Alex Migutsky

Alex Mihutski

Head of Database Migration Department, Ispirer Systems

Often companies use several databases that serve various purposes. Nevertheless, the requirement to manage multiple diverse RDBMS can make data management challenging. In such scenarios, integrating databases is crucial as it enables smooth interaction and data flow across systems.

How to implement such an integration? What are the most efficient ways to do that? In this article we will cover several methods of connecting Oracle to DB2.

How to connect Oracle to DB2

To make connections from Oracle to DB2, users can use Oracle Database Gateway for ODBC (DG4ODBC).

Prerequisites

  • Access to Oracle and DB2 Databases. You need access permissions and necessary credentials for both the Oracle and DB2 databases.
  • Database Connectivity. Ensure that network connection between the Oracle and DB2 databases is established and configured properly.

Here are the steps for connecting Oracle to DB2:

1. Install Oracle Database Gateway for DB2. Download and install the Oracle Database Gateway for DB2 on the machine where the Oracle Database is located. This gateway allows Oracle Database to communicate with the DB2 database.

2. Configure Oracle Database Gateway for DB2. During the installation process, the system will prompt you to configure the gateway. Provide the necessary details such as DB2 database name, hostname, port, and authentication credentials.

3. Create a database link in Oracle.
- Connect to the Oracle database using SQL*Plus or any other SQL client.
- Run the following SQL command to create a database link.

CREATE DATABASE LINK db2_link
CONNECT TO db2_user IDENTIFIED BY db2_password
USING 'DB2_SID';

- Replace db2_link with the desired name for the database link.
- Replace db2_user and db2_password with the credentials of a user with access to the DB2 database.
- Replace DB2_SID with the DB2 System Identifier (SID).

4. Ensure proper permissions. Ensure that the user associated with the database link has appropriate permissions on the DB2 objects being accessed.

How to connect IBM DB2 to Oracle

To connect IBM DB2 and Oracle, you need a tool or middleware that can connect to both databases. If you need to use Oracle but have data in DB2, the best solution is to connect the two databases.

However, there is some bad news for the vice versa scenario. If you want to use a DB2 database but have data in Oracle, you will need to migrate the data. This is because the connection will not work for such a case.

Let’s get back to the case of connection from IBM DB2 to Oracle. A common approach is to utilize an ETL tool or middleware like IBM InfoSphere DataStage or Oracle Data Integrator. Developers designed these tools to handle data integration tasks between different databases and systems.

Here's a general overview of the steps involved in connecting Db2 to Oracle using an ETL tool like IBM InfoSphere DataStage:

1. Install and configure the ETL tool. Initially, ensure that the instrument you select can establish connections with both Db2 and Oracle databases. Set up the ETL tool on your device and adjust its settings to meet your needs.

2. Define connection details. Within the ETL tool, define connection details for both the Db2 and Oracle databases. This often involves providing information such as the hostname or IP address of the database server. It also includes the port number, database name, username, and password.

3. Create a data integration job. Utilize the graphical interface or scripting features of the ETL tool to establish a data integration task. This job outlines the process of extracting data from Db2, transforming it if needed, and loading it into Oracle.

4. Map data between sources and targets. Within the data integration job, map the data fields/columns from the source (Db2) to the corresponding fields/columns in the target (Oracle). This ensures that data is correctly transferred between the two databases.

5. Define transformation logic (if needed). If data transformation is required (e.g., data format conversion, data cleansing, etc.), define the necessary transformation logic within the data integration job.

6. Test the job. Before deploying the data integration job to production, thoroughly test it to ensure that it functions as expected. Verify that data is extracted from DB2 and loaded into Oracle accurately and efficiently.

7. Deploy and schedule the job. Once testing is completed, deploy the data integration job to your production environment and schedule it to run at the desired frequency (e.g., daily, hourly, etc.).

8. Monitor and maintain. Monitor the data integration job regularly to ensure that it continues to run smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments or optimizations as needed to maintain performance and reliability.

