New Db2 Web Query Version 2.2.1 Announced!

The evolution of Db2 Web Query for i continues with a new version announced on October 3^rd, 2017. With Version 2.2.1, both the Business Intelligence product set and the DataMigrator ETL (Extract, Transformation, and Load) component are enhanced - adding several new features to address user requests as well as bring new industry features for reporting and analytics to IBM i customers.

There have been several times in the history of this product where IBM has delivered minor changes, and other times when you could say the product capabilities took a major leap. An example of a big leap was when Db2 Web Query went from the Report/Graph Assist report authoring tools to the much more intuitive, powerful InfoAssist component.  Another major leap was adding DataMigrator ETL with its integrated ability to un-tangle data into data marts or data warehouses.

Version 2.2.1 marks another major leap! This new version, available in mid-December, extends the community of users to the data analyst (or data scientist). New powerful “data discovery” analytics and visualizations make it even easier for analysts to navigate through data to understand what is driving the business. 

End users will be more empowered by new features such as auto link, auto drill down, and dynamic parameter navigation. Version 2.2.1 makes it easier for the end user to iterate through data and across multiple reports without having to go back to the report author for changes in the original report(s). The ability to interactively select data on the report to create a filter will be very useful to analysts to focus on related data of interest – within the same report.  

Were you aware of the geographical mapping visualizations in previous versions of Web Query? In 2.2.1, this gets even more interesting with additional enrichment to bring in information to your maps quickly and easily. New “layers” on the maps support such things as adding demographic data. 

Learning how to build new Data Visualizations will be easier with embedded video links to walk you through the steps. Here is a complete set of Version 2.2.1 Video Demonstrations - be sure to look at the ones titled "Visualizations." 

Upgrading to 2.2.1 is a no charge software update (assuming you are current on software maintenance). The Db2 Web Query EZ-Install package for 2.2.1 is now available to simplify that upgrade, or you can use it to install for the first time and run the complete product set under a 70 day trial.

To request the package, send an email to QU2@us.ibm.com and include your name, company name, and serial number of the system where you plan to install the software. When you're done installing we'll point you to a website for "next steps" that includes a test-drive, tutorials, and documentation on the Query/400 Discovery tool and Sample System Administration reports!