IBM Db2 Database Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.1 out of 5

74 reviews
90% willing to recommend

1,164 followers

What is IBM Db2 Database?

DB2 Enterprise for Linux, UNIX, and Windows is the ideal data server for the most demanding workloads. New XML support is designed to help firms minimize the time and effort it takes to persist and use their XML data reducing development costs and improving business agility.

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IBM Db2 Database is the #6 ranked solution in top Relational Databases. PeerSpot users give IBM Db2 Database an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. IBM Db2 Database is most commonly compared to SQL Server: IBM Db2 Database vs SQL Server. IBM Db2 Database is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 45% of all views.

Helped 856,873 peers since 2012

Featured IBM Db2 Database reviews

ArpitKhare

Database Admin Senior Consultant at Capgemini

The TSA version of IBM Db2 Database doesn't meet my stability expectations. Every time when a switch over occurs, some stability issues can be noticed. The vendor should offer a free version of IBM Db2 Database. For instance, if our company wants to train new individuals on all the features of IBM Db2 Database, they can only be trained after purchasing the paid version of the solution. About ten years ago, a trial version was available for the solution that was highly beneficial for companies. The vendor can add AI or ML features in the future version of IBM Db2 Database.

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Michael Raz

Consultant at Discount Bank

IBM Db2 for zOS serves as the central database for all the core business applications in the two banks I work with. All applications use Db2 as a data server. We fully implement and utilize most of Db2's functionalities and capabilities for core banking business applications IBM Db2 has…

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SimonHiggins

Mainframe Technical Manager/Service Integration Lead at Saudi Business Machines

IBM's support isn't as strong as it used to be, especially when it comes to providing fixes. We have to keep track of defects more closely now. When a defect is identified, IBM takes it to their lab, creates an APAR, and provides us with a fix. We receive these fixes periodically and apply them to our Db2 code in a sandbox environment first, not directly into production. We test thoroughly before rolling it out to development and eventually to production. Recently, we've encountered some issues with Db2, requiring us to be extra cautious to avoid outages. Unfortunately, we did experience an outage in February due to a code defect. We recently received a Red Alert from IBM, a critical warning in the mainframe world indicating a potential risk of data loss if not addressed.

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IBM Db2 Database mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of IBM Db2 Database in the Relational Databases Tools category stands at 7.4%, up from 6.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Relational Databases Tools

PeerResearch reports based on IBM Db2 Database reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Relational Databases Tools	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Db2 Database vs SQL Server	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Db2 Database vs Oracle Database	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Db2 Database vs SAP HANA	Jun 15, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
SQL Server	4.2	17.6%	93%	269 interviews Add to research
Teradata	4.1	5.4%	87%	76 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

IBM Db2 Database offers robust SQL capabilities, extensive multi-platform support, and self-tuning memory management. Users appreciate its security, stability, performance, and ease of integration with other IBM products. The database's ability to handle complex queries, scalable architecture, and minimal maintenance appeal to enterprises needing high availability and reliability. Its data replication, compatibility, and support solutions enhance its value. Db2 remains favored for its resilience and powerful data management features.

"IBM Db2 Database is perfect and leading in this area."
"I can easily export that to further work on it in Snowflake."
"The valuable features include access path optimization, excellent performance, a robust locking mechanism, parallelism, and effective buffering in memory."

Room for Improvement

IBM Db2 Database experiences difficulty in simplifying management and integration with other platforms. Improving its interface and performance, reducing licensing costs, and enhancing support for cloud and AI features would be beneficial. Ease of use, especially for beginners, along with better pricing and security, also requires attention. Users face challenges with database replication and migration, and they need more intuitive tools and updated training resources. Db2 lacks advanced development features compared to competitors like Oracle.

"It might be slightly slower than other database vendors, but it works well since banks typically do not move quickly with leading-edge technology."
"The user interface is old and needs to be improved."
"The usage of Db2 could be simplified, as it is quite complex and requires substantial knowledge of Db2 and zOS."

ROI

IBM Db2 Database delivers substantial ROI. Organizations report significant financial returns, implementing numerous projects smoothly and earning around 100 billion in their currency. It enhances performance and efficiency, offering considerable long-term financial advantages despite its cost. Users rate it as the best solution from IBM, although some struggle to quantify benefits in numbers. Overall, the investment in IBM Db2 Database proves very rewarding for their operations.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating IBM Db2 Database note that while it can be less costly than Oracle, it's perceived as expensive compared to other solutions like SQL Server. Licensing complexity and lack of transparency are common concerns, particularly for cloud environments. Mainframes remain cost-effective due to specialized processors and peak usage licensing, reducing expenses. Pricing is influenced by factors such as machine size, usage, and included features. Users highlight potential for bundled discounts when paired with IBM hardware.

"I rate the product pricing a nine out of ten."
"The total cost of the solution depends upon the PVU licensing"
"We purchase the product's yearly license."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Db2 Database is primarily utilized for banking systems, data warehousing, and OLAP. Organizations use it for managing financial transactions, core banking applications, and asset management. It serves as a central data store for ERP and integration with other applications. Companies leverage Db2 for its stability in mainframe environments, performance in high-volume transactions, and managing large-scale financial data across various sectors, including e-commerce, entertainment, and public finance systems.

Service and Support

IBM Db2 Database's customer service and support offer a mix of experiences. Many users find technical support knowledgeable and responsive, rating it around eight out of ten, though some feel it could be more efficient and structured. While users in North America find support strong, others outside face challenges. Some also note quick resolutions for urgent issues, but others experience delays. Overall perceptions vary, with many praising its reliability and technical team expertise.

Deployment

Many find IBM Db2 Database's initial setup straightforward and easy, especially with a good understanding of the OS and Db2 concepts. However, some users consider it complex, particularly without specialized expertise. Automation and documentation assist in easing the process. Deployment times vary significantly, from minutes to weeks, depending on complexity and organizational processes. Factors like securing environments, integration needs, and the necessity of experienced professionals contribute to differing experiences.

Scalability

IBM Db2 Database is considered highly scalable by many users, enabling both vertical and horizontal expansion. Some reviewers highlight smooth scalability with virtual machines and cloud capabilities, while others mention concerns with certain features requiring reorganization for efficient scaling. There is a variety of opinions on cost implications and comparisons with competitors, but most find IBM Db2 scalable for large infrastructures, citing examples of use in large corporations and banking sectors with significant user traffic.

Stability

IBM Db2 Database is generally seen as very stable. Users often report no issues with crashes or glitches and praise its reliability. Some encountered initial hiccups or performance degradation with data growth, but these are exceptions. Ratings frequently range from eight to ten out of ten for stability. Occasionally, stability depends on system management processes or client setup, but many experience long-term uptime with minimal problems, highlighting its robustness in various environments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our IBM Db2 Database Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

45%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Government

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

University

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Logistics Company

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Non Profit

Construction Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Consumer Goods Company

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Compare IBM Db2 Database with alternative products

Learn more about IBM Db2 Database

IBM Db2 Database was previously known as DB2.

IBM Db2 Database customers

Knorr-Bremse, Mizuho Bank Ltd., Australian Government Department of Defence, SCHWENK Zement, Friedhelm Loh Group, YAZAKI Europe Limited, Ekornes ASA, Baldor Electric, VSN Systemen BV, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, PLANSEE Group, TE Connectivity, Hansgrohe SE, Openmatics, University of Toronto