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IIUG Insider (Issue #75)
September 2006

Highlights: IBM Information On Demand 2006: October 15-20 2006, Anaheim, CA; IBM To Unleash Cheetah, The Next Informix IDS Release

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Contents:
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Welcome to the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) Insider! Designed for IIUG members and Informix user group leaders, this publication containstimely and relevant information for the IBM Informix community.

* Editorial
* Highlights
IBM Information On Demand 2006: October 15-20 2006, Anaheim, CA.
IBM To Unleash Cheetah, The Next Informix IDS Release
* Conference corner
IDUG/IIUG Europe Conference Vienna, October 2-6, 2006
IDUG/IIUG NA Conference San Jose May 6-10, 2007
Informix User Forum 2006
* Education
Information On Demand 2006 Global Conference
Pre-Conference Technical Education
Complimentary Informix Professional Certification at the IBM Information On Demand 2006 Global Conference
IBM Training eCatalog Fall Edition - Now Available
Informix Class from IBM
Just Released: IBM Alphablox Professional Certification
Informix Chat with the Lab --Informix Executive Roundtable
* Developer corner
New on developerWorks
V10 External Directives
* Informix News
Centrify DirectControl to add Active Directory integration with Informix
Ladbrokes bets on IBM
* IIUG Board
Webcast Corner
* Calendar of events
* Useful links
* Closing and credits

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Editorial
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In a few days I will be on my way to Vienna for the first full technical Informix conference in Europe. We worked hard to bring the best speakers and great technical content to the European users' doorstep. We were under the impression our users are interested in having this event. We backed our feelings with survey results.

I must say I am disappointed with the current status of registration. It seems European Informix users don't share our enthusiasm. Is it the price? The dates or lack of support from your management? I have no idea. If you area European Informix user, please, write me a short email and tell me why you didn't attend and would you attend the 2007 conference in Athens. One line will do. It is very important for us to know if the idea of a conferencein Europe is worth pursuing.

Gary Ben-Israel
IIUG Insider Editor
IIUG Board of Directors
gary@iiug.org

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Highlights
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IBM INFORMATION ON DEMAND 2006: OCTOBER 15-20 2006, ANAHEIM, CA.

http://www.ibm.com/events/informationOnDemand/

Register now for the premier information management event for business and IT professionals. IBM's new five-day event combines the following conferences into one: IBM DB2(r) Information Management Technical Conference; IBM Content Management Technical Conference; Business Intelligence Customer Solutions Summit; IMS Technical Conference; Master Data Management Conference; and Information Integration Live! By combining individual conferences into one global event, you gain access and exposure to the full breadth of IBM Information Management technologies and experts.

More IBM technical and business solutions content will be in one place thanever before! Select from over 800 sessions: a 2 1/2 day business leadership track with 180 sessions and a 5 day technical track with 650 sessions.

Get To Front of the Line

Enrollment for educational sessions, hands on labs, meet the experts sessions and all other programs at the IBM Information On Demand 2006 conference opened on August 15. Register early to get the first choice of classes!

Registration at Information On Demand 2006 includes admission to all 800+ educational sessions and programs, to the huge EXPO Solution Center, to the conference receptions and entertainment, to the conference party at Disney's California Adventure theme park, and for all conference meals. Information On Demand 2006 will take place in Anaheim, California, 15-20 October 2006.


IBM TO UNLEASH CHEETAH, THE NEXT INFORMIX IDS RELEASE

True to its word, IBM continues to update the Informix IDS database, a cultfavorite among some database VARs and customers.

The next release, code-named Cheetah, is due to beta this spring and will feature record-level locking, technology carried over from the latest release of IBM DB2, said Arvind Krishna, vice president of database servers for IBM Software's Information Management Group, Somers, N.Y.

IBM is also making sure the new release will win federal security certifications including the Evaluation Assurance Levels 3 and 4.

The current IDS Version 10 Release Change 5-IDS uses its own release terminology-offers row-level and column-level locking. IDS has long been known for its extensibility, its ability to run for long periods without human intervention, and its ability to handle non-relational object like data.

"IDS fits really well in that space where you don't need or can't have a million DBAs. It can go into a DBA-less environment, often hub-and-spoke environments used by branches and retail operations," Krishna told CRN.

One unnamed customer runs 4,000 physical locations and more than 10,000 instances of the current IDS release with just eight DBAs, he claimed. "If youcan show me an Oracle installation [doing that], I'll buy you the bottle of wine of your choice," he said.

For the full article by Barbara Darrow, CRN go to:

http://www.crn.com/sections/software...leId=193004835

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Conference corner
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IDUG/IIUG EUROPE CONFERENCE VIENNA, OCTOBER 2-6, 2006

http://conferences.idug.org/Default....es.idug.org/eu

Just come and register on site!

The conference is only 3 days away. Come to Vienna and attend this extraordinary educational event. Attend 34 technical sessions by the best presenterfrom US and Europe, meet your Informix colleagues. Enjoy the lovely city of Vienna.


IDUG/IIUG NA CONFERENCE SAN JOSE MAY 6-10, 2007

Call for presentations for the IDUG/IIUG NA Conference 2007 ended September1st. We had almost 100 abstracts submitted from both end users and IBM employees! The IIUG CPC will be meeting in Chicago the weekend of September 29th to select the best abstracts and create an agenda for the conference.

There will be 4 tracks again in 2007, jam packed with new and exciting Informix technical content! Stay Tuned.


INFORMIX USER FORUM 2006

A Two-Day User Group Technical Conference December 8-9, 2006 Washington DC,USA

http://www.iiug.org/waiug/present/Fo...Forum2006.html

The Washington Area Informix User Group (WAIUG) and the Southeast Informix Users Group (SEIUG), based in Atlanta, GA, are teaming up to present Informix and DB2 User Forum 2006, the premiere Informix and DB2 regional user group technical conference in the eastern U.S.

