Consider DBHawk as a Data Studio Replacement

Although IBM Data Studio is still available, its support and feature focus for Db2 have shifted significantly. Things are a little different for z/OS and LUW environments though. So, let’s take a look at the current situation with IBM Data Studio and then look at Datasparc’s DBHawk as a possible replacement.

The Data Studio Situation

For Db2 for z/OS, IBM is phasing out Data Studio for mainframe use. Perhaps “phasing” is too soft of a term – “has already phased” is more appropriate. Data Studio support for Db2 z/OS ended March 31, 2025. This means that IBM is no longer providing standard support for Data Studio for Db2 for z/OS. Furthermore, Data Studio does not officially support Db2 for z/OS Version 13 and later. Db2 13 is the current version of Db2 for z/OS and support for DB2 12 for z/OS itself ends on December 31, 2025. So, time is running out if you still rely on Data Studio for mainframe Db2.

IBM touts two different potential replacements for Data Studio from within its product portfolio:

• Db2 Administration Foundation – a browser‑based tool for Db2 z/OS DBAs.
• Db2 Developer Extension – a free Visual Studio Code extension tailored for SQL application development.

Replacing one tool with two has caused some confusion and dissatisfaction within the Db2 for z/OS community. Regarding Db2 Administration Foundation, it is not easy to install. Data Studio users are accustomed to just downloading the software to their PC and using it. Installing Admin Foundation requires additional systems software (Zowe and IBM Unified Management Server) necessitating the involvement of systems programmers. As such, many sites have delayed moving forward with Admin Foundation.

The Db2 Developer Extension is easier, but it requires you to use Microsoft Visual Studio Code. Not every organization does so.

For Db2 LUW (Linux, UNIX, Windows), IBM Data Studio continues to work. The product page confirms it remains the integrated environment for database development and administration across LUW IBM. However, the latest stable release is Data Studio 4.1.x, with version 4.1.4 released in late 2021. Four years is an eternity between software releases and given the current state of Db2 for z/OS support for Data Studio it may be wise even for Db2 LUW users to look for longer-term alternatives.

DBHawk: An Interesting Alternative

Datasparc DBHawk is a comprehensive, web-based platform designed for secure database management, application development, and data analytics across a wide range of databases, including IBM Db2 (both LUW and z/OS). Its unified IDE and security-centric features make it especially valuable for organizations seeking to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and maintain robust data governance.

DBHawk can be used to develop and manage Db2 databases and applications in several impactful ways:

• Web-Based SQL Development: DBHawk offers an advanced SQL editor with a user-friendly web interface that supports building, modifying, and executing SQL queries for Db2, eliminating the need for desktop installation and enabling access from anywhere.
  
  
• Cross-Database Compatibility: While IBM Data Studio focuses primarily on Db2, DBHawk supports multiple databases including Db2, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, AWS RDS, and many more. This makes it ideal if your environment includes heterogeneous databases or if you plan to expand beyond Db2.
  
  
• Text-to-SQL (AI Integration): The new text-to-SQL feature allows users to interact with Db2 using natural language, lowering the barrier for non-SQL experts to query data. This is an optional feature and administrators can control this feature to turn on or off.
  
  
• Centralized Security and Auditing: DBHawk provides robust centralized security features, including data access policies and auditing capabilities, helping organizations meet compliance requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA. 
  
  
• Self-Service Reporting and Dashboards: Beyond database development, DBHawk includes business intelligence tools like dynamic SQL charts and dashboards, enabling developers and analysts to create reports directly within the platform. IBM Data Studio lacks integrated BI/reporting features.
  
  
• Collaboration and Sharing: Teams can share SQL queries, reports, dashboards, and code snippets securely, supporting collaborative development and analytics.
  
  
• Automation and Batch Job Management: DBHawk supports automating SQL tasks and batch jobs through its web platform, streamlining routine database administration and development workflows, which can improve productivity compared to IBM Data Studio’s manual processes.
  
  
• No Client Installation: Being a browser-based tool, DBHawk requires no client installation, simplifying deployment and updates across teams.

DBHawk supports flexible deployment options, including Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud services, and integrates with enterprise authentication systems (SAML, LDAP, SSO). It is suitable for both on-premises Db2 installations and cloud-hosted instances (e.g., Amazon RDS for Db2).

Of course, DBHawk does not 100% replace all the functionality of Data Studio. If you rely on Data Studio for IDAA administration or require visual Explain functionality, DBHawk probably will not be helpful for those tasks.

Nevertheless, DBHawk can serve as a versatile, centralized, and web-accessible alternative to IBM Data Studio for Db2 development and management, especially if your needs extend to multi-database environments, enhanced security compliance, and integrated reporting capabilities.

