What replaced IBM Db2 Web Query for i?

There is no single official successor. IBM i shops that ran Db2 Web Query have moved to a range of tools. Cat Pumps replaced it with m-Power, a low-code development platform from mrc that handles IBM i reporting over existing data, including the scheduling and Excel export functions Db2 Web Query did.

Can a small IT team migrate Db2 Web Query reports without consultants?

Yes. Cat Pumps converted more than 300 Db2 Web Query reports with a 3-person team and no outside services engagement. A working knowledge of SQL and the underlying database makes the conversion faster, and vendor support that will step in and help if needed.

Does a Db2 Web Query replacement require moving data off IBM i?

It should not. Tools like m-Power run directly over your existing databases, including IBM i, on-premise or in the cloud. The data stays where it lives, the way Db2 Web Query read it, so there is no separate data migration project.

What happens if I keep running Db2 Web Query past the support cutoff?

The tool still runs. Patches stopped, compatibility with newer IBM i releases is not guaranteed, and there is nobody on the vendor side to call when something breaks. Some shops are still on Web Query for that reason, and it works until it doesn't. Just be aware that a new IBM i release could break compatibility.

What skills does my team need to migrate Db2 Web Query reports?

SQL fluency and a working knowledge of the underlying database matter more than experience with any specific tool. The migration is mostly the work of re-creating report logic in a new environment, so a team that knows its data tends to move faster than a team that knows the old tool.

Reporting & BI – mrc's Cup of Joe Blog

What to Look For in a Db2 Web Query Replacement

By Sal Stangarone / Web Query, web reporting

Support for Db2 Web Query was pulled a few years ago, and many companies migrated away immediately. But, at COMMON PowerUP26 this spring, we were surprised by a couple of things:

First, we were surprised at the amount of people who said they were still running Web Query. They’re running without support until they’re forced to migrate.

Second, was the amount of people who tried to migrate and found it harder than they expected. There is a reason some migrations stall, and it’s worth understanding before you look for a Db2 Web Query replacement.

The big reason: Nothing is a true one-to-one swap for Web Query.

Whatever tool you pick, it will not reproduce your reports on its own. You’ll likely need to re-create those reports, and sooner or later you will hit something that the new tool does not handle out of the box.

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Choosing a Web Query Alternative: One Consultant’s Methodical Approach

By Sal Stangarone / Web Query, web reporting

When IBM announced the end of Db2 Web Query for i, it caught many businesses off guard. Web Query was the go-to reporting tool for IBM i shops. Suddenly, those companies were left asking the same question: Now what?

Rick Flagler, an experienced IBM i consultant, heard that question from his clients almost immediately. They depended on Web Query for reporting and needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t compromise functionality.

Rick approached the challenge with the precision you’d expect from a seasoned consultant. First, he created a “shopping list” of features that a Web Query replacement should include. He then dove into the landscape of BI tools built for IBM i, narrowing the field to those that ran natively and aligned with his clients’ needs.

From there, Rick didn’t rely on vendor claims or promises…he put each option to the test. He reviewed report designs, requested proof-of-concept demos, and evaluated each product’s ability to meet his criteria.

While I’m happy to say that his search led to m-Power, I’m just scratching the surface here. Rick wrote an article on the whole process, and goes into more details on his approach and criteria. You can read it here: “Life After IBM Db2 Web Query for i: Finding an Alternative.”

If you’re looking for a Web Query replacement, this article is well worth the read. It provides great insight into a thoughtful software evaluation process, what to look for in a BI replacement, and how an experienced consultant approaches this task.

To learn more about m-Power and how it can replace Db2 Web Query, check out this page: IBM Db2 Web Query Replacement

Video: Create web-based reports over a Snowflake database

By Sal Stangarone / web reporting

Snowflake is a popular data platform and data warehouse. It provides a cloud-based, relational database that businesses use to store structured and semi-structured data. Snowflake is known for offering data access at near-infinite scale, and is often used to store massive data sets.

The big question: If you use Snowflake, what are you doing with all of your data? Are you using this data to gain a clear view of your business and make informed decisions? Do you have an easy way to quickly create reports and dashboards over your data tables?

After all, what good is your data if you don’t use it?

The good news: Creating reports over your Snowflake data tables is simple! We just released a new video demo that shows how easily you can create reports, BI applications, and dashboards over your data. In just 5 minutes, we take you step-by-step through the whole process of creating a report over a Snowflake database table using m-Power. You can find the video below:

Want to see m-Power working over your data? Set up a custom demo here: m-Power Demo.

POWERCast Webinar Replay: Db2 Web Query Alternative – See m-Power in Action

By Sal Stangarone / web reporting

With IBM pulling the plug on Db2 Web Query, many customers are stuck looking for alternatives. While IBM states there is “no direct replacement for IBM Db2 Web Query for i,” there are options.

In this joint webinar with the COMMON User Group, we’ll take you through a live demo of one such alternative: The m-Power Development Platform. m-Power offers all of the reporting and BI capabilities of Db2 Web Query, and a whole lot more! In this webinar, you will:

Get introduced to m-Power’s reporting capabilities.
Watch m-Power build reports from start to finish.
See how easily you can set up scheduled reporting, security, portals, dashboards, and more.

Watch the webinar replay to learn how m-Power can replace what you’re doing with Web Query, and also deliver new capabilities! You can find the webinar replay here: Webinar Replay: Db2 Web Query Alternative – See m-Power in Action.

What are the alternatives for IBM Db2 Web Query?

By Sal Stangarone

In a surprising move, IBM just pulled the plug on Db2 Web Query for i. They posted a brief announcement letter on their site that states, “Effective October 10, 2023, IBM® withdraws from marketing all IBM Db2® Web Query products, including the capability to order or renew Software Maintenance.”

So…what now? I know of many businesses that have significant investments in this product. They probably feel blindsided. It’s like the rug was pulled out from under them.

If you’re in this position…what are you doing? Will you continue using the product without support or upgrades? Or, will you look for alternatives? While IBM states that there is “no direct replacement for IBM Db2 Web Query for i”, there are certainly other options.

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