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c#sql.netdb2mainframe
DividedByZero
DividedByZero

Reputation: 21

C# - connecting to DB2 z/os mainframe without a license

Problem: I have a c# application that requires read and write access to DB2 z/os on mainframe.

I've searched around for weeks and came up with the conclusion: either go with IBM drivers (which requires a license file, or DB2 connect, or some sort of licensed software) or go with ole DB provider for db2 (host integration server) by Microsoft.

Microsoft option is free, just need to install the drivers, no need a license file. IBM option requires a DB2 connect software and a license (even if you use the ibm nuget package, it requires you to have the license file)

Questions: 1) can I do this for free meaning no license purchase? Aside from the Microsoft option? 2) is it possible to deploy the project to a machine without having to install any drivers? (Kinda like ibm's self contained nuget package) but you know, not requiring a license file?

Thanks in advance! P.S. the DB2 server is remote, not local

Upvotes: 1

Views: 1853

Answers (2)

DividedByZero
DividedByZero

Reputation: 21

As cschneid suggested, it IS possible to connect a c# application (or any a .NET application) to DB2 (Version 11 and up) for z/OS on mainframe through REST services. You just end up requesting and getting responses via JSON objects. You just need to make sure that DB2 is configured to handle REST calls (especially if you're using HTTPS)

Upvotes: 1

Maksim Zinal
Maksim Zinal

Reputation: 86

IBM-provided Db2 drivers always require proper Db2 Connect licenses to access Db2 for z/OS. Those are not always costly, this totally depends on the environment and the requirements.

Microsoft’s drivers seem to be free, however, when using them, consider:

  • the potential challenges when requesting the support from IBM - they will not agree to debug driver vs database interaction issues, and Microsoft will not help you unless you pay them;

  • possible compatibility issues, including the lack of support for the latest functions and limited compatibility with newer Db2 fixes (even within the single major Db2 version).

If those two things are not really important for you in your specific situation, you can avoid the need to pay for Db2 Connect by using Microsoft’s drivers :-)

Upvotes: 1

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