IIUG Insider (Issue #111) September 2009

Highlights: Introducing Informix in Box program kit for Universities

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.

Contents:

 


Editorial Back to top

In Israel this is the Holiday season. For us the current year is 5,770.

IDS 11.50 xC6 is already in Beta. At work I have just upgraded to 11.50 FC5 from IDS 11.50 FC3.

Next month we are having the IBM IOD Conference, which is the major event for IBM Information Management.The IIUG Board of Directors will be present at the conference, so please look us up and say hello. We value our personal relationships. Next month I will have a conference recap and a board meeting report. Stay tuned.

The third IIUG International Conference has also been announced. You will be regularly updated in our Conference Corner. The first two conferences were a huge success. I am sure the 2010 will be even better. No other event can offer so much value for such a price. Join us in this fabulous technical party.

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


Highlights Back to top

Introducing Informix in Box program kit for Universities

The Informix team has put together an Informix in a Box kit to introduce students to Informix with a series of customizable workshops ranging from 1/2 day to 5 days. This series of workshops is designed to provide theoretical as well as hands-on experience with IBM Informix Data Server.

The Informix in a Box kit includes:

  • Materials to help you communicate this program to faculty
  • Presentations and labs to educate the next generation of decision makers on Informix

Please visit the Informix in a Box wiki page for more information or contact idsoncampus@us.ibm.com.


Conference corner Back to top

IBM Information On Demand Global Conference 2009

The 2009 IBM Information On Demand Global Conference scheduled for October 25 – 29 in Las Vegas is fast approaching. The excitement is building for our informative and extensive Informix track that will provide you with the latest product updates as well as technical tips and tricks. You’ll hear from fellow Informix users about the successes they have had with their implementations. This premier educational experience is sure to help your organization’s ROI. You can even complete the Informix Fundamentals certification exam on the spot — FREE!

Plus, we’re planning several networking events so you can continue your discussions in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Session descriptions are available for your reference now:

/url/iod_sessions.html

Once you have registered for the conference, you can enroll in the key sessions that interest you to reserve your spot. Pre-conference session enrollment is especially crucial for the hands-on labs as these sessions are always very popular. You don’t want to miss these informative chances to roll-up your sleeves with the products.

While you are at the conference be sure to take advantage of the Meet the Experts sessions and the opportunity to schedule 1:1 appointments with key architects, developers, and executives so you return home with all of the answers you need to succeed with your Informix solution.

Finally, remember to take advantage of the special IIUG member conference registration discount, and save $100 off the registration fee. Just follow these steps:

  1. Visit the IBM Information On Demand 2009 global conference website and select ‘Register now’ at: http://www.ibm.com/events/informationondemand
  2. SECURITY CONTROLS FOR 2009 – An IBM userid and Password are required to register. If you have an existing IBM.com account ID, please select ‘Register for the Conference’ and sign on.
    • If you do not have an IBM.com account ID, please follow the link ‘MY IBM ID‘ to obtain one. Complete the form and click ‘SUBMIT’. You will then be allowed to continue as a registered IBM user. Click ‘Continue’ and select ‘Register for the Conference’ and sign on with your new userid and password.
    • Select registration type of ‘Customer’ and click ‘Continue’
    • Complete the appropriate fields on the enrollment form
    • Under the ‘Promotion Code Information’ section, enter PROMOTION CODE G09INFUG. — YOU MUST ENTER THIS CODE TO RECEIVE YOUR $100 DISCOUNT
    • Complete the form with attendee, arrival and payment information clicking ‘Continue’ at the bottom of each section.
      • NOTE: Credit card information is required to guarantee your registration regardless of your method of payment and/or discount amount.
    • Click ‘Submit Registration’.

NOTE: Discounts may not be combined with any other promotion

2010 IIUG Informix Conference

Answer the Call — Submit a Proposal to Speak at the 2010 International Informix Users Group (IIUG) Conference

As one who regularly uses Informix, you’ve spent years honing your skills. Now share your experience and knowledge by becoming a speaker at the 2010 IIUG Informix Conference. The Conference Planning Committee is looking for presentations from real-world Informix users (and consultants and IBMers too).

The conference will include more than 80 technical sessions and a day of in-depth tutorials, all designed to educate and inspire. It will be held April 25-28, 2010 at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas (Kansas City). Be a part of the premier Informix event for 2010, dedicated to Informix professionals and focused on timely technical tips, in-depth tutorials, and the best networking in the user community.

