IBM DB2 Integration with SharePoint

IBM DB2 data can be integrated and synchronized codeless with SharePoint on-premises lists using the Layer2 Business Data List Connector. In case you are looking for Online data integration, you will find the right tool here.

Fig.: It's easy to integrate IBM DB2 with SharePoint. Just create a list and click "Connect to external data source" in your list settings.

IBM DB2 Integration with SharePoint - Features & Benefits

• Very easy to setup in a few minutes: Create a new SharePoint list, click "Connect to external data source" in the list settings, select the data provider, enter connection settings and data query as shown below ... that's it.
• No changes in the IBM DB2 data source required: No programming, no additional tools.
• Connected list data always up-to-date: The connected IBM DB2 data query updates the SharePoint list automatically in background (via SharePoint Timer Job), or alternatively, on-demand (Action Menu / Ribbon Button, URL, via workflow, API).
• One-way and optional two-way connection: You can write-back the changes made in the SharePoint list to the external data source automatically with full CRUD (Create / Update / Delete) functionality. The SharePoint list can act as a full-featured front-end for external systems.
• Well-known BCS "external list" issues and limitations are completely solved: ALL list features are to you. Views, sorting and grouping, filters, calculated fields, search, managed metadata. Lookups, additional columns and attachments can be created as normal. All kind of lists can be used, e.g. contacts, tasks, calendar, or custom lists. You can take external data offline via Outlook.
• Workflows and notifications on external data change: List workflows and change notifications per RSS or email can be used to take business actions in SharePoint, when external IBM DB2 data records are changed.
• Application logging, reporting, and notifications: A SharePoint list is used to store settings and log information. SharePoint item versioning and workflows can be used to manage reporting and notifications. Direct notification per email in case of errors is supported as well.
• Highest Security, best performance, easy to maintain: SharePoint Secure Store can be used to store security relevant configuration information safely in one central place. Users are working with the SharePoint lists as an external data cache with highest security and performance. Large data sources can be synchronized.
• 100+ more external systems supported: Layer2 Data Providers included (e.g. for external SharePoint or Office 365, Exchange, Dynamics ERP/CRM, OData, XML/RSS, SOAP), vendor specific data providers can be used (e.g. SQL Server Oracle, MySQL etc.), 3rd party data providers also supported, e.g. for custom ERP/CRM, Facebook or Twitter. See here for supported systems and applications.

IBM DB2 Specific SharePoint List Configuration Settings

In the Layer2 Business Data List Connector the data connection must be configured as follows:

Figure 2: Example connection configuration to connect a native SharePoint list to a IBM DB2 data entity via Layer2 Business Data List Connector.

• To connect to DB2 you need the IBM Data Providers or the IBM ODBC Providers installed on any SharePoint WFE and App Server. These providers are not part of the Layer2 Provider package and should be downloaded separately from the vendors site.
• Select one of the mentioned data provider to connect. You will find specifications, e.g. supported data entities, query support etc. on vendor's home page.
• You can use a connection string like this to connect:
  Server=myServer:50000;Database=SAMPLE;uid=myLogin;password=myPassword
  or
  Hostname=myServer; port=50000; Database=SAMPLE; uid=myLogin; pwd=myPassword; Driver={IBM DB2 ODBC DRIVER}; Protocol=TCPIP;
• You can make use of all SQL queries that are supported by the data provider, for example:
  select * from SCHEMA."Products"
• You can map your list columns to specific external data source fields in the Layer2 Business Data List Connector. Please take care about data types (simple type conversions are supported).
• Bi-directional synchronization is supported. Write changes in SharePoint back to IBM DB2.
• No installation or changes are required at the data source or data destination.
• No programming required for setup a connection and sync.
• No need to open your local network for access from outside. No 3rd party involved.

IBM DB2 SharePoint Data Connection Details

​Provider:
IBM DB2 Data Provider for .NET Framework 4.0

or

.Net Framework Data Provider for ODBC

Connection string sample:
with IBM Provider:

• Server=myServer:50000;Database=SAMPLE;uid=myLogin;password=myPassword

with ODBC Provider

• Hostname=myServer; port=50000; Database=SAMPLE; uid=myLogin; pwd=myPassword; Driver={IBM DB2 ODBC DRIVER}; Protocol=TCPIP;

Select Statement sample:
SELECT "pid", "pname", "pseller", "description"
  FROM SCHEMA."Products"

SharePoint Integration with IBM DB2 - Limitations, Known Issues and Workarounds

No known issues so far.

Please contact sales@layer2solutions.com for help.

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