IBM beta-tests virtual database technology

IBM Corp. is starting to beta-test two software tools designed to integrate distributed data repositories, and several users have said the new technology could help them set up virtual databases that pull together a wide range of information.

The beta versions of IBM’s DB2 Information Integrator and DB2 Information Integrator for Content software are the first tangible results of an integration initiative, code-named Xperanto, that the company detailed last month.

IBM said the tools will let end users access various SQL databases and other content sources through a single query. For instance, DB2 Information Integrator could be used as part of a call center application to extract customer data stored in e-mail messages or text files. Commercial shipments are expected to start by year’s end.

Expanded Data Sources

At Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis, the life sciences department is already installing DB2 Information Integrator, said Craig Stewart, director of research and academic computing.

The life sciences department currently uses IBM’s DiscoveryLink software, a data cataloging tool for bioscience applications. But DB2 Information Integrator’s native XML support will let the school’s IT managers expand the types of data sources that can be queried, Stewart said.

Robert Catterall, director of strategic technology at CheckFree Corp.’s e-commerce division in Norcross, Ga., said he’s open to exploring the integration software, although he has no specific plans at this point.

CheckFree currently stores e-mail messages and attachments directly in IBM’s DB2 database. But Catterall said the electronic billing services provider hopes to eventually create a virtual database that spans various repositories.

The integration technology is being built on top of DB2, but Nelson Mattos, director of information integration at IBM, said users won’t have to move information out of existing repositories or convert data to DB2 formats. The software will also be tightly coupled with IBM’s WebSphere MQ and WebSphere Business Integration middleware tools, but it will work with rival products from Microsoft Corp. and other companies, Mattos said.

James Governor, an analyst at RedMonk, a consulting firm in Hollis, N.H., said installing the integration software could cause culture shock for some database administrators. “Anyone in charge of a database hates anyone else touching it unless permission is given,” Governor said.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Featured Articles

Empowering the hybrid workforce: how technology can build a better employee experience

Across the country, employees from organizations of all sizes expect flexibility...

What’s behind the best customer experience: How to make it real for your business

The best customer experience – the kind that builds businesses and...

Overcoming the obstacles to optimized operations

Network-driven optimization is a top priority for many Canadian business leaders...

Thriving amid Canada’s tech talent shortage

With today’s tight labour market, rising customer demands, fast-evolving cyber threats...

Staying protected and compliant in an evolving IT landscape

Canadian businesses have changed remarkably and quickly over the last few...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now