IBM upgrades DB2 database platform

IBM is to upgrade its DB2 database server next month, with extra support for XML-formatted data expected.

The firm plans to start shipping DB2 9 at the end of July. The extra XML support will be provided by technologies formerly in development under the Viper code-name.

Increasing the speed of applications is a main aim of these technologies. IBM also plans to add improved administration features and greater support for service-oriented architectures (SOAs) to help firms more easily develop web applications in response to the needs of their businesses.

DB2 9 will also offer support for the web development framework Ruby on Rails, among other features.

New storage technology in DB2 9 will reduce the storage hardware needs of DB2 users.

Oracle is the leading database software provider, although analyst Gartner says both IBM and Microsoft have recently shown stronger sales growth.