The Informix User Forum, previously sponsored biennially by WAIUG, has longhad a reputation for excellence in both value and technical content. Now, the two groups have joined forces to evolve the Forum into an annual two-day conference. This year's event will be held December 8-9 in Washington DC.

Forum 2006 promises to provide even more technical content, plus opportunities to network with fellow users and access to information on the latest vendor offerings. This, combined with a registration fee of US$ 120.00 (pre-register for $80) for the entire conference, makes the value of this event hard to beat.

Call For Presentations

We are currently accepting presentation abstracts for the Forum on Informixand DB2 related topics in any of the areas listed below.

Subjects related to all current DB2, Informix and Informix-heritage products are welcome, as well as products that operate in those environments such as other IBM products, plus third party, Open Source and cross-platform products.

Presenters will receive a complimentary all-conference pass.

The Forum will be organized into three general subject areas or tracks thatwill run concurrently.

The Application Development track will cover such topics as application development tools and methodologies, application and database architecture, and maximizing application and SQL performance as well as aspects of Informixthat provide a distinct edge in application development and processing such as emerging technologies like XML and Web services, operation in cross-platform and heterogeneous environments, and support for Open Source and third-party tools.

The Database Engines and Administration track will feature sessions on topics including database and data warehouse design and administration, performance tuning, backup and restore, and security.

The DB2 track will feature sessions on topics including database and data warehouse design and administration, performance tuning, backup and restore,and security.

Tracks will feature extended session lengths of 70 minutes, which conference goers have said they prefer.

Visit the Forum 2006 Web sitehttp://www.iiug.org/waiug/present/Forum2006/Forum2006.html to find more details about the conference and an on-line application for submitting your presentation abstract.

The on-line application for submitting presentations can also be directly accessed here:

http://www.iiug.org/%7Eseiug/forum2006/cfp2006form.html

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Education
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INFORMATION ON DEMAND 2006 GLOBAL CONFERENCE PRE-CONFERENCE TECHNICAL EDUCATION

http://www.ibm.com/events/informationOnDemand/

Now available at Information On Demand 2006 October 15-20, 2006 are 14 unique pre-conference technical training courses as well as Professional Certification preparation courses to all registered attendees. These courses willdeliver more in depth information and skills than is possible in a regularconference session. The technical training courses will cover a wide rangeof topics addressing some of the hottest issues affecting IBM Customers today! Plan to arrive a day early as the courses will only be available for one day, Sunday, October 15, 2006. Courses will be offered at a discounted rate of $399 USD each. Space is limited, so check out the course descriptions and register early to ensure your seat. Non-registered students may attend courses on a first come first served basis, space permitting.

http://www.ibm.com/software/data/ond...6/courses.html


COMPLIMENTARY INFORMIX PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AT THE IBM INFORMATION ONDEMAND 2006 GLOBAL CONFERENCE

Join us October 15-20 in Anaheim CA for this premier event and get certified for free! Conference attendees will be offered three complimentary certification exams. Certification will be available on Informix software as wellas other Information Management software products, WebSphere, Rational, Tivoli, and Lotus software. Many new certifications will be available this year, including Informix Dynamic Server Version 10, XML, Content Management OnDemand, DB2 9, IBM Alphablox and DWE. If you would like to take more than three tests, additional exams will be offered at the conference at a discounted price of $75.00 each. For more information, please visit:

http://www-03.ibm.com/certify/process/iod.shtml


IBM TRAINING eCATALOG FALL EDITION - NOW AVAILABLE

We just announced new courses and updated courses in the IBM Training Fall eCatalog. Get your skills in shape for fall with one simple click that opens the door to the training information you have been seeking. It has everything you need for your technical training needs!

More:

http://www-304.ibm.com/jct03001c/ser...age&c=a0004805


INFORMIX CLASS FROM IBM

Get the latest information on Informix courses public training classes fromIBM. Recent announcements include:

FN848 Managing and Optimizing IBM Informix Dynamic Server Databases - 4 days
FN613 IBM Informix Structure Query Language - 3 days
L2403 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Performance Tuning - 4 days
MW729 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Advanced Performance Tuning - 5 days
L1846 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Administration - 4 days

Bookmark this page and check back periodically to see all the new courses that get added to our portfolio.

http://www.iiug.org/url/IBM_Informix_training.html


JUST RELEASED: IBM ALPHABLOX PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Validate your skills and demonstrate your proficiency with Alphablox technology with this new certification. This certification and exam are designed for candidates with knowledge of IBM's Business Intelligence solutions and the fundamental concepts of relational and multidimensional database technologies, and are capable of performing the intermediate and advanced skills required to design, develop and support custom analytical applications. Upon completion of the Alphablox Certification exam 715 as well as required prerequisites, you can become an IBM Certified Solution Developer - IBM Alphablox.

http://www-03.ibm.com/certify/certs/absdiblox.shtml


INFORMIX CHAT WITH THE LAB -- INFORMIX EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE

Wednesday, October 25th 11-12:30 Eastern time.

Hear the latest on Informix from the execs - Jerry Keesee, Director of the Informix Lab; Stuart Litel, President of the International Informix Users Group; and Bruce Weed, Program Director for Informix Marketing. Informix sales are strong, Cheetah development is adding some phenomenal functionality to the product set and the press is saying some very favorable things aboutIDS. You won't want to miss this Chat which will include a special IBM/IIUG announcement of an offering exclusively for IIUG members!

