOL programs, enhancing the performance of such actions. Used together, QMF HPO’s facilities allow customers to track and identify frequently performed actions and generate compiled code which allows those actions to be performed using fewer CPU resources.

DB2 QMF HPO consists of two major components:

• QMF HPO/Manager

  Using QMF HPO/Manager, you can govern (pre-emptively and in real time) ad-hoc and dynamic query and reporting activities. With easily collected, detailed information, you can more precisely control CPU resource usage at varying levels, according to any number of schedules applied to QMF user groups.

• QMF HPO/Compiler

  Using QMF HPO/Compiler, you can convert frequently used queries and reports into efficient COBOL programs. Most query and reporting jobs can be greatly streamlined to reduce resource consumption and improve performance. HPO/Compiler will automatically write a COBOL program to perform the same actions as running a QMF query and form within QMF for TSO. Once generated and compiled, this COBOL program will run as a stand-alone application, independent of QMF for TSO. This not only allows the program to run faster but also protects the query and form from further changes once placed into production.

QMF for Workstation

QMF for Workstation is a rich desktop application that extends QMF functionality down to the desktop, providing an environment within which business analytics objects such as queries, reports, and interactive dashboards can be created, deployed, and accessed.

Multiple intuitive query editors help users build both relational and multidimensional queries according to their level of SQL expertise. Query results can be analyzed, aggregated, and formatted with an assortment of intuitive editors, then distributed and deployed in a wide variety of formats, from classic page-based reports to more visually rich and interactive formats such as graphical reports, charts, graphs, geospatial maps, and dashboards.

Unlike reports, which tend to contain static information, QMF dashboards allow you embed dynamic visual elements that, when clicked or dragged, deliver real-time information to the dashboard user as an application would. Elements within a dashboard can be linked so that results from one operation can, in turn, be used to drive another. Development can take as little as a few minutes for simple dashboards, at which time the dashboard can be easily deployed as a dedicated URL in QMF for WebSphere.

QMF for Workstation's robust administrative capabilities help you to remove system complexity for business users. Entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs) support users not familiar with underlying database schemas, and the ability to create virtual data sources allows you to simplify, join, or federate data sources behind the scenes, yet present it to the end user as a single entity. Two-way support for enterprise mashups allows you to seamlessly integrate third-party applications with QMF functions and services.

Rich and flexible security and resource control capabilities allow you to control content and access on a per-user or per-group basis. QMF supports traditional privilege-based data access as well as both LDAP-defined and internally defined user and group directories. Flexible resource limits allow you complete control over resource consumption.

QMF for Workstation provides full access to the QMF for TSO and CICS object catalog so that you can repurpose existing queries and applications. A QMF Classic interface is provided for users who are accustomed to the QMF for TSO and CICS interface.

QMF for Workstation can be installed on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems.

QMF for WebSphere

DB2 QMF for WebSphere provides users across the enterprise with access to QMF functionality via an ordinary web browser. QMF for WebSphere serves three key roles in the enterprise:

A web-based application for QMF power users

QMF for WebSphere offers a user interface that is almost identical to QMF for Workstation, allowing power users to create, edit and run QMF queries, reports and procedures. This allows organizations to deploy the most frequently used QMF query and reporting capabilities to a large number of users quickly and easily, without the need to install desktop software. Enterprise users can access QMF for WebSphere from any machine that has a web browser.

A web-based runtime environment for deployed QMF content

QMF for WebSphere allows organizations to deploy web-based content to business end users, independent of the QMF application interfaces. Typically, end users need only view the dashboards and reports created in QMF and need no access to the QMF user interface itself. QMF queries, reports and dashboards can be made accessible via a dedicated web link and, when accessed, run in the full content area of the browser or within a designated area of a custom web page. Under this mode, the business users only see the actual report/dashboard that has been created using QMF.

A web-based QMF scheduling facility

QMF for WebSphere ships with a built-in scheduler, allowing administrators and power users to define jobs that run at specific times or at period intervals. These jobs are capable of running QMF procedures and thus can be used to run queries, export and transform data and generate and distribute reports across the enterprise. Jobs can be submitted by users through either QMF for Workstation or QMF for WebSphere.