DB2 Installation/Migration

Overview

The DB2 Installation and Migration Service Offering is provided by Best Customer Solutions, Inc. as a way for users on S/390 or zSeries processors to easily and smoothly implement a new release of DB2. The announced end-of-service date for DB2 V4 is December 31, 2001 – a signal to all current users of that release that it's time to migrate to DB2 V5 or higher. And since DB2 UDB for OS0390 V7 is now available, it's time to begin planning the upgrade of your systems to this release so you can exploit the scalability and performance enhancements that V7 offers. DB2 V7 is the super-server of choice for the twenty-first century providing enterprise-wide data management for e-business, business intelligence, CRM, ERP applications and operational transaction processing. With DB2 V7, you are able to integrate data warehousing using the new feature DB2 Warehouse Manager. This feature will bring together the tools to build, manage, govern, and access data warehouses based in DB2 for OS/390.

The DB2 Installation and Migration Service Offering uses a tailored Microsoft Project-based Upgrade Plan to lay out a DB2 upgrade in fine detail, including the following components: (1) Project kickoff and planning session, (2) Basic installation and system verification (ServerPac or CBPDO install), (3) Migration of test DB2 systems to the new release (optional), (4) Migration of production DB2 systems to the new release (optional), (5) Upgrade of Third Party products (optional), and (6) Training associated with the install (optional). The Upgrade Plan can include client personnel as well as members of the BCS staff, or BCS can solely perform the project in conjunction with a client liaison. Deliverables of this Service Offering include: (1) A detailed, tailored Upgrade Plan, and (2) Documentation of the project, including an Installation Diary and extensively commented DSNZPARM definitions.

Description

A DB2 upgrade starts with a kickoff meeting and planning session held onsite at your location, and has the following objectives:

Familiarize members of BCS staff with the S/390 environment where DB2 is to be installed. A System Environment Questionnaire is provided to aid in this process.
Define project scope in detail. The DB2 Migration Starter Kit is an aid in defining the specific details of an install, to identify installation-unique implementation tasks, to determine installation objectives and deadlines, to determine any unusual installation requirements and in general, to determine all the information necessary to tailor the Migration Starter Kit to a Upgrade Plan for your system.
Assign responsibilities for project tasks. Responsible team members can include both your staff and members from BCS. This information is incorporated into the Upgrade Plan.
Determine logistics such as Userids, security clearances, onsite facilities, dial-in access, a brief orientation to using the system, etc.
Determine status meeting/conference call schedule, status reporting requirements, etc.

The first phase of the DB2 upgrade will start as soon as the DB2 Upgrade Plan has been completed. Best Customer Solutions can install DB2 either via a ServerPac or CBPDO CustomPac offering, and can provide guidance in ServerPac usage that can simplify future upgrades. Major tasks involved in this part of the upgrade are:

Investigation and application of all necessary co-existence and toleration maintenance.
Review of all DSNZPARM settings.
Tailoring and execution of the DB2 installation jobs, creation of a test system.
Startup the new DB2 system and run all IVPs.
Resolve any problems and complete the installation documentation.

The next phase in the DB2 upgrade is to migrate existing test DB2 subsystems to the new release of DB2. Major tasks involved in this part of the upgrade are:

Perform release-to-release migration tasks, based on the current release of DB2.
Update any required DSNZPARM value changes based on prior review.
Define a test plan and testing criteria.
Test all currently implemented or new DB2 functions that will be used.
Perform system cleanup necessary for a smooth move to production.
Review performance impact of the new release of DB2 (optional).
Review any impacts on the Operational procedures relating to DB2.

The final step in the DB2 upgrade is to move the new release into the production environment. Major tasks involved in this part of the upgrade are:

Perform any migration tasks and prepare backups to allow for fallback.
Start the DB2 production system using the new release and perform necessary testing.
Resolve any problems identified, using IBM Support if necessary.
Perform any post-installation cleanup.

Best Customer Solutions' consultants are also ready to upgrade any Third Party software that may be affected by the DB2 upgrade. Products that may require tailoring or upgrading would be: (1) DB2 monitors, (2) DB2 utilities and (3) application software.

Best Customer Solutions, Inc., is also willing and able to provide training for systems, operations or application personnel, as negotiated at the time a contract is agreed to.

Summary

The DB2 Installation and Migration Services Offering is a straightforward, thorough approach to upgrading DB2 on the S/390 platform. This service offering can be tailored to your company's specific needs, and is not necessarily limited to the above description. If you have interest in this service offering, please contact Jim Schesvold at 1(715) 341-6489, or email Jim at jschesvold@mainframehelp.com.