Summary

DBHawk provides a modern, secure, and highly collaborative environment for Db2 application development and database management, combining advanced development tools, automation, and enterprise-grade security in a single web-based platform. This makes it an effective solution for organizations seeking to improve productivity, enhance data security, and simplify compliance in their Db2 environments.

IDUG Db2 Tech Conference 2025 Highlights

I had the good fortune to attend the North American IDUG Db2 Tech Conference in Atlanta, Georgia the week of June 8 through June 12, 2025, and as usual, the conference was phenomenal. If you are a Db2 developer, DBA, consultant, or user of any type there was a ton of content being shared. And there were many opportunities to mingle with peers to discuss and share your Db2 tips, tricks, and experiences. And that is probably the most beneficial part of the whole IDUG experience.

I’ve been going to IDUG conferences for a long time now. I’ve been to them all except the very first one. And yes, IDUG has changed a lot over the years, but it is still the preeminent user experience for Db2 professionals… that is, it is not to be missed!

So there I was on Monday morning, one of the many attendees filing into the opening session expectantly...

I took a seat among the crowd... and the first key takeaway from the event for me is that there are more new attendees going to IDUG than ever before. It was stated at the opening session that about 10 percent of attendees were first-timers. That is great news because the more new people exposed to IDUG the better! Even better, it was announced that there are over 16,000 IDUG members now.

The first keynote session, on Monday, was sponsored by IBM and it was titled Leveraging your Db2 Data for Enterprise AI. The keynote featured Minaz Merali, Vice President, IBM Z Data & AI and Priya Srinivasan, Vice President, IBM Core Software Products, Software Support & SRE. And yes, this session was heavy into IBM’s AI strategy, which is appropriate as AI is the driving force of IT these days. Indeed, it was said that IBM is branding itself as the hybrid cloud and AI company!

Another interesting tidbit from the keynote is that "Today only 1% of enterprise data is currently being leveraged by GenAI." So, we've still go a long way to go! Also, 90% of enterprise data is unstructured, which requires a completely different way of processing and analyzing than traditional, structured data. 

The speakers also identified four primary ways to scale AI with Db2 across the enterprise: application building, human productivity, performance, and integration. 

And it sure felt good to hear IBMers promoting Db2 loudly for all to hear. It sometimes feels like Db2 is a forgotten jewel that IBM doesn't promote as much as they should. But it does not feel that way at IDUG. The keynote speakers hammered home the point that IBM Db2 powers the modern economy! 

The top ten largest banks, insurance, and auto companies all rely on Db2! And 70 percent of the world's transactions run on the IBM Z mainframe.

But perhaps my favorite comment of the IBM keynote session was made by a user, Chris Muncan (Sr. Mainframe Db2 DBA at Sun Life), who was participating as part of a user panel. He called “legacy” systems “legendary” instead! I think I'm going to use that.

As an aside, I started feeling old as I listened to people talking about 15 or 20 years of experience and realizing that is still post-2000! I sometimes still think of 20 years ago as being in the 1980s!

I also delivered two presentations myself at IDUG. The first one was Monday, right after lunch, titled "Index Modernization in Db2 for z/OS." The general thrust of the presentation is that technology is evolving, and Db2 has changed a lot. As such, the same indexing strategies that worked well 10 or 20 or more years ago are no longer optimal. The presentation started with a brief review of the critical role of indexes and their history in Db2 for z/OS. Then I covered the many innovations IBM has applied to indexes in Db2 for z/OS over the past few releases including things like index compression, Fast Traverse Blocks (FTBs), and index features like include columns and indexing on expressions. Here I am talking about one of the newer index features, FTBs:

I also reviewed some of the many other changes that could impact indexing strategy including changing data patterns, analytics and IDAA, data growth, and the surge in dynamic SQL. Then I took at look at ways to examine your current index deployment and looking for ways to modernize and improve indexing at your shop.

Well, the topic must have struck a chord with attendees because I was ranked as the best user speaker at the conference! 

Thank you to all of the attendees who ranked my topic so highly, I am truly appreciative!

Later in the day the vendor expo hall opened and all the attendees were able to talk to the vendors about their products. I always take advantage of this great opportunity to chat up the knowledgeable folks at the vendor booths. Indeed, last year I was able to talk to the Rocket Software team to add a crucial feature to the Db2 Admin Tool for a client of mine!

This year, I also spent some time with the InfoTel team at their booth to help them promote their DB/IQ solutions for Db2 for z/OS. 

And two lucky winners walked away with a copy of my book, A Guide to Db2 Performance for Application Developers.