RSVP at: http://www.ibm.com/informix/webcasts

Linda Spina
IBM Information Management Sales - Americas

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Developer corner
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NEW ON DEVELOPERWORKS

Please visit our site for new and updated content:

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerwork...ones/informix/

Informix Dynamic Server Locking, Part 1:
Understand locking behavior and analyze locking conflicts in IDS

September 7, 2006
This is the first of a two-part article series talking about locking mechanisms in IBM's strategic data server, Informix(r) Dynamic Server (IDS). IDS is an optimal choice for high-end online transaction processing (OLTP) and embedded solutions. This article helps you to understand locking methodology and assists you in analyzing locking conflicts.

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerwork...dm-0609herber/


V10 EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES

We have all been there and found a query that is causing performance problems and we cannot change because

* It is not your application or a 3rd party application
* You don't have the source code access or the developer is unavailable
* The application is heavily used and can't be switched without downtime and changing statistics and OPTCOMPIND doesn't affect

With V10 you can create/save external optimizer directives:

* External optimizer directives are useful when it is not feasible rewrite a query for a short-term solution to a problem
* For example, when a query starts to perform poorly.

Note: Rewriting the query by changing the SQL statement is preferable longterm solutions to problems. External directives are for occasional use only.The number of directives stored in the sysdirectives catalog could be excessive.

Saving External directives

The directives are saved in the sysdirectives catalog using the SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVESstatement.

SQL Syntax:

SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES directives [ACTIVE | INACTIVE | TEST ONLY] FOR query

SQL Example:

SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES --+INDEX(customer, zip_ix)
ACTIVE
FOR SELECT * FROM customer WHERE zipcode > '00000';

If external directives are disabled then error 9932: External Directives feature is currently disabled is returned.

External Directives also works for queries with host variables and preparedstatements, for example:

EXEC SQL SELECT lname, fname INTO :lname, :fname FROM
customer WHERE zipcode > :zipcode;

EXEC SQL PREPARE zip FROM 'SELECT lname , fname FROM
customer WHERE zipcode > ?';

EXEC SQL EXECUTE zip INTO :lname, :fname USING :zipcode;

Here both queries are handled by this a single directive.

SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES --+index(customer, zip_ix)
ACTIVE
FOR SELECT lname , fname FROM customer WHERE zipcode > ?;

Note: Query must match exactly, including white space, case and carriage returns

Enabling external directives

Environment Variable: IFX_EXTDIRECTIVES

0 = off (default)
1 = on (requires external directives are enabled by the EXT_DIRECTIVES parameter)

Configuration parameter: EXT_DIRECTIVES

0 = off (default)
1 = enabled, but off by default at the session level
2 = enabled and on by default at session level if IFX_EXTDIRECTIVES is not set

You must include one of the ACTIVE, INACTIVE, or TEST ONLY keyword options to enable,disable or restrict the scope of external directives.

Active applies the list of directives to any subsequent query that matches the query string.
Inactive IDS ignores the directive. (It is associated with the query in sysdirectives, but it is dormant, with no effect.)
Test only If external directives are enabled, the TEST ONLY keywords apply the directives only to matching queries that the DBA or user Informix executes. Queries by any other users cannot use TEST ONLY external directives.

The Sysdirectives table

External directives are stored in the sysdirectives system catalog

SELECT * FROM sysdirectives;

id 16
query select * from customer where zipcode > '00000'
directive index(customer, zip_ix)
directivecode <BYTE value>
active 1
hashcode -2020775465

The DBA or the user informix can update the 'active' column to activate/inactivate an external Directive

INACTIVE UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 0 WHERE id = 16;
ACTIVE UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 1 WHERE id = 16;
TEST ONLY UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 2 WHERE id = 16;

Potential Performance Impact

The purpose of external directives is to improve the performance of queriesthat match the query string, but the use of such directives can potentially slow other queries, if the query optimizer must compare the query stringsof a large number of active external directives with the text of every SELECT statement.

For this reason, it is recommended that the DBA not allow the sysdirectivestable to accumulate more than a few ACTIVE rows. Another way to avoid unintended performance impact on other queries is to disable this feature.

If more than one SET EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES statements associate active external directives with the same query, the effect is unpredictable, because theoptimizer uses the first sysdirectives row whose query string matches the query.

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Informix News
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CENTRIFY DIRECTCONTROL TO ADD ACTIVE DIRECTORY INTEGRATION WITH INFORMIX

Centrify to Deliver Microsoft Active Directory-based Single Sign-On for Popular UNIX-based Databases and SAP R/3

You can find the full article at:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060926/sftu116.html?.v=60


LADBROKES BETS ON IBM

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has extended a licensing and maintenance deal with IBM Informix Dynamic Server to run its online betting application OpenBet.

The betting company will upgrade to a new IDS Version Nine platform, which will support its sports books and gaming sites, for the next four years.

You can find the full article at:

Computing on vnunet.com
http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news...okes-bets-ibm#

Computer Weekly
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articl...h+Informix.htm

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IIUG Board
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WEBCAST CORNER

New on the IIUG website:

All the Informix Webcasts, back through 2004 and some even as far as 18th June 2002, are available for download from the IIUG website. Just go to http://www.iiug.org/news/webcasts.html

If you would like to go back to one of webcasts or just looking for excellent technical education by the best Informix experts this is the place to go.

Downloads include PowerPoint presentations and audio replays.

Go to our site and see for yourselves.

If you like it, have ideas for improvement or new ideas please write to me.Your input is important.