Speakers receive a complimentary pass that provides access to all technical sessions, conference-related networking events and meals. If you are willing to share your insight and real-world experience, we invite you to submit a session proposal. Go to /conf/2010/iiug/speakers.php for more details. The deadline is November 1st, so don’t put this off. Get motivated and submit your ideas today.

The IIUG Conference Planning Committee

IBM and CNIUG 2009 Informix User Conference

On 19-22 August 2009, IBM Informix User Conference was held by IBM and CNIUG in Guiyang. Experts, senior technology managers, clients and business partners gathered together discussing and sharing on the topic of customer demand-oriented applications such as market analysis and management system development and implementation, Informix warehouse application experience and technology trends.

Among the presentations were:

Presentation of “IDS 11.5 HDR”
Expectation to HDR in IDS 11.50; IDS11.5’s Advanced High Availability Solutions Enterprise Replication; Compare IDS11.5 HDR with IDS9.4 HDR…

Customer Successful Stories Sharing — Yinzhou bank Core Business System Upgrade to IDS11 .5
How to carry out core business system upgrade
Before and after upgrade comparison
Assistance from IBM and business partner
Experience sharing in the upgrade process…

How to secure database information and real-time auditing
Severity of Unauthorized access data within the enterprise; Severity of Data leakage; Leakage of personal data has quietly formed a new threat; The database system security is getting more and more important; The existing information security products cannot meet the database audit requirement;

Informix Roadmap
Informix Warehouse Feature; Set Up One Time, No Maintenance; IDS and Virtual Worlds; Cloud Computing; The Lowest Total Cost; Embedded Informix Redbook; Almost Not Need to Manage the Regional; Fewer management resources…

Informix Global Business Strategy
Informix was valuated the most satisfied customers vendors by VendorRate in 2008 and the first half of 2009; Lowest Total Cost; Industry analysts were agreed on IDS

Improve Customer Satisfaction
from Malaysia guest – MYIUG experience sharing Our task is to make customer success; This depends on the timely provision of professional and technical support to ensure to us building lasting relationships through customer support…

Intelligence Support in China
Smart Planet; CSA (Customer Self-Assist); KCS (Knowledge Centered Support); TechNotes; OpenMic; SR (Service Request); ISA(IBM Support Assistant); Support ToolBar…


Education Back to top

Advanced DataTools is offering half priced Informix training classes now through October!

All of the Advanced DataTools Informix training classes are half off ($1000) and the price is valid for both on site training and via the web. This price is only for our July, August, and October classes. All of our training courses are updated to include the most recent Informix releases.

Course Schedule

October 5-8, 2009 — Advanced Informix IDS Performance Tuning and Optimization
This course is for database administrators and application developers who will be responsible for managing, optimizing, and tuning an IDS database server. The focus is on skills, procedures, and scripts to improve the performance of your database server. The course will provide a toolkit of scripts and utilities to start monitoring and optimizing your IDS database server.

More information on the class can be found at:

http://www.advancedatatools.com/Training/OutlineInformixIDSPerfTuningOpt.html

To register or for more information on Advanced DataTools Training call (703) 256-0267 x101

http://www.advancedatatools.com
Sign up today!
Advanced DataTools is your number one source for Informix Training. Customized/on site training also available.

Meet Your IBM Software Support Experts at Our Information on Demand Global Conference 2009

Your IBM Information Management software support is a critical asset to your business. Attend our IBM Information on Demand Global Conference 2009 to get the latest update on software support initiatives, tools, and processes that matter to your business. This year’s event delivers the best in software support experts, technical and business education, networking, hands-on labs and key IBM Electronic Support information helping you resolve your software problems faster.

Visit IBM Information on Demand Global Conference 2009 website.

http://www-01.ibm.com/software/data/conf/?ca=SupIod

Experience Self Paced Virtual Classes – With our no charge trials offering

Now you can experience Self Paced Virtual Classes (SPVC) with our SPVC Trials Offering. Select from a number of courses which are available in a trial format and view detailed course content, instructor demos, and class exercises. All at no charge! Simply log in and experience a SPVC trial!

SPVC offer you maximum flexibility and control over your learning. No fixed schedule or travel requirements mean you can study when and where you want. Plus, in today’s business climate, Self-paced virtual classes are even more beneficial due to their lower cost. Find out more and experience Self paced virtual classes at no charge.http://www-01.ibm.com/software/data/education/spvctrials.html?=caSepSlfPcdFree Attend one of our Information Management Certification Days around the world!

