IBM has launched a new feature to help clients move applications written for the Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) database management system to Big Blue's DB2.
Migrating from Sybase ASE to DB2 with the new SQL Skin feature will help firms cut IT costs and get improved performance, according to IBM, which is currently hosting its Information on Demand 2010 event in Rome.
The introduction appears to be part of IBM's work to take market share from others working in the database management segment. It was just last year that IBM launched a similar feature to help businesses move applications on an Oracle Database over to the DB2 platform.
According to Big Blue, over 500 partners have either adopted or migrated to DB2 in the last 12 months, and since the introduction of DB2 9.7 increasing numbers of clients have moved their applications from Oracle Database to IBM's system.
Talking with IT PRO about where IBM stands in the database market, director of strategy at the firm Bernie Spang said that Big Blue is in the top two. Oracle has been a major rival of IBM's in the segment for years, but Microsoft is another big player.
The move also comes not long after SAP's purchase of Sybase for $5.8 billion.
IBM's ongoing work with SAP in helping people move applications to DB2 will not be affected by the latter's acquisition, Spang said. The introduction of the SQL Skin feature is simply part of a continuing strategy to help people migrate to DB2, he explained.
Spang also spoke about the benefits of moving SAP applications over to DB2 from an Oracle service. "What we've found is that the clients who have moved from Oracle Database to DB2 are getting better performance through applications and lower costs not only the software maintenance costs but the storage required [as well]," he added.
Read on for more news from IBM's IOD 2010.