Day two opened with a keynote session from Greg Lotko of Broadcom - a fun session tying local "treasures" of Atlanta to Broadcom's Db2 solutions. 

Tuesday was also the day I delivered my second presentation, an updated version of My Db2 Top Ten Lists, which I first presented over 20 years ago at IDUG. Of course, this version was almost entirely new, but also contained some gems from past iterations of the lists. The lists run the spectrum of Db2 topic areas and provides me the opportunity to discuss a wide array of different Db2-related “things.” 

Of course, there were many more great sessions at IDUG from the likes of Tony Andrews, Thomas Bauman, Roy Boxwell, Brian Laube, Chris Muncan, and many more. I cannot list every great speaker from the event or this post would run on forever, and it is already quite long. But the complete grid of presentations and speakeds can be viewed on the IDUG website here. A few other things that I want to mention are:

• The great Women in Technology keynote session from day three "Harnessing the Power of Adaptability, Innovation, and Resilience" delivered by Jennifer Pharr Davis. 
• The Db2 for z/OS Spotlight session where Haakon Roberts illuminated everybody on highlights of how to prepare for the future of Db2 for z/OS.
• And the Db2 for z/OS Experts Panel - which is always a highlight of the event for me - where a body of IBM and industry luminaries take questions about Db2 for z/OS from the attendees.

Finally, there were nightly events hosted by the vendoes but the only one I attended this year was the IBM outing held at the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium is one of the largest in the world and it contains some very large aquatic beasties including whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and more. Here are some photos:

All in all it was a great week... if you are an IT professional who works with Db2 in any fashion, be sure to plan your trip to the next IDUG event in your area! 

 

Common Misconceptions About zIIPs

Most mainframers know that IBM zIIP processors are a type of specialty processor that augments the general-purpose IBM Z CPUs. Instead of running all workloads on the general-purpose CPUs, specific workloads are shuttled to the specialty processors for execution.

The zIIP, or Integrated Information Processor, was initially created for processing certain, specific types of Db2 for z/OS workloads, but over time the work that can be processed on the zIIP has expanded. Nevertheless, the primary reason for using a zIIP is to reduce costs. This is the case because IBM will not impose monthly software charges on workloads that run on the zIIP.

When you install and start using zIIPs, some percentage of the relevant workload can be redirected off of the general processors onto the zIIP specialty processor. But take note, not everything can run on the zIIP. Only workloads that IBM deems as zIIP-eligible are permitted to run on the zIIP.

Generally speaking, this is newer workloads, that is, things that will encourage more work to run on the mainframe. That is why you won’t see CICS transactions or batch workload as zIIP-eligible, other than for specific components of the work that match up with zIIP-eligible features as defined by IBM.

Common Misconceptions

And that brings us to the main topic of today’s post. There are several common misconceptions about IBM zIIP processors. Let’s examine some of them and dispel the misconceptions.

zIIP Processors are Only Useful for Db2

One of the most common misconceptions about zIIP processors is that they are only useful for offloading Db2 workloads. In reality, zIIP processors can offload a wide range of workloads, including Java processing, XML parsing, and encryption/decryption. Another interesting capability of IBM Z mainframes that is zIIP-eligible is the System Recovery Boost. This enables you to take advantage of all of your processing power when starting or restarting your system. This type of boost enables quicker restart and diminishes downtime.

zIIP Processors are Expensive

Another misconception is that zIIP processors are expensive to purchase and operate. While zIIP processors do require a separate license, they are generally less expensive than general-purpose processors, and their use can result in cost savings by offloading workloads from more expensive processors.

The cost of a zIIP license can vary depending on the specific terms of the license agreement and the number of zIIP processors being used. IBM typically charges a one-time fee for each zIIP processor license, as well as an annual maintenance fee. The cost of the license and maintenance fees can vary depending on the specific terms of the agreement, the number of zIIP processors being used, and other factors.

As another consideration, it is quite conceivable that using zIIPs can help you to forestall costly system upgrades. If workload can be processed on cheaper zIIPs, your general purpose processors can be utilized for additional workload that might not have been possible to support if the workload running on the zIIPs had to still run on the general purpose processors. And that means you might be able to run your existing hardware longer and thereby put off the cost of an upgrade.

zIIP Processors are Less Powerful than General-Purpose Processors

Some people believe that zIIP processors are less powerful than general-purpose processors. There is nothing special about a zIIP processor that makes it different than a general purpose processor. It is the same hardware. The difference is that only specific workloads are supported. So zIIPs are just as powerful as general-purpose processors when it comes to offloading those workloads.

