IBM Db2 Database vs Oracle Java DB comparison

IBM and Oracle are both solutions in the Relational Databases Tools category. IBM is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.3, while Oracle is ranked #19 with an average rating of 9.0. IBM holds a 7.4% mindshare in SQL, compared to Oracle’s 0.8% mindshare. Additionally, 90% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 71% of Oracle users who would recommend it.

IBM Db2 Database

Read 74 IBM Db2 Database reviews

5,504 Views
2,309 Comparison Views

90% willing to recommend

Oracle Java DB

Read 9 Oracle Java DB reviews

501 Views
171 Comparison Views

71% willing to recommend

IBM Db2 Database

Oracle Java DB

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 4, 2025

IBM Db2 Database and Oracle Java DB compete in the database management space. IBM Db2 has a potential advantage with its pricing and extensive support, while Oracle Java DB is appealing for its advanced functionalities.

Features: IBM Db2 Database offers optimized performance, robust security measures, and integration with AI capabilities. It supports multiple platforms and provides a powerful SQL dialect with object tables and Java method support. Oracle Java DB integrates seamlessly with Java, has lightweight operations, and offers great portability for developers who prioritize simplicity and flexibility.

Room for Improvement: IBM Db2 could improve in terms of initial setup complexity, enhancing user experience with a smoother configuration process. Additionally, simplifying its interface and reducing costs for smaller businesses would be beneficial. Oracle Java DB might enhance its performance under high workloads, increase its scalability options, and offer broader integration capabilities beyond Java, expanding its reach for diverse developer needs.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Oracle Java DB is known for a straightforward deployment process, reducing setup complexities. It aligns with a lightweight service model that focuses on simplicity and rapid deployment. IBM Db2, with its more involved configuration process, compensates through detailed support, ensuring users can navigate the complex setup successfully.

Pricing and ROI: IBM Db2 may require higher initial costs but offers significant ROI through its analytics and AI capabilities, driving business insights. Oracle Java DB, more cost-effective with minimal upfront investment, is suited for projects with budget constraints, providing a balanced cost-benefit ratio that attracts developers seeking straightforward solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

June 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Db2 Database

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Oracle Java DB

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

19th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Relational Databases Tools category, the mindshare of IBM Db2 Database is 7.4%, up from 6.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Java DB is 0.8%, up from 0.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Relational Databases Tools

Featured Reviews

ArpitKhare

Database Admin Senior Consultant at Capgemini

Offers optimizer plan and ALSM features along with exceptional stability

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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Anil-Sinha

Senior Consultant at CGI

Able to process all the reporting and processing in the database itself

We have been upgrading and moving to new environments. I was involved in the solution's initial setup. Some things in the setup are very smooth sailing. However, some setups become complicated because what they set up doesn't meet your needs. So, some tweaking is necessary in certain instances. Having a good understanding of the tool really helps. Oracle Java DB is easy to deploy if it's a new setup. Migrating from an old environment to a new environment takes time because you need the old functionality. A first-time deployment of the application is easy. We just did a default setup and started using it. When we have to migrate, there is too much baggage behind that application, especially from the security point of view.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It has a good feature called pureScale, which is just for scalability. It is a perfect solution for environments where scalability is going to be an issue."

"Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten."

"The most valuable features of this solution are security and stability."

"Db2's best features are that it's self-maintaining and self-monitoring, which means I have to view and monitor the database far less often."

"it is very stable and runs smoothly once it is deployed and it is almost maintenance-free."

"IBM Db2 Database is perfect and leading in this area."

"The most valuable feature is PowerPC support."

"We had a crash of the backup system and the IBM DB2 was always up and consistent. It's robust, and for us, it was always up and running."

More IBM Db2 Database pros

"The solution is stable."

"There have been no issues in relation to stability. We've never really had do to any recoveries. It is very stable."

"The additional value of having Java inside the Oracle database is all the security that is applied to an Oracle database will be enforced on Java's stored procedures as well."

"It's very clever."

"The valuable features include connecting to the database and retrieving data."

