CA Data Compressor for DB2 Modernization Guide

CA Data Compressor for DB2 is a data compression tool that operates transparently within the DB2 environment. It reduces storage space and I/O overhead by compressing data at the table level.

The product primarily uses configuration files to define compression rules and parameters. These files specify which tables to compress, the compression algorithms to use, and other settings related to compression behavior.

The main system components include the compression engine, the DB2 interface module, and the configuration management tools. The compression engine handles the actual compression and decompression of data. The DB2 interface module allows the compressor to interact with DB2. Configuration tools allow administrators to manage compression settings.

The product integrates directly with DB2 using native interfaces. It intercepts I/O requests to compress data before it is written to disk and decompresses it when it is read. There are no documented APIs exposed for external integration.

The architecture includes a compression engine that uses algorithms to reduce the size of data blocks. This engine interacts with DB2 through a load module, which intercepts data access requests. The compressed data is stored directly within the DB2 tables.

The product uses configuration files to specify compression rules and parameters. These files define which tables to compress, the compression algorithms to use, and other settings related to compression behavior.

By compressing data, the product reduces the amount of storage space required, leading to cost savings. It also improves I/O performance, as less data needs to be read from and written to disk.

The product's transparent operation minimizes disruption to existing applications and DB2 users. Compression and decompression happen automatically, without requiring changes to application code or database queries.

The product leverages DB2's existing security mechanisms for authentication and access control. It does not introduce its own security model but relies on DB2's user management and authorization features.

The product integrates with DB2's audit logging capabilities to track compression-related activities. These logs can be used to monitor compression ratios, identify potential issues, and ensure compliance with security policies.

The product provides administrative interfaces for configuring compression parameters, monitoring compression ratios, and managing compression rules. These interfaces may include command-line tools and graphical interfaces.

The product integrates with DB2's monitoring tools to provide insights into compression performance and storage savings. These tools can be used to track compression ratios, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize compression settings.