DB2 has a free version!

Did you know IBM offers a free version of DB2?  There is a free version of DB2, called DB2 Express-C, which offers most of the functionalities of a full blown DB2 edition.  Its robust enough such that it does not enforce a database size limit and also plays nice with 64-bit memory models.  DB2 Express-C is great for the small business or individual who do not want to pay for a data server and also enjoy all of the powerful capabilities that comes with DB2.  DB2 Express-C also contains DB2's XML engine, so you have the option of having both relational and xml databases.  This hybrid capability of DB2 Express-C makes it stand apart from other free database offerings such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.  Additionally, DB2 Express-C handles different platforms such as Windows, Linux, and most recently, Mac!

For more information about IBM's DB2 Express-C, please visit http://www-01.ibm.com/software/data/db2/express/ where you can also download this free, poweful data server and have the opportunity to try out DB2.   

-Upal

About DB2

DB2 is an IBM product. The direct competitor of this product is Oracle. Oracle and DB2 are quite similar in terms of caliber and applicable uses. Both are very reliable with a significantly low risk of system failure. DB2 is used nowadays in banks, stores, warehouses, internet or anywhere that does not tolerate data loss.
Those UofT students who took CSC343 might find DB2 similar to PostgreSQL.