Implementing DB2 with ReportCenter › DB2 and JDBC

DB2 and JDBC

The ReportCenter database is accessed from the ReportCenter Java Task, using JDBC. JDBC is a Java application programming interface (API) that Java applications use to access any relational database.

JDBC support for DB2 is supplied as part of the DB2 for z/OS JDBC/SQLJ component.

IBM supplies the following DB2 for z/OS JDBC drivers:

Legacy JDBC Driver

This is an older, CLI-based driver supported for backward compatibility.

IBM has the following constraints on the use of the Legacy JDBC driver:

• The driver works with DB2 V7 and V8, but only with SDK 1.4.x
• The driver does not work with DB2 V9

Universal JDBC Driver

This is the current DRDA-based driver. The driver provides Type 2 Connectivity and Type 4 Connectivity.

IBM has the following constraints on the use of the Universal JDBC driver:

• It is the only driver supported by DB2 Version 9. If you have DB2 V9 you must use the Universal driver.
• It is the only driver supported by the SDK V5 or later. If you use SDK V5, you must use the Universal Driver. If you use SDK 1.4.x, you can use either driver (subject to the other restrictions).
• It is the only driver supported by a 64-bit SDK (1.4.x or V5). If you use a 64-bit SDK (and IBM recommends V5), you must use the Universal Driver.

ReportCenter supports the Legacy and Universal JDBC drivers. ReportCenter can use Type 2 Connectivity or Type 4 Connectivity with the Universal JDBC Driver. Generally, IBM recommends Type 2 Connectivity when the application and DB2 run on the same LPAR. Type 4 Connectivity is required when the application has to access DB2 on a remote LPAR.

The JDBC URL determines the connectivity type.

DB2 for z/OS JDBC Driver variations can be a confusing area of implementation. For more information about implementation, see the Application Programming Guide and Reference for Java™ for your version of DB2, and the README file located in the jcc directory of your DB2 file system. For general information and explanations about z/OS DB2 JDBC drivers, we recommend that you use a search engine to find related articles and publications on the IBM web sites.