That said, it is possible that your zIIPs are actually more powerful than your general purpose processors. Depending on the type and model mainframe system you are running, your general purpose CPU may be knee-capped, meaning that it does not run at the full speed it capable of running. However, zIIPs are never knee-capped, so for a knee-capped system the zIIP processor will be more powerful than the general purpose processor.

zIIP Processors are Difficult to Manage

Another misconception is that zIIP processors are difficult to manage. In reality, zIIP processors can be managed using the same tools and processes as general-purpose processors, and IBM provides tools to help administrators monitor and optimize zIIP usage.

zIIP Processors are Only for Large Organizations

Some people believe that zIIP processors are only useful for large organizations with complex workloads. However, zIIP processors can be useful for organizations of all sizes, and can help reduce costs and improve performance for a wide range of workloads.

zIIPs Cannot Help with COBOL Workloads

Generally speaking, a typical COBOL program will not likely be able to benefit from zIIPs. But, yes, zIIP processors can be used to offload some portion of your COBOL workloads. And not just COBOL, but any workload that meets the zIIP-eligibility criteria can be run on zIIP processors.

Some portion of your COBOL workloads can be offloaded to zIIP processors if it meets the zIIP-eligibility criteria. For example, if a COBOL application is accessing a Db2 database, some portion of the workload that is related to database access can be offloaded to zIIP processors. One such example is SQL that is run as a parallel query can be offloaded to the zIIP.

Assuming Everything Will Run on the zIIP

Another misconception is the assumption that everything that is eligible to run on the zIIP will actually run on the zIIP. Although this may seem like a reasonable assumption, not everything that is zIIP-eligible will actually run on the zIIP.

Some percentage of the relevant workload will be redirected off the main CP onto the zIIP – but not 100% of the workload. When an enclave is created by a product you are using, a parameter can be set to impact the CPU percentage that z/OS can make eligible to run on the zIIP.

Take a look at the Db2 13 for z/OS documentation page titled Authorized zIIP uses for Db2 processing, you will see that not all zIIP-eligible workloads are 100% eligible. For example, the DRDA workloads using TCP/IP and native REST calls over HTTP are up to 60% offloadable to the zIIP.

Furthermore, if the zIIPs are stressed it is possible, based on your configuration choices, that zIIP-eligible workload can run on the main CPs. So, not everything that is zIIP-eligible will actually run on your zIIPs. But enough likely will to make them cost-effective.

Synopsis

Overall, zIIP processors are a powerful and cost-effective tool for offloading specific workloads on IBM Z mainframes. While there are some common misconceptions about zIIP processors, understanding their capabilities and limitations can help organizations make informed decisions about their use.

 

Good Resources for Db2 for z/OS Information

Just a short blog post today to provide a nice chart of useful Db2 for z/OS sites on the web for you to bookmark and use!

Site	Type	Strengths
IBM Db2 for z/OS Page	Official Information	Latest features, product positioning, modernization guidance
IBM Redbooks	Supplementary / Use Cases	In-depth scenarios, practical implementation advice and details
Db2 for z/OS Doc	Documentation / Manuals	Comprehensive details, for each version, regularly updated
IDUG	Community site	User experiences, best practices, conference information
Craig Mullins website	Consultant site	Articles, Links, and Presentations

The Role of Db2 DBAs in Promoting zIIP Usage

 As most z/OS practitioners know, zIIP processors can provide significant benefits in terms of cost savings and improved performance. And one of the most significant areas for taking advantage of the benefits that zIIPs can provide is within Db2 for z/OS. As such, the role of Db2 DBAs in promoting zIIP usage can be critical.

It is important to note that not all features of Db2 for z/OS can run on zIIP processors, and that the extent to which a particular workload can be offloaded to zIIP processors depends on several factors, including the workload characteristics, system configuration, and the Db2 for z/OS version and licensing.

Of course, the first thing you need to be sure of is that the system is configured to utilize zIIPs. This means you must procure a license from IBM to use zIIPs. But you also need to ensure that you have configured your system appropriately for zIIPs, which is usually done by the system programming team. Configuration issues include:

• Ensuring that sufficient zIIP weight is defined for LPARs where Db2 for z/OS workloads run, and
  
  
• Using simultaneous multi-threading in the z/OS LPAR on z13 or later processors to increase zIIP capacity (when only one zIIP engine can be dedicated to the LPAR)

Once the system is properly configured, Db2 DBAs need to immerse themselves in understanding what type of workloads are zIIP-eligible. IBM documents the authorized zIIP uses for Db2 processing for each version of Db2 for z/OS. DBAs should bookmark this page (for Db2 13 for z/OS) and return to it for clarification as needed.

