Determining which database to use with OM Web Viewer 14 DB2 or H2

Products

• Output Management Web Viewer

Issue/Introduction

Is it safer to use a DB2 database in production instead of an H2 Database with OM Web Viewer 14? 

Environment

• Output Management Web Viewer™ for z/OS
• H2 Database
• IBM Db2 Database

Cause

The H2 database is just a file out in your USS filesystem so it’s subject to environmental issues and problems just like any other file in the file system. 

Resolution

Here are a few thing to consider when making the choice:

1. The H2 product can create the database from scratch so you might find it much easier to setup. 
2. However, things like the filesystem running out of space can cause issues, causing you to lose your database if it is not backed up.
3. H2 also warns that the database file should not be copied while the database is open (meaning your Tomcat with Web Viewer is running).
4. However, there are many sites that successfully use the H2 database with Web Viewer.
5. We also provide sample JCL members for backing up and restoring the database.  So performing regular backups of the H2 database can also be an effective strategy.
6. With Db2 the initial setup is more involved and you usually have to involve your Db2 admins.
7. For Db2, backing up and restoring the database is left to your Db2 admin, so the Web Viewer Administrator does not have to be concerned with backups.
8. You could also consider staying with H2 for now and work on creating the Db2 database in the long run.  However, we do not have any utilities for moving the data over so you would be starting with a new Db2 database.