Gary Ben-Israel
IIUG Insider Editor
gary@iiug.org

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Calendar of events
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2-6 October 2006
IDUG/IIUG 2006 - Europe
Vienna, Austria
Web site: http://conferences.idug.org/europe/2006/
Contact: Cindy Lichtenauer - cindy@iiug.org

15-20 October 2006
IBM Information on Demand Global Conference
Anaheim, California
Web site: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data...ness/conf2006/

8-9 December 2006
Washington Area Informix Users Group - Forum 2006
Washington DC
Web site: http://www.iiug.org/~waiug
Contact: Lester Knutsen - lester@advancedatatools.com

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Useful links
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

In response to your input, we have created a page on the IIUG web site containing all the links we used to include. Please find it at: http://www.iiug..org/quicklinks.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Closing and credits
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The International Informix Users Group (IIUG) is an organization designed to enhance communications between its worldwide user community and IBM. IIUG's membership database now exceeds 25,000 entries and enjoys the support and commitment of IBM's Data Management division. Key programs include local user groups and special interest groups, which we promote and assist from launch through growth.

Sources: IIUG Board of Directors, IBM Corp.
Editors: Gary Ben Israel, Stuart Litel, Jean Georges Perrin

For comments, please send an email to gary@iiug.org.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IIUG Gold Sponsors
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Advanced DataTools
http://www.advancedatatools.com

AGS Ltd.
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CobraSonic
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Four J's Development Tools
http://www.4js.com

Gillani
http://www.gillani.com

Kazer
http://www.kazer.com

M Systems International, Inc.
http://www.msystemsintl.com

Oninit
http://www.oninit.com/iiug.html

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http://www.princetonsoftech.com/Part...panies/ibm.asp

>> I must say I am disappointed with the current status of registration. It
>> seems European Informix users don't share our enthusiasm. Is it the
>> price?

Yes! It's the price!
At nearly 2,000 euros? You got to be jokin', man!
For 2,000 euros I could fly to Washington, have 3 nights' stay and attend
the WAIG weekend and still have 1,000 euros change.
(Although I'm not doing that either as I'm tired of queueing for an hour for
the privilege of being made to feel a crimial by US immigration).

>> One unnamed customer runs 4,000 physical locations and more than 10,000
>> instances of the current IDS release with just eight DBAs, he claimed.
>> "If you can show me an Oracle installation [doing that], I'll buy you the
>> bottle of wine of your choice," he said.

Why is the customer un-named?

Captain Pedantic wrote:
>>> I must say I am disappointed with the current status of registration. It
>>> seems European Informix users don't share our enthusiasm. Is it the
>>> price?
>
> Yes! It's the price!
> At nearly 2,000 euros? You got to be jokin', man!
> For 2,000 euros I could fly to Washington, have 3 nights' stay and attend
> the WAIG weekend and still have 1,000 euros change.
> (Although I'm not doing that either as I'm tired of queueing for an hour for
> the privilege of being made to feel a crimial by US immigration).
>
>
2,000 Euros equals roughly £1,350!!!!!!

Humm, how much is a 5 day IM Informix Administration course or DB2 Admin
course where you get about 8 students to 1 teacher? About the same - and
the content is exactly what you want - over 5 days?

I haven't really looked into this but, I would say that 1,000 Euros
would be a more "realistic" price - and 500 if you want to fill the
rooms. Individuals do not want to pay the money themselves, and managers
have to be convinced on return on their money. Say people find 5
"interesting" one hour lectures they want to attend - that works out on
average 400 Euros per lecture! What's that ... £5 a minute!

Can people pay for the number of "days" they attend?
Can people get "half days"?

Would you have got 4 times the number of people if the price was 500
Euros? Would it have been better to just get the people in at 500 Euros?

Still, a bit late now huh

Please:

-->>The next release, code-named Cheetah, is due to beta this spring
and will feature record-level locking, technology carried over from the
latest release of ---->>IBM DB2, said Arvind Krishna, vice president of
database servers for IBM Software's Information Management Group,
Somers, N.Y.

-->>The current IDS Version 10 Release Change 5-IDS uses its own
release terminology-offers row-level and column-level locking. IDS has
long been known ---->>for its extensibility, its ability to run for
long periods without human intervention, and its ability to handle
non-relational object like data.

Madison explained properly in this news group what feature is ment
here; the above description is shooting yourself in the foot.

Superboer.



emailer@iiug.org schreef:

> IIUG Insider (Issue #75)
> September 2006
>
> Highlights: IBM Information On Demand 2006: October 15-20 2006, Anaheim, CA; IBM To Unleash Cheetah, The Next Informix IDS Release
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Contents:
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Welcome to the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) Insider! Designed for IIUG members and Informix user group leaders, this publication contains timely and relevant information for the IBM Informix community.
>
> * Editorial
> * Highlights
> IBM Information On Demand 2006: October 15-20 2006, Anaheim, CA.
> IBM To Unleash Cheetah, The Next Informix IDS Release
> * Conference corner
> IDUG/IIUG Europe Conference Vienna, October 2-6, 2006
> IDUG/IIUG NA Conference San Jose May 6-10, 2007
> Informix User Forum 2006
> * Education
> Information On Demand 2006 Global Conference
> Pre-Conference Technical Education
> Complimentary Informix Professional Certification at the IBM Information On Demand 2006 Global Conference
> IBM Training eCatalog Fall Edition - Now Available
> Informix Class from IBM
> Just Released: IBM Alphablox Professional Certification
> Informix Chat with the Lab --Informix Executive Roundtable
> * Developer corner
> New on developerWorks
> V10 External Directives
> * Informix News
> Centrify DirectControl to add Active Directory integration with Informix
> Ladbrokes bets on IBM
> * IIUG Board
> Webcast Corner
> * Calendar of events
> * Useful links
> * Closing and credits
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Editorial
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> In a few days I will be on my way to Vienna for the first full technical Informix conference in Europe. We worked hard to bring the best speakers and great technical content to the European users' doorstep. We were under the impression our users are interested in having this event. We backed our feelings with survey results.
>
> I must say I am disappointed with the current status of registration. It seems European Informix users don't share our enthusiasm. Is it the price? The dates or lack of support from your management? I have no idea. If you are a European Informix user, please, write me a short email and tell me why you didn't attend and would you attend the 2007 conference in Athens. One line will do. It is very important for us to know if the idea of a conference in Europe is worth pursuing.
>
> Gary Ben-Israel
> IIUG Insider Editor
> IIUG Board of Directors
> gary@iiug.org
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Highlights
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> IBM INFORMATION ON DEMAND 2006: OCTOBER 15-20 2006, ANAHEIM, CA.
>
> http://www.ibm.com/events/informationOnDemand/
>
> Register now for the premier information management event for business and IT professionals. IBM's new five-day event combines the following conferences into one: IBM DB2(r) Information Management Technical Conference; IBM Content Management Technical Conference; Business Intelligence Customer Solutions Summit; IMS Technical Conference; Master Data Management Conference; and Information Integration Live! By combining individual conferences into one global event, you gain access and exposure to the full breadth of IBM Information Management technologies and experts.
>
> More IBM technical and business solutions content will be in one place than ever before! Select from over 800 sessions: a 2 1/2 day business leadership track with 180 sessions and a 5 day technical track with 650 sessions.
>
> Get To Front of the Line
>
> Enrollment for educational sessions, hands on labs, meet the experts sessions and all other programs at the IBM Information On Demand 2006 conference opened on August 15. Register early to get the first choice of classes!
>
> Registration at Information On Demand 2006 includes admission to all 800+ educational sessions and programs, to the huge EXPO Solution Center, to the conference receptions and entertainment, to the conference party at Disney's California Adventure theme park, and for all conference meals. Information On Demand 2006 will take place in Anaheim, California, 15-20 October 2006.
>
>
> IBM TO UNLEASH CHEETAH, THE NEXT INFORMIX IDS RELEASE
>
> True to its word, IBM continues to update the Informix IDS database, a cult favorite among some database VARs and customers.
>
> The next release, code-named Cheetah, is due to beta this spring and will feature record-level locking, technology carried over from the latest release of IBM DB2, said Arvind Krishna, vice president of database servers for IBM Software's Information Management Group, Somers, N.Y.
>
> IBM is also making sure the new release will win federal security certifications including the Evaluation Assurance Levels 3 and 4.
>
> The current IDS Version 10 Release Change 5-IDS uses its own release terminology-offers row-level and column-level locking. IDS has long been known for its extensibility, its ability to run for long periods without human intervention, and its ability to handle non-relational object like data.
>
> "IDS fits really well in that space where you don't need or can't have a million DBAs. It can go into a DBA-less environment, often hub-and-spoke environments used by branches and retail operations," Krishna told CRN.
>
> One unnamed customer runs 4,000 physical locations and more than 10,000 instances of the current IDS release with just eight DBAs, he claimed. "If you can show me an Oracle installation [doing that], I'll buy you the bottle of wine of your choice," he said.
>
> For the full article by Barbara Darrow, CRN go to:
>
> http://www.crn.com/sections/software...leId=193004835
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Conference corner
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> IDUG/IIUG EUROPE CONFERENCE VIENNA, OCTOBER 2-6, 2006
>
> http://conferences.idug.org/Default....es.idug.org/eu
>
> Just come and register on site!
>
> The conference is only 3 days away. Come to Vienna and attend this extraordinary educational event. Attend 34 technical sessions by the best presenter from US and Europe, meet your Informix colleagues. Enjoy the lovely city of Vienna.
>
>
> IDUG/IIUG NA CONFERENCE SAN JOSE MAY 6-10, 2007
>
> Call for presentations for the IDUG/IIUG NA Conference 2007 ended September 1st. We had almost 100 abstracts submitted from both end users and IBM employees! The IIUG CPC will be meeting in Chicago the weekend of September 29th to select the best abstracts and create an agenda for the conference.
>
> There will be 4 tracks again in 2007, jam packed with new and exciting Informix technical content! Stay Tuned.
>
>
> INFORMIX USER FORUM 2006
>
> A Two-Day User Group Technical Conference December 8-9, 2006 Washington DC, USA
>
> http://www.iiug.org/waiug/present/Fo...Forum2006.html
>
> The Washington Area Informix User Group (WAIUG) and the Southeast Informix Users Group (SEIUG), based in Atlanta, GA, are teaming up to present Informix and DB2 User Forum 2006, the premiere Informix and DB2 regional user group technical conference in the eastern U.S.
>
> The Informix User Forum, previously sponsored biennially by WAIUG, has long had a reputation for excellence in both value and technical content. Now, the two groups have joined forces to evolve the Forum into an annual two-day conference. This year's event will be held December 8-9 in Washington DC.
>
> Forum 2006 promises to provide even more technical content, plus opportunities to network with fellow users and access to information on the latest vendor offerings. This, combined with a registration fee of US$ 120.00 (pre-register for $80) for the entire conference, makes the value of this event hard to beat.
>
> Call For Presentations
>
> We are currently accepting presentation abstracts for the Forum on Informix and DB2 related topics in any of the areas listed below.