As a high-level guide, the following Db2 processing can run on zIIPs:

• Up to 100% of Db2 system agents processing running under enclave SRBs that execute in the MSTR, DBM1, and DDF address spaces are zIIP-eligible (except for P-lock negotiation). This includes things like buffer pool processing, log reading and writing, index pseudo-deletes and so on. In other words, things that Db2 will be doing as part of its general operation. These are not generally things that DBAs can influence or encourage much one way or the other, but can deliver benefits by offloading work from the general purpose CP to zIIPs.
  
  
• Up to 60% of distributed SQL that uses DRDA to access Db2 over TCP/IP and native REST calls over HTTP are zIIP-eligible. This can be a significant source for offloading work to zIIPs. DBAs can work with development teams to encourage the use of distributed SQL to further their organization’s usage of zIIPs.
  
  
• Up to 100% of parallel query child processes can be run on zIIPs, after you have reached a preset CPU threshold (which is defined by IBM for each specific model of IBM Z). DBAs can help to encourage parallelism, where appropriate, to further zIIP usage. This can be done by binding packages using DEGREE(ANY) or by setting CURRENT DEGREE to ANY. Furthermore, since parallelism can only be used by read-only queries, encourage developers to identify appropriate cursors as FOR READ ONLY.
  
  
• Up to 100% of XML processing for XML schema validation and non-validation parsing, as well as for the deletion of unneeded versions of XML documents. So, if you are using XML in your Db2 databases and applications, certain processing-intensive XML operations can be run on zIIPs.
  
  
• Many IBM Db2 utility processes are also zIIP-eligible. Up to 100% of the index maintenance tasks for LOAD, REORG, and REBUILD INDEX are zIIP-eligible. And up to 100% of the statistics-gathering portion of RUNSTATS is also zIIP-eligible. Planning and executing IBM Db2 utilities is something else that DBAs can do to encourage zIIPs usage. For example, encourage developers to use the LOAD utility instead of writing programs to load or bulk insert a lot of data whenever possible.
  
  
• And up to 100% of the SQL AI functions (SQL Data Insights) in Db2 13 for z/OS that is eligible to be run as a parallel query child process are zIIP-eligible. It is a bit more complex than that, because a portion of SQL statements that reference AI functions but are ineligible to be run as a parallel query child process may still be eligible if the SQL request is made through DRDA. Therefore, utilizing, where appropriate, the SQL Data Insights AI functions (AI_ANALOGY, AI_COMMONALITY, AI_SEMANTIC_CLUSTER, and AI_SIMILARITY) can help bolster the usage of zIIP processors.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that other ISVs offer Db2 utilities with varying degrees of zIIP eligibility; for example, BMC Software, Broadcom, and InfoTel. So, if you have Db2 utilities from vendors other than IBM, be sure to consult their documentation for details on their zIIP exploitation and proceed accordingly.

Furthermore, components of other types of system software may be zIIP-eligible, so be sure to investigate and document which products that you regularly use may be able to utilize zIIPs. For example, if you have heavy sorting requirements Precisely’s Syncsort MFSort can offload a good percentage of sort workload to zIIPs.

And do not forget about Java! Applications written in Java can be redirected to run on zIIPs. So, instead of writing a new application in COBOL (or another language that is not zIIP-eligible) consider using Java to create more zIIP eligible workloads. You might even take a look at where and when it makes sense to convert some existing workloads to run on a JVM to expand you zIIP usage.

On-going DBA zIIP Responsibilities

The DBA’s involvement with zIIPs does not end after workload has been made eligible. On-going activity is required to ensure effective zIIP usage. Db2 DBA must: 

• Monitor performance: Db2 DBAs should monitor system performance to ensure that zIIP processors are being used effectively. This involves tracking zIIP processor utilization, general-purpose CPU utilization, and overall system performance.
  
  
• Optimize performance: Furthermore, Db2 DBAs can help optimize performance by making changes to the system configuration or adjusting workload placement to improve zIIP processor utilization and overall system performance.

And finally, Db2 DBAs should take it upon themselves to educate other team members about zIIPs, their benefits, and how Db2 workloads can take advantage of zIIPs to reduce cost.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the role of a Db2 DBA in promoting zIIP usage involves identifying eligible workloads, ensuring the system is configured appropriately, monitoring performance, optimizing performance, and educating other team members on the benefits of zIIP processors. It can also include encouraging zIIP usage by educating and training developers on what types of processes are zIIP eligible. By promoting zIIP usage, a Db2 DBA can help improve system performance, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency on IBM Z mainframes.