Mainframe Blog

IDUG NA 2024 Conference: Highlights and Insights

People seminar conference
4 minute read
Nick Mears

IDUG, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing education, services, and conferences centered on IBM® Db2® databases, recently held the 2024 IDUG NA Conference in Charlotte, NC. BMC was proud to participate, with team members presenting on various topics throughout the event. The conference provided a platform to showcase how BMC is helping organizations transform data management, leverage cloud and next-generation tools, and shift left with database DevOps to enable next-generation database administrators (DBAs) to manage with insight-driven DataOps.

Per Ron Coleman, advisory IDUG board member and director of product management for BMC Automated Mainframe Intelligence (AMI), “We had a great experience at the conference, and we look forward to continuing the conversations we started centered around best practices and solutions for optimizing and automating for peak performance. Our focus on transforming data management, leveraging cloud and next-gen tools, and enabling next-gen DBAs through hybrid cloud and insight-driven DataOps resonated well with the attendees.”

BMC presentations at IDUG NA 2024

In case you missed any of the presentations, they are available via the IDUG site (registration required). Several of BMC’s IDUG presentations will also be made available on demand.

Here are a few highlights:

Next-Gen Z Db2 Tools: Enhancing DBA and Developer Collaboration with Efficiency and Automation

This session focused on modern tools and user interfaces (UIs) that enhance Db2 data retrieval and manipulation, streamline database maintenance, and support agile development and delivery. Attendees learned about tools that ensure 24×7 availability and resilience, providing a seamless customer experience. “Modern UIs and automation are game-changers for DBAs and developers alike. These tools not only enhance collaboration, but also drive efficiency and performance across the board,” said Michael Cotignola, Db2 Solution Engineer at BMC, who has been supporting Db2 mainframe solutions since 1996. He was joined by Jim Kurtz, an Advisory Software Consultant at BMC, who has specialized in Db2 since 1987.

Additional resources:


Cloud(y) with a Chance of Compliance: Db2 Recovery Strategies for DORA and Sheltered Harbor

Chad Reiber, a Sr. Principal Software Engineer at BMC with over 35 years of Db2 experience, discussed maintaining high availability and compliance with regulations such as the Digital Operations Resilience Act (DORA) and Sheltered Harbor. The presentation covered enhancing productivity through automation and modern interfaces, the importance of immutable mainframe data copies, and strategies for leveraging these copies to ensure data availability and expedite recovery. “Ensuring compliance and high availability in today’s regulatory landscape requires a blend of modern interfaces and automation,” he said. “Our strategies help DBAs stay ahead of challenges and secure their data effectively.”

Additional resources:

presentation


Back to Basics: The Nuts and Bolts of Db2 z/OS Recovery

This session by Chad Reiber covered the essential aspects of Db2 z/OS recovery, emphasizing the importance of robust, effective recovery strategies amid the current landscape of increasing cyberattacks and internal issues. Attendees gained a solid foundation in recovery methods and reasons, influenced by the evolving capabilities of Db2.


Back to Basics: Navigating Db2 Claims, Drains, and Materializing DDL Changes

Louise Comeaux, a Lead Product Developer at BMC with over 30 years of experience in mainframe development and Db2 z/OS, addressed performance challenges caused by claims, drains, and materializing pending DDL changes, providing insights into managing these issues effectively. The session catered to attendees at all levels, enhancing their understanding of essential Db2 REORG utilities as Louise emphasized the importance of mastering these fundamental components of effective database administration.


The Most Overlooked (But Most Helpful) Commands, Syntax, and Options for Db2 for z/OS

This session by Michael Cotignola explored the critical nature of essential yet often-overlooked options, commands, and syntax for optimizing Db2 management. It provided valuable insights for everyone from newcomers to seasoned professionals into pivotal updates and best practices for effectively managing Db2 environments.


BMC’s AMI Data for Db2 Utilities—What’s New?

Jim Kurtz highlighted new and existing features and enhancements in BMC AMI Data for Db2® utilities, and utility history tables, and how they can enhance data management and operational efficiency.


To learn more about these subjects, visit the resources below:

We hope you find these sessions useful and informative. If you have any questions about the topics covered or about our BMC AMI Data solutions, please visit bmc.com/amidata or reach out to us here.

Unlocking Business Value with Modern DataOps

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These postings are my own and do not necessarily represent BMC's position, strategies, or opinion.

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About the author

Nick Mears

Nick Mears (new author) As Principal Solutions Marketing Manager at BMC Software, Nick leads global solutions marketing initiatives within BMC Software's AMI team for AI-driven and DevOps-focused data management and mainframe-centric SaaS and on-prem applications. In this role, Nick helps data management and software development organizations that feature AI, ML, and intelligent automation capabilities increase the efficiency, availability, stability, and release velocity of enterprise-grade data management and DevOps applications. Nick has over 15 years of experience supporting technology companies and enterprise-grade software with customer-oriented value.