ODBC datasource for DB2 on 64 bit Windows 2008

Question

I just finished development of some code that communicates with DB2 and want to test/deploy it on a Windows 2008 machine. I'm a bit concerned about not being able to find a working ODBC datasource (DSN/client) driver for DB2 on Windows 2008 (x64). I have a 32-bit driver for XP but that one (obviously) won't install on 2008-64. The IBM web site comes up with 1844 results when searching for "ODBC Windows 2008", but none of them are relevant. The web site's also a pain to use, btw.

While googling around I found some solutions by 3rd party vendors but they all want money :) And the DB2 client and ODBC driver from IBM have always been free-of-charge.

Does anyone have a solution?

Answer 1

Is there a reason you're sticking with ODBC?

IBM's recommendation is to use the IBM.Data.DB2 provider for .Net. I'd also strongly recommend it myself. Our company spent quite a bit of time testing the performance of the different options for going from .NET to the iSeries, and this is by far the best option. All of the other methods had issues with dropped packets, inefficient packet use, etc. And it will work on your 64-bit server as well.

The only caveat is that you need Client Access installed on the server.

Answer 2

Well, I got it working, and in more than 1 way.

I managed to get ODBC up and running on Windows 2008 x64. I also managed to use my existing 32 bit code, by configuring a 32 bit data source using a 32 bit ODBC driver. The best suggestion though was David Stratton's. Using the DB2 Provider for .NET works just fine and in every case. Thanks for that.

~Rob.