Stinger: IBM's database SW for Linux, released

SAN FRANCISCO- International Business Machines Corp. late on Wednesday rolled out a new version of its database software aimed at users of Linux and Unix operating systems that it hopes will help the company take away market share from market leader Oracle Corp.

IBM said the latest version of its DB2 software that runs on Linux and Unix automatically self-manages databases, allowing companies to better manage, process and retrieve data such as product pricing.

Armonk, New York-based IBM said that the latest database software, code-named Stinger, will reduce the time spent on administrative tasks by up to 65 percent. Some analysts said Stinger would help raise IBM's profile against Oracle, IBM's chief rival in the market for database software and whose software also runs on Linux.

"This will take (DB2) to the next level and offer higher performance and reliability, which customers are requiring," said Noel Yuhanna, a San Jose, California-based analyst at Forrester Research.

"It's another step toward trying to gain more market share from Oracle," he added.

Linux software can be copied and modified freely and has become popular among businesses looking to cut information technology costs.

Linux is an alternative to various proprietary versions of the Unix operating system, developed by the former AT&T Corp. 35 years ago.

IBM's latest 8.2 version will be available starting Sept. 17, with prices beginning at $25,000 for DB2 enterprise edition.