What is the difference between IMS and DB2?

[harish123]

Hi,

What is the difference between IMS and DB2? To start with IMS, what should learn?

[Robert Sample]

IMS is a hierarchical data base; DB2 is a relational data base (if you don't know the difference, then your first task will be to find out the difference). IMS dates back to 1966 and the Apollo moon program; DB2 dates back to 1974 and System R. There are plenty of good books and online tutorials available for either. Google is your friend. Googling ims database tutorial returned 317,000 hits and several on the first page appear to give you a good start in learning the fundamentals of IMS.

[harish123]

Thanks Robert. I'll dig more with research.

[harish123]

Is there an easy way of converting IMS DB to DB2, I mean is there some white paper someone has referred. I'm trying to search such references...