HOUSTON - (May 3, 2005) - BMC Software, Inc., [NYSE: BMC], a leader in enterprise management solutions, today introduced the industry's most advanced solution for managing and tuning every aspect of the DB2 Universal Database (UDB). With the introduction of SmartDBA® Performance Solution for DB2 UDB version 3.0, BMC Software is making it possible for Unix, Linux and Windows customers to meet their performance goals by enabling comprehensive database analysis and rapid identification and resolution of problems. By providing the ability to quickly identify and resolve database problems that are impacting business performance, customers are able to better manage their IT priorities as they relate to business objectives for a complete Business Service Management (BSM) strategy.

"For companies to be successful in today's competitive business environment they must offer more services, improve availability and accelerate performance. These demands put business infrastructure and applications in a constant cycle of change that is nearly impossible to manage," said Sean Duclaux, Director of Product Management, Infrastructure Management, BMC Software. "Our SmartDBA Performance Solution mitigates risk by providing a comprehensive analysis of the database and directs DBAs to those areas that truly impact business performance, providing resolutions and the facilities to implement fixes. Unlike other vendor solutions, SmartDBA makes it possible for customers to truly achieve their performance goals."

Understanding Performance Problems

SmartDBA Performance Solution for DB2 UDB enables DBAs to maintain desired performance levels, reduce maintenance needs and timing, and better prepare for future growth of applications. Its built-in intelligence reduces costs traditionally associated with this process by automating data collection and analyzing transactions flowing through databases, identifying trends and detecting abnormalities. The solution's unique SmartDBA "Find-n-Fix" workflow identifies problems, provides recommendations and offers seamless step-by-step fixes via a revolutionary "task guide." In addition to identifying such problems as data fragmentation or poorly written SQL, it identifies what objects and SQL are being impacted, and provides advice on what and how much is needed to be measured to meet desired performance service levels.

"The ability to quickly collect all of the SQL information within an enterprise system and see exactly where a problem is occurring and what steps we can take to resolve it is truly beneficial," said Mary Sikes, database administrator, Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Texas. "Combining this level of insight with the ability to be proactive (versus reactive) in identifying and resolving problems would enable us to improve availability and accelerate performance."

SmartDBA Performance Solution for DB2 UDB offers unmatched performance history tracking capabilities including the ability to drill into history to pinpoint SQL and database problems through an easy-to-navigate graphical user interface. In addition to providing continuous 24 hours of data readily available for review, the performance enhancements also provide a rolling 30 days of history for performance trending and analysis.

According to Kim Taylor, senior consultant, Data Base Management for HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world, throughout the year their DBA teams have been asked to investigate problems that are difficult to diagnose. "For example, recently an on-line loan application system slowed down for approximately 15 minutes at 1:30 in the morning. By the time the DBA team had started their investigation, the offending SQL was no longer available. With this new release of SmartDBA Performance Solution, BMC will help us to avoid such situations going forward as we now have the capability to go back in time and review exactly what was executing at the time of the problem. No more guessing."

Through new technological advances, SmartDBA Performance Solution for DB2 UDB is providing users with more advanced performance capabilities. Its high-powered collection technologies now collect and store performance data and statistics in a user-accessible performance repository. Further, the addition of patented "equalization" methodology makes it possible to turn raw data into useable performance information. This will give DB2 UDB professionals the data they need to tune the SQL that underlies key business processes.

Pricing and Availability

SmartDBA Performance Solution for DB2 UDB for Unix, Linux and Windows version 3.0 will be available immediately worldwide. For pricing, as well as additional information on BMC Software's SmartDBA family, please visit BMC Database Management.