IBM Informix Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.3 out of 5

16 reviews
85% willing to recommend

What is IBM Informix?

IBM Informix is a widely used and scalable relational database management system designed to handle large amounts of data and high transaction volumes. It is known to provide exceptional performance, thanks to its Parallel Data Query Engine (PDQ) that enables parallel processing of queries and operations, significantly reducing response times for complex queries and large data sets. Additionally, Informix supports online operations like backup, restore, index maintenance, and table reorganization, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous availability.

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IBM Informix is the #9 ranked solution in Top Embedded Database Systems and #17 ranked solution in top Relational Databases. PeerSpot users give IBM Informix an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. IBM Informix is most commonly compared to SQL Server: IBM Informix vs SQL Server. IBM Informix is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 53% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 10% of all views.

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Featured IBM Informix reviews

Nazzareno Maria Rezzini

Senior Oracle Database and Systems Administrator at Dedagroup

IBM Informix is a central database solution across various environments, supporting multiple applications and business intelligence tools The key areas for improvement revolve around understanding the current customer trends and demands, particularly in software and database requirements. The…

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ERIC VERCELLETTO

General Manager and Architect - Informix Expertise at Begooden-IT Consulting

There most likely is a very large system, where some design modifications should be made to be ported on very large systems. When we're talking about terabytes of memory, things get a bit hectic, and some architecture design should be done at this level. Otherwise, nothing else needs to be done, because Informix is nearly perfect. They are working on improving the administration interface. In terms of Oracle compatibility and the SQL language, I know that they are working on it, but it would be easier with the SQL Server. It would be helpful to have IBM salespeople know that Informix exists, and sell it. Currently, it is completely ignored by IBM. The initial setup can be improved slightly.

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reviewer1549332

Head of Department at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees

We are using the latest version of the solution in our organization. I was in the company for almost 20 years. Initially, we had quite a lot of databases. Basically, most of our big database was using Informix. And then, 10 years ago, we started the first migration to Oracle due to the licensing costs. On the first attempt, we changed to Oracle due to the fact that we got a very good deal from Oracle. Then, we moved one of the applications to Oracle. This year, the company direction is to go completely over to Oracle. That said, we still have one application, which until today we still use Informix for. That's why there's the intent to also migrate to Oracle, so that our company will focus on Oracle only, instead of multiple kinds of application databases. I look at the current market trends. It seems like IBM Informix is a little bit behind compared to other big vendors like Oracle. Competitors invest a lot in new features, such as in-memory and those kinds of things. We don't see a lot from Informix. In general, I would rate the solution at a six out of ten. It's an okay solution, however, if a company is looking for something more innovative, there are other options on the market.

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IBM Informix mindshare

Product category:

As of August 2025, the mindshare of IBM Informix in the Embedded Database category stands at 1.4%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Embedded Database

PeerResearch reports based on IBM Informix reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Embedded Database	Aug 18, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Informix vs SQLite	Aug 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Informix vs Firebird SQL	Aug 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM Informix vs Oracle Database In-Memory	Aug 18, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
SQL Server	4.2	N/A	93%	269 interviews Add to research
Teradata	4.1	N/A	87%	76 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

High performance, data compression, and replication features rank highly for IBM Informix. Users appreciate its ease of management, scalability, stability, and flexibility. It offers data deduplication and replication configurations like HDR, RS, and Enterprise Replication. Informix supports both SQL and NoSQL in one database, providing simple responses to complex queries. Its administration is straightforward, and the platform is stable, with features suitable for high-volume competitive environments. Informix excels in analytics and hybrid data operations.

"It supports multiple applications and business intelligence tools."
"IBM Informix benefits users with high availability and good integration capabilities."
"The most valuable feature is concurrency and locking because my customers usually use databases in OLTP mode. So, for a large number of competitive users. Other features that are well valued are quick large-scale data types. It is better than Oracle."

Room for Improvement

IBM Informix requires improvements in data export, data anonymization, replication enhancements, and better integration with third-party tools. Users express a need for a more graphical administration interface, increased marketing presence, and support for newer database tools resembling Oracle. Performance, ease of installation, and innovative features like data reduction and masking are desired. IBM Informix also faces challenges with system performance on large setups and finding skilled workers for support. Enhanced packages and SQL language development are suggested.