>
> Subjects related to all current DB2, Informix and Informix-heritage products are welcome, as well as products that operate in those environments such as other IBM products, plus third party, Open Source and cross-platform products.
>
> Presenters will receive a complimentary all-conference pass.
>
> The Forum will be organized into three general subject areas or tracks that will run concurrently.
>
> The Application Development track will cover such topics as application development tools and methodologies, application and database architecture, and maximizing application and SQL performance as well as aspects of Informix that provide a distinct edge in application development and processing such as emerging technologies like XML and Web services, operation in cross-platform and heterogeneous environments, and support for Open Source and third-party tools.
>
> The Database Engines and Administration track will feature sessions on topics including database and data warehouse design and administration, performance tuning, backup and restore, and security.
>
> The DB2 track will feature sessions on topics including database and data warehouse design and administration, performance tuning, backup and restore, and security.
>
> Tracks will feature extended session lengths of 70 minutes, which conference goers have said they prefer.
>
> Visit the Forum 2006 Web sitehttp://www.iiug.org/waiug/present/Forum2006/Forum2006.html to find more details about the conference and an on-line application for submitting your presentation abstract.
>
> The on-line application for submitting presentations can also be directly accessed here:
>
> http://www.iiug.org/%7Eseiug/forum2006/cfp2006form.html
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Education
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> INFORMATION ON DEMAND 2006 GLOBAL CONFERENCE PRE-CONFERENCE TECHNICAL EDUCATION
>
> http://www.ibm.com/events/informationOnDemand/
>
> Now available at Information On Demand 2006 October 15-20, 2006 are 14 unique pre-conference technical training courses as well as Professional Certification preparation courses to all registered attendees. These courses will deliver more in depth information and skills than is possible in a regular conference session. The technical training courses will cover a wide range of topics addressing some of the hottest issues affecting IBM Customers today! Plan to arrive a day early as the courses will only be available for one day, Sunday, October 15, 2006. Courses will be offered at a discounted rate of $399 USD each. Space is limited, so check out the course descriptions and register early to ensure your seat. Non-registered students may attend courses on a first come first served basis, space permitting.
>
> http://www.ibm.com/software/data/ond...6/courses.html
>
>
> COMPLIMENTARY INFORMIX PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AT THE IBM INFORMATION ON DEMAND 2006 GLOBAL CONFERENCE
>
> Join us October 15-20 in Anaheim CA for this premier event and get certified for free! Conference attendees will be offered three complimentary certification exams. Certification will be available on Informix software as well as other Information Management software products, WebSphere, Rational, Tivoli, and Lotus software. Many new certifications will be available this year, including Informix Dynamic Server Version 10, XML, Content Management OnDemand, DB2 9, IBM Alphablox and DWE. If you would like to take more than three tests, additional exams will be offered at the conference at a discounted price of $75.00 each. For more information, please visit:
>
> http://www-03.ibm.com/certify/process/iod.shtml
>
>
> IBM TRAINING eCATALOG FALL EDITION - NOW AVAILABLE
>
> We just announced new courses and updated courses in the IBM Training Fall eCatalog. Get your skills in shape for fall with one simple click that opens the door to the training information you have been seeking. It has everything you need for your technical training needs!
>
> More:
>
> http://www-304.ibm.com/jct03001c/ser...age&c=a0004805
>
>
> INFORMIX CLASS FROM IBM
>
> Get the latest information on Informix courses public training classes from IBM. Recent announcements include:
>
> FN848 Managing and Optimizing IBM Informix Dynamic Server Databases - 4 days
> FN613 IBM Informix Structure Query Language - 3 days
> L2403 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Performance Tuning - 4 days
> MW729 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Advanced Performance Tuning - 5 days
> L1846 IBM Informix Dynamic Server Administration - 4 days
>
> Bookmark this page and check back periodically to see all the new courses that get added to our portfolio.
>
> http://www.iiug.org/url/IBM_Informix_training.html
>
>
> JUST RELEASED: IBM ALPHABLOX PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
>
> Validate your skills and demonstrate your proficiency with Alphablox technology with this new certification. This certification and exam are designed for candidates with knowledge of IBM's Business Intelligence solutions and the fundamental concepts of relational and multidimensional database technologies, and are capable of performing the intermediate and advanced skills required to design, develop and support custom analytical applications. Upon completion of the Alphablox Certification exam 715 as well as required prerequisites, you can become an IBM Certified Solution Developer - IBM Alphablox.
>
> http://www-03.ibm.com/certify/certs/absdiblox.shtml
>
>
> INFORMIX CHAT WITH THE LAB -- INFORMIX EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE
>
> Wednesday, October 25th 11-12:30 Eastern time.
>
> Hear the latest on Informix from the execs - Jerry Keesee, Director of the Informix Lab; Stuart Litel, President of the International Informix Users Group; and Bruce Weed, Program Director for Informix Marketing. Informix sales are strong, Cheetah development is adding some phenomenal functionality to the product set and the press is saying some very favorable things about IDS. You won't want to miss this Chat which will include a special IBM/IIUG announcement of an offering exclusively for IIUG members!
>
> RSVP at: http://www.ibm.com/informix/webcasts
>
> Linda Spina
> IBM Information Management Sales - Americas
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Developer corner
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> NEW ON DEVELOPERWORKS
>
> Please visit our site for new and updated content:
>
> http://www-128.ibm.com/developerwork...ones/informix/
>
> Informix Dynamic Server Locking, Part 1:
> Understand locking behavior and analyze locking conflicts in IDS
>
> September 7, 2006
> This is the first of a two-part article series talking about locking mechanisms in IBM's strategic data server, Informix(r) Dynamic Server (IDS). IDS is an optimal choice for high-end online transaction processing (OLTP) and embedded solutions. This article helps you to understand locking methodology and assists you in analyzing locking conflicts.
>
> http://www-128.ibm.com/developerwork...dm-0609herber/
>
>
> V10 EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES
>
> We have all been there and found a query that is causing performance problems and we cannot change because
>
> * It is not your application or a 3rd party application
> * You don't have the source code access or the developer is unavailable
> * The application is heavily used and can't be switched without downtime and changing statistics and OPTCOMPIND doesn't affect
>
> With V10 you can create/save external optimizer directives:
>
> * External optimizer directives are useful when it is not feasible rewrite a query for a short-term solution to a problem
> * For example, when a query starts to perform poorly.
>
