RE: These crazy emails about IDS to DB2 conversion

I couldn't resist jumping in the discussion. As a DBA, informix is better than DB2. But, as an IT manager, I would like to see a database that has tools like Oracle enterprise manager so that a newbie could run with the database if needed. In current economic situation, companies are not willing to hire a DBA. They would prefer to groom someone already employed (developer or data analyst). Vivek -----Original Message----- From: owner-informix-list@iiug.org [mailto:owner-informix-list@iiug.org] On Behalf Of Neil Truby Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 1:50 PM To: informix-list@iiug.org Subject: Re: These crazy emails about IDS to DB2 conversion "Serge Rielau" <srielau@ca.eye-be-em.com> wrote in message news:c00t97$16a$1@hanover.torolab.ibm.com... > Neil Truby wrote: > OK, so promoting the product is an issue. It certainly is a known one. > So reporting up that it is an issue will not do much good. How would > you promote Informix _if_you_were_in_IBM's_shoes_ ? I'd promote it as an IBM UNIX/Linux/NT database of choice, alongside DB2 if they wish. Arguably technically superior to DB2 UDB. And unencumbered by the general perception of DB2 as a mainframe product. > Let's stay reasonable, though. DB2 is and will be the flagship brand. > When negotiating you have to acknowledge unnegotiable points. Well, to be accurate, DB2 is the brand, and DB2 is the flagship product. But, you're right, and I accept that it's non-negotiable. IBM execs have an unshakeable belief in DB2, the product. Even I can see that isn't going to change. That's why I said in an earlier post that the IIUG's aims should be to advocate to IBM make DB2 the best possible conversion for Informix users. But I *know* from my own experience that IBM has very badly miscalculated in its attitude to Informix. Is it wrong to point this out? > What should IBM do? In my humble opinion? Promote Informix as a product in its own right. Ignore the analysts. Try to sell it to new customers. Destroy the impression that its actions are giving that Informix is dead. And not just because I want Informix to be preserved (although I do). But because they are haemoragging customers to the competition. Informix users are showing by deed and in their droves that they do not want to migrate to DB2. sending to informix-list sending to informix-list