Take advantage of Information Management’s amazing offer by attending one of our IM Certification Days! We invite our Business Partners and clients to get certified at 50% off. Certification exams are only $100USD and are available across the entire Information Management portfolio. Pre-registration is required for this event.

Now is the time to differentiate yourself with IM Professional certification! With several events taking place in September, October and November around the world, don’t miss your chance to certify in the latest IM technology and solutions.Get the details and register here!http://www.ibm.com/software/data/education/certdays.html?ca=SepCrtD


Developer corner Back to top

Informix Chat with the Lab

Thursday, Oct 15
8:30 AM Pacific
10:30 AM Central
11:30 AM Eastern
4:30 PM London
5:30 PM Paris

Advanced Text Searching Topics in IDS

This month’s Informix Chat with the Lab will be deep dive into how to setup and perform full-text searching on unstructured/plain text and XML based document repositories. Learn about search predicates and options, some techniques to handle inconsistent diacritical marks, enhanced index searching based on text found in XML tags and attributes, and ways to improve reliability and performance.

Objectives:

  • Creating a Binary Text Search index on a document repository
  • How to use the Binary Text Search terms and Boolean operators along with query control parameters
  • How stop words can improve searching
  • XML based indexes
  • Facilities to handle of diacritical marks with the use of canonical maps
  • Storage management including fragmentation, SmartBlob storage and the use of temporary spaces
  • Binary Text Search in the Continuous Availability Feature (Mach11)

Jerry Keesee, Director of the Informix Lab will introduce the call and Mark Ashworth, Informix Datablade Architect will be our technical speaker.

Web RSVP information:

URL: /url/chat_15oct09.html

Conference number: 9312521
Passcode: 8245688

To register for this event:

  1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.
  2. Enter the conference number and passcode.
  3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Presentation material will be available at http://www.ibm.com/informix/labchats prior to the event.

Audio replay for September 16 Informix chat with lab available now!

In case you missed the session or would like to share with someone, the Audio replay for the topic, HDR update Anywhere: Hottest Feature in IDS 11.5 is available in two parts on the Chat with lab website:

http://www.ibm.com/informix/labchats

New in DeveloperWorks

Informix Dynamic Server 11.50 Fundamentals Exam 555 certification preparation, Part 8: Backup and restore
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/data/tutorials/dm-ids-cert5558/index.html
In this tutorial, learn about essential Informix Dynamic Server 11.50 database backup and restore concepts, and about ON-Bar and ontape utilities to backup and restore database server data. You will also learn about table-level restore with archecker utility.
24 Sep 2009

Informix Dynamic Server 11.50 Fundamentals Exam 555 certification preparation, Part 9: Informix replication technologies
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/data/tutorials/dm-ids-cert5559/index.html
This is the last tutorial in a series of nine tutorials to help you prepare for the Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 11.50 Fundamentals certification exam 555. This tutorial discusses replication technologies and provides an overview of high availability technologies available in IDS. Learn the difference between High Availability Data Replication and Enterprise Replication, and follow the steps for how to set up an IDS server for replication and high availability.
17 Sep 2009

Informix Dynamic Server 11.50 Fundamentals Exam 555 certification preparation, Part 7: Tools and utilities
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/data/tutorials/dm-ids-cert5557/index.html
With a good understanding of the tools and utilities that come with IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS), you’ll find the database easier to monitor and administer. In this tutorial, learn about those tools. This is the seventh of a series of nine tutorials that will help prepare you for IDS exam 555.
17 Sep 2009

Informix Dynamic Server 11.50 Fundamentals Exam 555 certification preparation, Part 4: Examining database objects
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/data/tutorials/dm-ids-cert5554/index.html
This tutorial continues your journey into Informix Dynamic Server by discussing many of the objects that can be created and used inside of a database. Some of these objects include tables, indexes, triggers, and views. This tutorial discusses what they are, how they are used, and how to create them.
03 Sep 2009

For more information go to DeveloperWorks — Informix:

/url/devworks.html


Informix News Back to top

Provocative White Papers from Database Trends and Applications

New complimentary white papers from DBTA this month include:

Cost-Effective Database Administration Without Compromising Service Quality
http://www.dbta.com/Downloads/Download.ashx?IssueID=1569

The Great BI Debate: On-Site vs. SaaS
http://www.dbta.com/Downloads/Download.ashx?IssueID=1548

Downloaded White Papers, Case Studies and Software Are Always Complimentary at http://www.dbta.com


IIUG Corner Back to top

2009 Survey Says…

Once again the IIUG Board of Directors has put together a survey of features the Informix community would like to see added to the next release of IDS. This year’s feature list was taken from the write-in suggestions from the 2008 survey. If you wrote in a request, you may see it there!