Oracle to DB2 Migration

In some cases, migration may be a better solution than integration. Depending on business goals and needs, such a solution can bring a number of benefits to the business. Let's see what are the advantages of migration:

  • Resources optimization. In many cases, companies find themselves managing multiple databases, which requires a team of database administrators proficient in each platform. By consolidating these databases through migration, organizations can streamline their resources, reducing the need for specialized personnel and simplifying database management processes.
  • Cost Reduction. For instance, DB2 may present more competitive licensing costs or pricing models compared to Oracle. For businesses seeking to trim operational expenses without sacrificing functionality, migrating from Oracle to DB2 offers a financially prudent solution. By leveraging the cost-effectiveness of DB2, organizations can allocate their budget more efficiently and invest in other areas critical to their success.
  • Platform Support. If an organization's IT infrastructure includes platforms or environments where DB2 is better supported or integrated, migration might be necessary to ensure compatibility and seamless operation across the entire technology stack.

In fact, DB2 database is one of the market leaders due to a number of solid advantages that it brings to the table. This RDBMS evolved through the years with diverse editions to cater to business needs of both large corporations and small companies.

DB2 is well known for its reliability, scalability, and performance. The system is designed to manage a large amount of data. The database can expand in size by adding more servers or increasing the capacity of current servers. Many organizations prefer DB2 because it offers various tools and utilities for managing databases, monitoring, and advanced analytics.

Before you connect Oracle and DB2, consider if it is the best solution for your business. Ask yourself if integrating Oracle and DB2 is the right choice for your business needs. Make sure to carefully evaluate if connecting Oracle and DB2 will benefit your business. Or maybe migration will bring more value to the table?

How to migrate Oracle to DB2?

Many may argue that migration is too complex to solve the problem of integration through it. However, there are tools that make migration easier and can reduce the time required to migrate to a new technology. Ispirer Toolkit is one of the most suitable tools for this purpose. Why? Because Ispirer Toolkit has a wide list of features for migrating to DB2 databases.

  • Schema conversion. Ispirer Toolkit allows to automate the migration of the entire Oracle schema to DB2. Containing hundreds of conversion rules in its engine, the tool automates the conversion of schema, including tables, views, indexes, sequences, and constraints, into DB2-compatible formats.
  • Data migration. The tool is capable of extracting data from Oracle databases, transforming it as necessary, and loading it into the corresponding tables in DB2. This should include support for handling data types, character sets, and data integrity constraints. Ispirer Toolkit also helps to switch between Oracle and DB2 databases by mapping data types effectively. Customizing column, table, and schema names allows for flexibility to match various database structures.
  • Customization option. Recognizing the uniqueness of each migration project, Ispirer Toolkit offers customization options. Customization implies adding necessary conversion rules to Ispirer Toolkit which enhances conversion quality. You can learn more about how it works in the article about SQLWays Wizard customization
  • Dependency management. The tool monitors and governs the relationships between objects, guaranteeing prioritized loading of parent objects. This functionality reduces the likelihood of reference-related complications throughout the migration, thereby facilitating a more seamless transition.
  • Error Handling and logging. Ispirer Toolkit allows to identify and quickly handle conversion errors thanks to its comprehensive migration reports. Logging capabilities provide detailed reports on migration status, errors, warnings, and actions taken.

Oracle to DB2 migration steps

In general there are several crucial steps for migrating Oracle to DB2.

  • Assessment and planning. The migration process begins with an analysis of the existing Oracle database schema, data, applications, and dependencies, followed by the identification of features requiring migration to DB2. Hardware and software requirements to the target DB2 environment are assessed, creating a migration strategy and defining the timeline. This comprehensive approach ensures a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions and optimizing performance post-migration.
  • Schema conversion. This involves converting Oracle-specific data types, constraints, and objects into their corresponding DB2 equivalents. Additionally, schema definitions and structures are adjusted as necessary to ensure compliance with DB2 standards and facilitate a seamless transition between the two platforms.
  • Data migration. This step involves transforming data formats and values, if necessary, to match DB2 requirements and loading the transformed data into the DB2 database.
  • Testing. Testing is a crucial step as it is necessary to validate database accuracy, application functionality, and performance under different scenarios.
  • Cutover

The final word

In conclusion, it's essential to recognize that the choice between integration and migration hinges on various factors unique to each organization's needs and circumstances. While integration preserves existing infrastructure, migration to another RDBMS may provide new opportunities and become a more straightforward route to attain desired functionalities.

For those considering the migration option, exploring automatic migration tools can offer valuable insights and streamline the process. Take advantage of a complimentary 30-day trial to assess the feasibility and benefits of migrating from Oracle to DB2. This trial period provides an opportunity to evaluate the capabilities and efficiency of Ispirer Toolkit firsthand and enables informed decision-making regarding the database transition.