IDUG Db2 Table Talk

Executive IT Specialist Cuneyt Goksu has more than 25 years' experience in Db2, and has volunteered with IDUG for nearly as long. Cuneyt discusses his start with mainframe back in the days of Db2 v2 and Db2-L  – in the mists of ancient times, per Marcus – and discusses life as a passionate mainframe enthusiast, former IBM Gold Consultant and long-time instructor. Learn how marriage changed his career approach, and what prompte...

In this episode, Marcus asked guest Haakon Roberts to "unpack the sweeties from the box of delights that is Version Next" of Db2 for z/OS. (With an ask like that, how could Haakon refuse?) Hear a preview of Haakon's planned IDUG #EMEA25 session, including why users can now have their cake and eat it relative to Db2 stability and product quality. Haakon also shares some recent updates and current developments for Db2 ...

In this upbeat conversation, Steen discusses his Db2 career of more than 40 years, and the revolutionary nature of his favorite but "very boring" Db2 feature. Of particular note are Steen’s innovative method to save on IDUG travel costs, an eye-opening conference-related beverage experience, and the total number of IDUG Conferences Steen has attended. (Hint: it’s more than 60.) Don't miss his specific advice for anyo...

Recently retired IBM Fellow Namik Hrle discusses his journey from the beginning, where he grew up in "a country that doesn't exist." He shares the realization that inspired him to broaden his perspective beyond the mainframe, the technology that any Z customer running cloud should be interested in, and how retirement feels a bit like keeping a plane in flight. An intriguing - and at times, truly amazing - conversatio...

In this special edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, Julia and Marcus chat with a group of attendees who are relatively new to the IDUG EMEA Db2 Tech Conference, with varied levels of professional experience. The panel share insights about key conference benefits that will help justify management approval for attendance, plus easy ways to plan ahead and secure space in special sessions and events. They also reveal where the magic happen...

After hearing John Campbell speak at GSE Nordic 2025, Marcus had questions...What is a high-performance DBAT? How do you make a thread "high performance"? 

John Campbell – Db2 guru, consultant, and former IBM Distinguished Engineer  – starts at the beginning of the distributed journey within Db2 for z/OS. Tune in to learn about cheap connections vs expensive threads, whether a large or small connection pool is better, and ...

Perhaps it's natural for Henrik Loeser to share Db2 tips and guidance since he comes from a family of educators. Tune in to learn how Henrik's blog began, what it's like to be a translator from bits & bytes to benefits, and what prompted this next statement: "Brahms Requiem is a banger." (Hint: Will there be an IDUG House Band performing in Dusseldorf?)  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User...

What do IBM Champion Frank Filmore and the late Tupac Shakur have in common? Marcus and Julia discuss this connection, plus Frank's favorite Db2 feature of all time, and why you'll have to wait 5 years to hear his views on AI. Don't miss these insights, plus his "peculiar" watsonx.data use case example and a few stories from the road.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

It's a privilege to speak with a DB2 expert who has been around since the beginning - literally. Dusty Rivers is a 47-year industry veteran who has his own quantum chip and can explain why it was called Db2 in the first place (at least in theory). He also suggests that if you're new to the Db2 community, you should know who you'd like to meet at conferences...especially if Dusty himself is attending. Hear his insight...

What do a long line at the DMV, a packet of chewing gum, and your bank balance have in common? Miran Badzak explains while reflecting on Db2's best year on record (2023). He also teases some new product announcements that will be shared at IDUG's 2024 EMEA Db2 Tech Conference this fall. (Think AI optimization, performance and UX improvements, and driver support for a certain "fruity" OS...finally.)

Learn more abo...

This dynamic duo already has a cult following for their presentations, and they've breathed fresh air into our typically dusty, gray-haired podcast this month. Victoria Felt and Keziah Knopp are new enough in their careers that nothing really embarrassing has happened yet, but we do delve into some other interesting areas including broken bones and GenAI (using air quotes).

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Grou...