In addition, we have a couple new survey topics. IBM would like to see what other databases Informix users have at their companies besides Informix. This knowledge can also drive new features for future releases. There are also questions about 4GL use. If you do not use 4gl, just answer “no” and skip to the next survey section.

Every year we get write-in feature requests that are unclear. Please, please, please — add your email address into the email blank if you write in a request. Then you can get emails from us to better define the feature and to let you know when it becomes available. Every year we get requests for features that are already in the product — so with email addresses we can let you know how to use the new feature. The email address is optional to allow you to take the survey unanimously, just realize we throw out a lot of requests that are not clear.

Some of these new features that have been added that were on the 2008 survey include:

  • Implement a major release of Informix 4GL (version 7.50 4GL is now available)
  • Implement UPSERT, a combined insert/update for row inserts (now available in 11.50.FC5 warehousing features as MERGE)

There will be even more new features in the 11.50.FC6 release, which is planned for the end of October. Be sure to attend the IBM IOD in Las Vegas to hear descriptions of all the newest features. A link to the IBM IOD Conference registration is found on the rightside of the front page of the IIUG web site.

IBM has a great link that explains the new features of each fixpack. You can find it here:

/url/fixpack.html

The survey will run from September 28, 2009 to November 1, 2009 and can be found at:

/2009_survey/

Thanks for your input!

Survey masters: Andrew Ford (andrew@iiug.org) & Kate Tomchik (kate@iiug.org)


Informix resources Back to top

Informix Blogs and things

  • The IIUG forums at /forums/technical.php **** these are very good****
  • Blogs, Videos, News and more at http://planetids.com
  • IDS Experts at http://www-03.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/idsteam
  • Guy Bowerman at http://www-03.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/gbowerman
  • Madison Pruitt at http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/roundrep
  • Jacques Roy at http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/jacquesroy
  • Cathy Elliott at https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/mydeveloperworks/blogs/InformixVoices
  • Informix blogs at http://www.ibmdatabasemag.com/blog/main/archives/informix/index.html
  • Kate Dawson at http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/blogs/page/katedawson
  • Fernando Nunes at http://informix-technology.blogspot.com/
  • Virtual Worlds, MMOGs, Serious data – Informix Technology for Persistent Worlds http://informix4virtual.wordpress.com/
  • IBM DATABASE MAGAZINE at http://www.ibmdatabasemag.com
  • The Informix Zone at http://www.informix-zone.com
  • The Informix mag at http://www.informixmag.com/
  • IIUG Developers Desktop /devnews/Vol_1_Iss_4/Home.html
  • There is now an Informix group on LinkedIn. The group is called “Informix Supporter”, so anyone loving Informix can join, from current IBM employees, former Informix employees, to users. It will also be a good occasion to get in touch with others or long-time-no-seen friends. If you fancy showing the Informix logo on your profile, join. To join, simply go to: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/25049/5E4B2048E558

 


Calendar of events Back to top

October – 2009
Date Event Location Contact
5-6 2009 Informix Road Show Caracas, Venezuela
8-9 2009 Informix Road Show Buenos Aires, Argentina
8-9 2009 Informix Road Show Munich, Germany
19-20 2009 Informix Road Show Santiago, Chile
25-29 Information on Demand Global Conference 2009 Las Vegas, Nevada
28 52nd German IUG Workshop Hamburg, Germany Elisabeth Majeric – verwaltung@iug.de
November – 2009
Date Event Location Contact
12 Informix Community Event Henry, Warwickshire U.K. Bell Micro

 


Useful links Back to top

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:

/quicklinks.html


Closing and credits Back to top

The International Informix Users Group (IIUG) is an organization designed to enhance communications between its worldwide user community and IBM. The 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
Tammy Frankforter

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

Published
Categorized as Insider

By Vicente Salvador

Board member since 2014, a user since 1989 and Informix fan. I'am software architect which allow me to combine technical and business skills.