> Note: Rewriting the query by changing the SQL statement is preferable longterm solutions to problems. External directives are for occasional use only. The number of directives stored in the sysdirectives catalog could be excessive.
>
> Saving External directives
>
> The directives are saved in the sysdirectives catalog using the SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVESstatement.
>
> SQL Syntax:
>
> SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES directives [ACTIVE | INACTIVE | TEST ONLY] FOR query
>
> SQL Example:
>
> SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES --+INDEX(customer, zip_ix)
> ACTIVE
> FOR SELECT * FROM customer WHERE zipcode > '00000';
>
> If external directives are disabled then error 9932: External Directives feature is currently disabled is returned.
>
> External Directives also works for queries with host variables and prepared statements, for example:
>
> EXEC SQL SELECT lname, fname INTO :lname, :fname FROM
> customer WHERE zipcode > :zipcode;
>
> EXEC SQL PREPARE zip FROM 'SELECT lname , fname FROM
> customer WHERE zipcode > ?';
>
> EXEC SQL EXECUTE zip INTO :lname, :fname USING :zipcode;
>
> Here both queries are handled by this a single directive.
>
> SAVE EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES --+index(customer, zip_ix)
> ACTIVE
> FOR SELECT lname , fname FROM customer WHERE zipcode > ?;
>
> Note: Query must match exactly, including white space, case and carriage returns
>
> Enabling external directives
>
> Environment Variable: IFX_EXTDIRECTIVES
>
> 0 = off (default)
> 1 = on (requires external directives are enabled by the EXT_DIRECTIVES parameter)
>
> Configuration parameter: EXT_DIRECTIVES
>
> 0 = off (default)
> 1 = enabled, but off by default at the session level
> 2 = enabled and on by default at session level if IFX_EXTDIRECTIVES is not set
>
> You must include one of the ACTIVE, INACTIVE, or TEST ONLY keyword options to enable,disable or restrict the scope of external directives.
>
> Active applies the list of directives to any subsequent query that matches the query string.
> Inactive IDS ignores the directive. (It is associated with the query in sysdirectives, but it is dormant, with no effect.)
> Test only If external directives are enabled, the TEST ONLY keywords apply the directives only to matching queries that the DBA or user Informix executes. Queries by any other users cannot use TEST ONLY external directives.
>
> The Sysdirectives table
>
> External directives are stored in the sysdirectives system catalog
>
> SELECT * FROM sysdirectives;
>
> id 16
> query select * from customer where zipcode > '00000'
> directive index(customer, zip_ix)
> directivecode <BYTE value>
> active 1
> hashcode -2020775465
>
> The DBA or the user informix can update the 'active' column to activate/inactivate an external Directive
>
> INACTIVE UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 0 WHERE id = 16;
> ACTIVE UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 1 WHERE id = 16;
> TEST ONLY UPDATE sysdirectives SET ACTIVE = 2 WHERE id = 16;
>
> Potential Performance Impact
>
> The purpose of external directives is to improve the performance of queries that match the query string, but the use of such directives can potentially slow other queries, if the query optimizer must compare the query strings of a large number of active external directives with the text of every SELECT statement.
>
> For this reason, it is recommended that the DBA not allow the sysdirectives table to accumulate more than a few ACTIVE rows. Another way to avoid unintended performance impact on other queries is to disable this feature.
>
> If more than one SET EXTERNAL DIRECTIVES statements associate active external directives with the same query, the effect is unpredictable, because the optimizer uses the first sysdirectives row whose query string matches the query.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Informix News
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> CENTRIFY DIRECTCONTROL TO ADD ACTIVE DIRECTORY INTEGRATION WITH INFORMIX
>
> Centrify to Deliver Microsoft Active Directory-based Single Sign-On for Popular UNIX-based Databases and SAP R/3
>
> You can find the full article at:
>
> http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060926/sftu116.html?.v=60
>
>
> LADBROKES BETS ON IBM
>
> Bookmaker Ladbrokes has extended a licensing and maintenance deal with IBM Informix Dynamic Server to run its online betting application OpenBet.
>
> The betting company will upgrade to a new IDS Version Nine platform, which will support its sports books and gaming sites, for the next four years.
>
> You can find the full article at:
>
> Computing on vnunet.com
> http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news...okes-bets-ibm#
>
> Computer Weekly
> http://www.computerweekly.com/Articl...h+Informix.htm
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> IIUG Board
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> WEBCAST CORNER
>
> New on the IIUG website:
>
> All the Informix Webcasts, back through 2004 and some even as far as 18th June 2002, are available for download from the IIUG website. Just go to http://www.iiug.org/news/webcasts.html
>
> If you would like to go back to one of webcasts or just looking for excellent technical education by the best Informix experts this is the place to go.
>
> Downloads include PowerPoint presentations and audio replays.
>
> Go to our site and see for yourselves.
>
> If you like it, have ideas for improvement or new ideas please write to me. Your input is important.
>
> Gary Ben-Israel
> IIUG Insider Editor
> gary@iiug.org
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Calendar of events
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> 2-6 October 2006
> IDUG/IIUG 2006 - Europe
> Vienna, Austria
> Web site: http://conferences.idug.org/europe/2006/
> Contact: Cindy Lichtenauer - cindy@iiug.org
>
> 15-20 October 2006
> IBM Information on Demand Global Conference
> Anaheim, California
> Web site: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data...ness/conf2006/
>
> 8-9 December 2006
> Washington Area Informix Users Group - Forum 2006
> Washington DC
> Web site: http://www.iiug.org/~waiug
> Contact: Lester Knutsen - lester@advancedatatools.com
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Useful links
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> In response to your input, we have created a page on the IIUG web site containing all the links we used to include. Please find it at: http://www.iiug.org/quicklinks.html
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Closing and credits
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> The International Informix Users Group (IIUG) is an organization designed to enhance communications between its worldwide user community and IBM. IIUG's membership database now exceeds 25,000 entries and enjoys the support and commitment of IBM's Data Management division. Key programs include local user groups and special interest groups, which we promote and assist from launch through growth.
>
> Sources: IIUG Board of Directors, IBM Corp.
> Editors: Gary Ben Israel, Stuart Litel, Jean Georges Perrin
>
> For comments, please send an email to gary@iiug.org.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> IIUG Gold Sponsors
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Advanced DataTools
> http://www.advancedatatools.com
>
> AGS Ltd.
> http://www.serverstudio.com
>
> CobraSonic
> http://www.cobrasonic.com
>
> Four J's Development Tools
> http://www.4js.com
>
> Gillani
> http://www.gillani.com
>
> Kazer
> http://www.kazer.com
>
> M Systems International, Inc.
> http://www.msystemsintl.com
>
> Oninit
> http://www.oninit.com/iiug.html
>
> Princeton Softech
> http://www.princetonsoftech.com/Part...panies/ibm.asp

