DB2 9 "Viper" Named Best Database Management Solution for 2007 by the Software and Information Industry Association

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that DB2 9 “Viper” data server was named winner of the 2007 Best Database Management Solution at the Software & Information Industry Association’s (SIIA) 22nd Annual CODiE Awards. DB2 9 was one of more than 1,197 nominations this year -- the most in the history of the CODiEs.

The CODiE Awards holds the distinction of being the only peer-recognition awards program of its kind in the industry, providing a unique opportunity for companies to earn the praise of their competitors. The CODiE Awards program, now in its twenty-first year, remains the standard-bearer for celebrating outstanding achievement and vision in the software industry.

DB2 9 marks the culmination of a five-year IBM development project that transformed traditional, static database technology into an interactive, vibrant data server that enables clients to improve their ability to manage all types of information, such as documents, images, Web pages, and digitally signed XML transactions. IBM’s new data server provides an industry-first seamless and simultaneous information flow of XML and relational data, regardless of format, platform or location.

DB2 9 includes a trio of significant advancements, including patented “pureXML” technology, breakthrough “Venom” storage compression and enhanced autonomic data management capabilities. This combination of industry-first features, along with new security and disaster recovery enhancements, can speed information queries and provide clients with unconstrained information access. DB2 9 also enables access to data stored on conventional Oracle and MySQL databases -- a feature unavailable from those vendors.

“I applaud all the companies selected as winners or finalists in the 22nd annual CODiE Awards,” said Ken Wasch, SIIA President. “The software and information industry continues to move at a dizzying pace, and being recognized by your peers for getting to and staying at the head of the pack in such a dynamic environment is a major accomplishment. It is one of the reasons why the CODiE Awards hold such a special place in our industry.”

The CODiE Awards -- established in 1986 and given each year by the SIAA -- utilize both journalist and peer-company reviews to identify the leaders and innovators in 75 categories across the software, digital content and education technology industries. Hundreds of technology executives attended the gala event to recognize and congratulate the winners.

For a full listing of all winners, visit http://siia.net/codies/2007/winners.asp.

For more information about IBM DB2 9, visit www.ibm.com/db2/viper.