"The database is quite robust in terms of performance from the SQL side."

"It has a programming language so anything that we require for Selenium is all available there."

"The most valuable feature is automation."

More Oracle Java DB pros

Cons

"Its process of building up queries could be more accessible."

"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 problem with this environment is that any software that you install is very costly because there are no free tools for this environment."

"The solution no longer supports POWER8."

"GUI needs improvement."

"IBM Db2 Database could improve the user-defined functions. There are some user-defined functions that are missing, such as the spring functions. I used to have Teradata for my projects and I was used to working in the environment. They had a good set of user-defined functions."

"The solution's UI hasn't been upgraded. The solution’s UI is an area to improve because the solution was developed long ago."

"Db2 interface could be improved a bit. Comparing it to Oracle, Db2's interfaces could be improved."

More IBM Db2 Database cons

"Needs improvement in consistency issues with respect to timeframes."

"The solution could be more user-friendly."

"Oracle can improve by providing more connection string variations and relay servers on the path to the database."

"It'll be better if Oracle Java supports open source technologies, like Node.js."

"In terms of improvement, I'd like an automation tool that is lower priced. The core prices are very high."

"The tool might be integrated, but we see performance issues because of overhead."

"The biggest lesson that I have learned from using Oracle products is vendor lock-in."

"The solution should continue to keep updating and improving the Java language."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Clients are required to purchase a license."

"Licensing fees are on a yearly basis."

"If I consider the price of IBM Db2 Database, I would say there are cheaper products in the market."

"I think that everyone knows that with IBM the standard price is higher than the others."

"It is expensive. The price depends on the size of the machine on which you are installing the Db2 and the features you are using. It also depends on the country. IBM has different policies and different options for payment for this product."

"Db2 is less expensive than Oracle."

"We did not buy it. It came with our hardware without any complimentary maintenance. If I compare Db2 Database with Oracle Database, its price is lower than Oracle Database."

"Compared to Oracle, it is so much cheaper."

More IBM Db2 Database pricing and cost advice

"Oracle Java DB is a pricey solution."

"The product's pricing is very friendly, with no extra costs after the licensing fees."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

45%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

17%

Manufacturing Company

15%

Educational Organization

13%

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM Db2 Database?

Db2 database scalability and performance capabilities match our database needs. It covers pretty much everything a database administrator or engineer might need.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM Db2 Database?

IBM Db2 is an expensive solution. While I am not heavily involved with pricing, additional companies provide capabilities or products like those from BMC, which many installations might also purchase.

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What needs improvement with IBM Db2 Database?

IBM is implementing some release improvements. It might be slightly slower than other database vendors, but it works well since banks typically do not move quickly with leading-edge technology.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Oracle Java DB?

Oracle can improve by providing more connection string variations and relay servers on the path to the database. Various ways of connecting would enhance functionality.

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What is your primary use case for Oracle Java DB?

I have experience connecting to a database with Java by using Java code and interrogating the database.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Oracle Java DB?

It's important to consider several settings and connection strings, as well as firewall rules when connecting to the database. I would rate the overall solution nine out of ten.

See all answers

Comparisons

SQL Server vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 33% of the time

Oracle Database vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 18% of the time

SAP HANA vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 15% of the time

Teradata vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 13% of the time

More IBM Db2 Database Competitors

MySQL vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 48% of the time

Oracle Database vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 22% of the time

IBM solidDB vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 14% of the time

More Oracle Java DB Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database

June 2025

Download IBM Db2 Database product report

Buyer's Guide

Relational Databases Tools

June 2025

Download Oracle Java DB product report

Also Known As

DB2

No data available

Overview

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.

IBM

Java DB is a relational database management system (RDBMS). Data is stored and queried via SQL or JDBC. Like other RDBMSs, Java DB can also be accessed through a persistence layer such as JPA, Hibernate, or JDO. Java objects can be stored in the columns of Java DB tables.

Oracle

Sample 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

Université Nice Sophia Antipolis

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

June 2025

Free Report: IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

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