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Keeping up-to-date with the latest and greatest DB2 versions and functionality can be a time-consuming task. Every 18 to 24 months IBM announces a new version of DB2 with more features and functionality than ever before.
Functionality aside, it can be difficult to keep track of when a version of DB2 will no longer be supported. First, we need to understand some basic terminology: "withdrawal from marketing" and "withdrawal from service." When IBM withdraws a product from marketing, the product will no longer be advertised or sold by IBM. However, IBM will continue to service and support customers. When IBM withdraws a product from service you will no longer be able to get technical support for that product.
The current version of DB2 for z/OS is V7 and it has been available for more than two years. IBM just announced V8 in January 2003, though no general availability date has been set as of yet.
Many of these shops will have to answer the questions, "When should we migrate to another DB2 version, which one and why?" Well, if you are still running DB2 V6, you should seriously consider migrating to V7 very soon. DB2 V6 will be withdrawn from service in June 2005.
As for the basic question, when will V7 be withdrawn from service, the answer is not for quite some time. IBM only just recently (late
January/early February 2004) announced the end of service for V6. And, IBM has not announced end of marketing for V7 yet either. How could it, V8 is not GA so what would it sell?
To keep up-to-date on the recent DB2 versions and their service dates, keep checking the IBM Web site.
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