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IBM Informix Reviews

Vendor: IBM
4.3 out of 5
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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 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 11% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
IBM Informix
August 2025
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IBM Informix mindshare

Product category:
Embedded Database
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 Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
IBM Informix1.4%
SQLite29.5%
Firebird SQL22.7%
Other46.400000000000006%
Embedded Database

PeerResearch reports based on IBM Informix reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryEmbedded DatabaseAug 28, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Informix vs SQLiteAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Informix vs Firebird SQLAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Informix vs Oracle Database In-MemoryAug 28, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
SQL Server4.2N/A93%269 interviewsAdd to research
Teradata4.1N/A87%76 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

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.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business6
Midsize Enterprise2
Large Enterprise5
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business51
Midsize Enterprise34
Large Enterprise87
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
11%
Financial Services Firm
10%
University
7%
Comms Service Provider
6%
Retailer
6%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Educational Organization
6%
Insurance Company
6%
Construction Company
5%
Government
5%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
Performing Arts
3%
Healthcare Company
3%
Non Profit
3%
Hospitality Company
3%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Media Company
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Non Tech Company
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Transportation Company
1%
Marketing Services Firm
1%
Renewables & Environment Company
1%

Compare IBM Informix with alternative products

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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‹ Farmacutica (FedeFarma), Camden Council, The German Aerospace Center (DLR), Myers, Votorantim Group, Doosan Infracore, GreenIvory

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Embedded Database
Relational Databases Tools

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IBM Informix Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Senior Oracle Database and Systems Administrator at Dedagroup3.0I use IBM Informix as a central database solution for various applications and business intelligence tools. While it supports multiple environments, it could improve in performance and aligning with current software trends, especially when compared to Oracle.
General Manager and Architect - Informix Expertise at Begooden-IT Consulting4.5No summary available
Head of Department at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees3.0No summary available
ING ( technical developer) at Centrum5.0I use IBM Informix primarily for educational purposes, focusing on testing concurrency and locking capabilities. It excels in handling large-scale data types and OLTP mode. However, it lacks package support, unlike Oracle. Previously, I used Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Acting Snr Manager: Enterprise Architecture & Process Management at Road Accident Fund1.0I primarily use IBM Informix for case applications. However, I've encountered performance issues and difficulty finding skilled workers. There's room for improvement in terms of performance and ease of use, as I'm unsure if the problem lies with the database.
Executive Director at Dynamic Tomorrow5.0No summary available
Database Administrator at a energy/utilities company with 5,001-10,000 employees4.0No summary available
General Manager and Architect - Informix Expertise at Begooden-IT Consulting5.0No summary available