"The technical support services need substantial improvement."
"The support team could include local engineers to establish efficient communication. It will help us speed up the escalation process."
"In my opinion, the packages could be improved. The version I use doesn't allow for packages. I can do some general procedures, but no packages like in Oracle. So, develop separate modules in SQL language. This would be most beneficial for me."

Pricing

IBM Informix offers various licensing options tailored to enterprise needs, including free and paid editions. The free Innovator-C Edition supports small to medium businesses, while paid editions like Advanced Workgroup and Enterprise offer greater functionality with varying core and memory limits. Users note that licensing can be complex and costly, comparable to competitors like Oracle. Negotiation on pricing is possible, although mid-range pricing could be more competitive, with global accounts offering potential savings.

"The product has reasonable pricing. We purchase its yearly license."
"For me, it's always too expensive."
"I am not aware of the licensing costs or terms."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Informix is employed across diverse industries for database management, analytics, backup, and replication. Clients in healthcare, telecommunications, banking, and government integrate it for handling critical, real-time data. In Brazil, it supports commercial systems, while in Europe, it serves medium-sized banks. Businesses utilize Informix for storing customer data, strategic applications, and maintaining business intelligence tools. Consultants and integrators assist various sectors, from paper mills to education, with performance tuning and implementation needs.

Service and Support

IBM Informix customer service and support receive positive feedback for efficiency and knowledge, although some experience delays. Technical assistance is provided by HCL, with Informix engineers being knowledgeable. In Morocco, only remote support is available, which can be limiting. Some users notice improvements after IBM's agreement with HCL, while others prefer Oracle for proactive engagement. Users' interaction levels vary, with some requiring minimal assistance. Opinions on service quality and necessary improvements differ among users.

Deployment

IBM Informix's initial setup varies depending on the user's familiarity with the system. Users with experience find it straightforward, requiring minimal time, but those unfamiliar may find it complex due to the need for specific knowledge. Training significantly aids in easing the process. Setup can range from simple installations taking around 13 minutes to more elaborate configurations taking longer. The setup is generally manageable for those with operating system command knowledge and technical understanding.

Scalability

IBM Informix is consistently scalable, suitable for both vertical and horizontal expansions. Users frequently report easy upgrades in storage and performance, supported by its robust multithreaded architecture. Many appreciate its seamless capacity increases and sharding capabilities. Companies utilize it on a large scale without issues, emphasizing significant adaptability. Sun groups rate its scalability between six to eight out of ten, indicating satisfaction. This system is considered among the most scalable data management options.

Stability

IBM Informix is recognized for its remarkable stability, with reports of uptimes ranging from several years to a decade with no downtime. Users describe it as extremely reliable, noting the absence of bugs, glitches, or performance issues. Entities frequently commend its consistent online performance, with some rating its stability as high as eight out of ten, affirming its robust nature in diverse environments.

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

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

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Top industries

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Computer Software Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Retailer

Manufacturing Company

University

Comms Service Provider

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Government

Insurance Company

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Performing Arts

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

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Wholesaler/Distributor

Legal Firm

Media Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Logistics Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Non Tech Company

Mining And Metals Company

Transportation Company

Marketing Services Firm

Renewables & Environment Company

Compare IBM Informix with alternative products

Learn more about IBM Informix

Informix provides robust high availability and replication features, including shared-disk clustering, remote data replication, and high-availability data replication (HDR). These features ensure data redundancy, failover protection, and disaster recovery capabilities, making it a reliable choice for mission-critical applications. Furthermore, Informix offers specialized features for data warehousing and analytics, such as in-database analytics, data compression, and parallel load capabilities, making it suitable for business intelligence (BI) and data analysis applications.

Informix can be deployed as an embedded database, allowing it to be tightly integrated with applications and systems, reducing overhead and simplifying deployment. It includes workload management capabilities, enabling organizations to prioritize and manage different types of workloads, such as online transaction processing (OLTP) and analytical queries, ensuring efficient resource utilization and meeting service-level agreements (SLAs). Informix also provides robust security features, including role-based access control, data encryption, auditing, and compliance with industry standards like FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria.

IBM Informix was previously known as Informix.

IBM Informix customers

Shaspa, Hildebrand, Kaifa, Ranhill Powertron, Federaci‹ Farmacutica (FedeFarma), Camden Council, The German Aerospace Center (DLR), Myers, Votorantim Group, Doosan Infracore, GreenIvory