IBM InfoSphere Optim Reviews

Vendor: IBM

3.4 out of 5

4 reviews
75% willing to recommend

What is IBM InfoSphere Optim?

IBM Optim solutions manage data from requirements to retirement. They boost performance, empower collaboration, and improve governance across applications, databases and platforms. By managing data properly over its lifetime, organisations are better equipped to support business goals with less risk.

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IBM InfoSphere Optim is the #16 ranked solution in top Database Development and Management solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM InfoSphere Optim an average rating of 6.8 out of 10. IBM InfoSphere Optim is most commonly compared to Oracle Enterprise Manager: IBM InfoSphere Optim vs Oracle Enterprise Manager. IBM InfoSphere Optim is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 63% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 27% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Database Development and Management

June 2025

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Featured IBM InfoSphere Optim reviews

Kenneth Estanislao

Solutions Designer at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

I am still working with IBM and we are transitioning to other tools rather than using IBM InfoSphere Optim. We use other tools, but I cannot recall the name because I am not the one currently handling it. It has transitioned to other architects. For IBM InfoSphere Optim, we are still currently using it, but we have transitioned to the newer version, the latest one with support for AWS S3. I cannot identify a main competitor for IBM InfoSphere Optim because we have transitioned to other architects, and they are the ones looking for other tools. The last comparison I did was almost 4 years ago. I am not using any AI technology with IBM InfoSphere Optim. I rate IBM InfoSphere Optim a seven out of ten. The tool is good, but the price is not favorable as it is the most expensive part. I can recommend IBM InfoSphere Optim for enterprises.

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Ajai Lal

Project Manager at Mphasis

We work on two different types of databases, one being IMS and the other Db2. While the solution is very supportive of Db2, it is not so friendly when it comes to IMS databases. When we had questions for the support team conerning the IMS database, we found their knowledge to be lacking, likely owing to lack of experience on their part. I would not say that the initial setup is complex. Neither would I say that it is straightforward. Certain features require technical knowledge.

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Kenneth Estanislao

Solutions Designer at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

The cost needs to be reduced. It is a very expensive solution. We're looking for a solution that can be implemented on AWS. IBM InfoSphere Optim can be implemented on AWS, but it costs more than double what we're currently paying. So, it's not really of good value for us.

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IBM InfoSphere Optim mindshare

As of July 2025, the mindshare of IBM InfoSphere Optim in the Database Development and Management category stands at 2.6%, up from 2.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Database Development and Management

Key learnings from peers

Last updated May 18, 2025

Valuable Features

IBM InfoSphere Optim's most valuable features include in-line masking for Oracle and Teradata, providing flexibility in data masking and process design. Users find it faster and customizable compared to traditional methods, eliminating the need to write complex sequences. It offers easy database restoration with a few clicks and maintains database linking. Additionally, its compression feature achieves approximately 80% data compression, enhancing efficiency.

"The compression feature is valuable because it achieves around 80% compression."
"We like that we can easily restore the database with just a few clicks. The database is linked as well."
"I feel the solution to be a bit faster than the traditional methods, which makes it easy to customize."

Room for Improvement

IBM InfoSphere Optim needs improvements in masking processes, as the Extract-Convert-Load method is manual and time-consuming compared to in-line masking. There is a lack of direct XML masking and inability to handle BLOB, image, and PDF data. Support for IMS databases is limited, with users noting inadequate knowledge from support teams. The cost is a concern, with users finding it very expensive, especially for AWS implementation, leading them to seek alternatives.

"The potential room for improvement for IBM InfoSphere Optim is usually its cost, as it is too expensive."
"We're looking for a solution that can be implemented on AWS. IBM InfoSphere Optim can be implemented on AWS, but it costs more than double what we're currently paying. So, it's not really of good value for us."
"While the solution is very supportive of Db2, it is not so friendly when it comes to IMS databases."

Pricing

"IBM InfoSphere Optim is a very expensive solution. Actually, it's the most expensive archiving solution that we have."

Service and Support

IBM InfoSphere Optim technical support receives high ratings, scoring 9 out of 10 from some users. It is described as supportive, particularly for Db2-related issues, but experience with IMS-related matters is noted as lacking. While support for Optim is praised, assistance for other products may need enhancement. Some users have not contacted tech support for years, thus providing limited feedback on current service.

Deployment

IBM InfoSphere Optim's initial setup process is generally simple and straightforward for users. Some find it quite easy, especially when working with a single database. In contrast, others note that while the initial deployment may take longer, spanning up to six months, it remains manageable with technical knowledge. Overall, once commenced, users find the setup phase relatively uncomplicated, with IBM InfoSphere Optim becoming comprehensible and easy to implement.

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

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

27%

Insurance Company

Computer Software Company

Retailer

Government

Healthcare Company

Construction Company

Educational Organization

Real Estate/Law Firm

University

Wholesaler/Distributor

Wellness & Fitness Company

Manufacturing Company

Consumer Goods Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Logistics Company

Legal Firm

Media Company

Transportation Company

Comms Service Provider

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Learn more about IBM InfoSphere Optim

IBM InfoSphere Optim was previously known as IBM Optim, Optim.

IBM InfoSphere Optim customers

Durham Police Department, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Continental, KCE Electronics Public Company Limited, The University of Adelaide, Migros Zurich, COPROB