Captain Pedantic said:
> (Although I'm not doing that either as I'm tired of queueing for an hour
> for
> the privilege of being made to feel a crimial by US immigration).

Dear Pedant,

What is a "crimial"? ?

--
Bye now,
Obnoxio

"... no bill is required as no value was provided."
-- Christine Normile

--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by OpenProtect(http://www.openprotect.com), and is
believed to be clean.

Captain Pedantic said:
>>> One unnamed customer runs 4,000 physical locations and more than 10,000
>>> instances of the current IDS release with just eight DBAs, he claimed.
>>> "If you can show me an Oracle installation [doing that], I'll buy you
>>> the
>>> bottle of wine of your choice," he said.
>
> Why is the customer un-named?

I dunno, but it's probably a wine merchant.

--
Bye now,
Obnoxio

"... no bill is required as no value was provided."
-- Christine Normile

--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by OpenProtect(http://www.openprotect.com), and is
believed to be clean.

And another 1800 euros for room only accomodation, the price just
racks up and up

On 01/10/06, Captain Pedantic <theharlequin36@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> One unnamed customer runs 4,000 physical locations and more than 10,000
> >> instances of the current IDS release with just eight DBAs, he claimed.
> >> "If you can show me an Oracle installation [doing that], I'll buy you the
> >> bottle of wine of your choice," he said.
>
> Why is the customer un-named?
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Informix-list mailing list
> Informix-list@iiug.org
> http://www.iiug.org/mailman/listinfo/informix-list
>

TBP wrote:
> Can people pay for the number of "days" they attend?
> Can people get "half days"?
>
> Would you have got 4 times the number of people if the price was 500
> Euros? Would it have been better to just get the people in at 500 Euros?
>
> Still, a bit late now huh

It would appear that no one is listening. IBM looks to the IIUG Board
of Directors for guidance on the needs and desires of the community.
The community has been clear on the issue of conferences since day 1.
Yet, I don't recall the IIUG BoD taking these issues to IBM. On the
other hand, IBM is a major sponsor of the IIUG (the trips to various
venues for the BoD to meet and a myriad of justifiable, necessary
expenses IBM quite rightly also foots); yet the IIUG BoD provides
little support for IBM in promoting it's conferences. Such as in this
Insider where the BoD finally deigned to mention IBM's upcoming IOD
conference in Anaheim. They managed to do so without even mentioning
there would be Informix content and by referring to DB2 yet again.
They also failed to mention that this conference was designed to
eliminate many (not all) of the Informix communities issues with past
conferences.

Perhaps if the BoD would push the community agenda and needs with IBM
instead of it's own and support IBM's initiatives to support Informix
(not the idiotic ones, of course), perhaps IBM would find a way to
sponsor the types of conferences that would work for the community at
large.

In the meantime, I hope to see many of you in Washington, D.C.

elanleblanc@yahoo.com wrote:
> TBP wrote:
>> Can people pay for the number of "days" they attend?
>> Can people get "half days"?
>>
>> Would you have got 4 times the number of people if the price was 500
>> Euros? Would it have been better to just get the people in at 500 Euros?
>>
>> Still, a bit late now huh
>
> It would appear that no one is listening. IBM looks to the IIUG Board
> of Directors for guidance on the needs and desires of the community.
> The community has been clear on the issue of conferences since day 1.
> Yet, I don't recall the IIUG BoD taking these issues to IBM. On the
> other hand, IBM is a major sponsor of the IIUG (the trips to various
> venues for the BoD to meet and a myriad of justifiable, necessary
> expenses IBM quite rightly also foots); yet the IIUG BoD provides
> little support for IBM in promoting it's conferences. Such as in this
> Insider where the BoD finally deigned to mention IBM's upcoming IOD
> conference in Anaheim. They managed to do so without even mentioning
> there would be Informix content and by referring to DB2 yet again.
> They also failed to mention that this conference was designed to
> eliminate many (not all) of the Informix communities issues with past
> conferences.
>
> Perhaps if the BoD would push the community agenda and needs with IBM
> instead of it's own and support IBM's initiatives to support Informix
> (not the idiotic ones, of course), perhaps IBM would find a way to
> sponsor the types of conferences that would work for the community at
> large.
>
> In the meantime, I hope to see many of you in Washington, D.C.
>

You make the assertion indirectly that somehow the IIUG would have an
ombudsman function or purpose, for users, to go to IBM for representation.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Since the IIUG are not funded by the users and instead are funded by IBM it
only makes sense who they really represent. That's just smart business.