How to tell if server-side DB2 Connect is available?

[Victor Olex]

Hello all, my first post here. Hoping someone can help.

If I understand correctly from the Python driver's page on GitHub a licensed DB2 Connect product is required when connecting from Linux to a DB2 on i Series (AS/400). Further it appears like there are two options: 

a) server-side DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for System i, or 

b) client-side DB2 Connect license file. 

The links that follow redirect to non-existent page on IBM Community (even though I am logged in there). You may want to update those.

I have little experience with DB2 and am working with client's personnel who may not as familiar with their DB2 server stack either. 

How can one tell if the server-side DB2 Connect Unlimited Edition for System i is available/activated and if so on what port it listens? 

Please help with commands that a system or database administrator can run.

Lastly, in case either a client or server-side license needs to be purchased, who should they get in touch with. How to obtain a trial license?

[Saba Kauser]

Hello Victor,

 I will correct the link, thanks for reporting.

To know if unlimited edition for system z license is installed9server based license), you can run db2connectactivate utility(this utility activates the license as well).

e.g:

db2connectactivate.sh -host hostname -port portno -database  database -user userid -password password -checkexisting

The above utility needs to be run from client. If license is purchased, the utility must be with the client already.

https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEPGG_11.1.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.licensing.doc/doc/t0057375.html
The Database admin can alternatively check if the SYSIBM.DB2CON_LIC procedure is present at the server, this is a tweak and I cannot guarantee if the existence of procedure implies that license is active.

For trial license, You can email:  sma...@rocketsoftware.com

[Victor Olex]

Thank you for responding. Just so I am clear, one can run db2connectactivate.sh even without the license file. What does the script do and what would be the expected output if the server "accepts" the client? Are there any implications to the server side? Does this have to be repeated in case client-side virtual machine changes IP address?

[Saba Kauser]

db2connectactivate is the utility to install the client license at server. The script should be success and will give you appropriate message based on the license installation results. This is one time activity and does not need to be repeated.