SQL Server
IBM DB2

SQL Server to IBM DB2 Converter

Move SQL Server, Azure SQL, or Amazon RDS for SQL Server data into an IBM Db2 schema with type-mapping review, saved sessions, and optional two-way sync.

SQL Server to IBM Db2 migration usually means moving SQL Server, SQL Server Express, Azure SQL, or Amazon RDS for SQL Server tables into a Db2 schema.

The project is normally a platform-integration move into an IBM-centered environment. The table copy is only part of it: identity values, Unicode text, LOB columns, date/time precision, T-SQL views, and stored procedures need Db2-compatible decisions.

What DBConvert does on this path: handles SQL Server → Db2 as a repeatable desktop workflow:

  • Connects to SQL Server by TCP/IP or Named Pipes, including Azure SQL and Amazon RDS for SQL Server.
  • Connects to the Db2 target through IBM Data Server Client libraries and lets you pick the destination schema.
  • Creates Db2-compatible tables and moves rows, indexes, relationships, and supported view definitions with type-mapping review.
  • Saves sessions for repeated test loads; DBSync keeps SQL Server and Db2 aligned during a staged cutover.

What it does not do: DBConvert does not rewrite T-SQL stored procedures, triggers, jobs, CLR code, or application SQL into Db2 SQL PL.

Which tool: DBConvert or DBSync?

DBConvert for SQL Server → Db2

One-time migration or repeatable test loads. Use it when Db2 is becoming the target database and you need SQL Server schema, table data, indexes, relationships, and supported views moved through a desktop wizard.

DBSync for SQL Server ↔ Db2

Staged cutover or recurring synchronization. Use it when SQL Server must keep running while Db2 is populated, tested, or gradually becomes the target of record. Review synchronization concepts.

Need more context? Compare DBConvert and DBSync side by side →

How DBConvert handles the SQL Server → Db2 differences

DBConvert handles the table-level migration in the wizard: connection, schema selection, type mapping, indexes, supported views, transfer, and validation. T-SQL procedural code remains a separate rewrite track.

Connection and schema

DBConvert reads SQL Server schemas from on-prem, Azure SQL, or Amazon RDS sources and writes the selected tables into the Db2 target schema you choose in the wizard.

Type mapping review

Numeric precision, Unicode text, LOB columns, binary payloads, date/time values, and SQL Server BIT flags are reviewed before Db2 tables are created.

Identity and generated values

SQL Server identity columns need a Db2 identity or sequence policy. After import, confirm next values before Db2 starts receiving application writes.

Application SQL cleanup

T-SQL-specific syntax such as TOP, ISNULL, GETDATE(), bracketed identifiers, and SQL Server pagination needs Db2 SQL review.

Validation after import

Compare row counts, inspect nullable columns, check key ranges, and sample LOB / Unicode values after the Db2 load.

Procedural code boundary

DBConvert migrates tables, views, and foreign keys. T-SQL procedures, triggers, jobs, CLR code, and application SQL are rewritten manually in Db2 SQL PL or the new application layer.

Type mapping checkpoints

SQL Server source type Db2 target type Migration note
int, bigint INTEGER, BIGINT Review identity columns and next-value policy.
decimal(p,s), numeric(p,s) DECIMAL(p,s) Keep declared precision and scale for finance columns.
nvarchar, nchar VARGRAPHIC, GRAPHIC Use Unicode-compatible targets for double-byte text.
datetime2, datetimeoffset TIMESTAMP Confirm fractional-second and timezone policy during test load.
bit SMALLINT or BOOLEAN policy Pick a representation compatible with the consuming Db2 application.
varchar(max), varbinary(max), xml CLOB, BLOB, XML Sample the largest rows after load; LOB columns reveal driver issues first.

Choosing the SQL Server → Db2 route

Public results for this direction are mostly practical: migration utilities, SQL conversion tools, and IBM target setup notes rather than one dominant official wizard.

Route Where it fits Where it falls short
IBM / DBA-led setup plus migration utility target schema first Teams that need Db2 database creation, schema ownership, grants, and target application configuration controlled by the Db2 DBA. Still needs a data migration utility and mapping workflow for SQL Server tables, indexes, and type decisions.
SQL conversion toolkits SQLines / Ispirer-style code conversion Projects where DDL, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and SQL scripts are the main migration risk. More code-conversion focused than recurring data movement; synchronization and rerunnable business test loads need separate handling.
DBConvert / DBSync commercial desktop, Windows GUI-based SQL Server → Db2 transfer with selective table migration, type-mapping review, saved sessions, filters, scheduler / CLI, and optional synchronization. Not a T-SQL-to-Db2-SQL-PL converter. Stored procedures, triggers, jobs, and application SQL are a separate rewrite track.

Db2 target planning

Set up the Db2 target before the first full test run so type mapping and validation happen against the real schema.

Schema and grants

Create or select the Db2 database and schema, then confirm target permissions before the first migration run.

Db2 client libraries

Install and test IBM Data Server Client connectivity before moving large SQL Server tables.

Validation checkpoints

Compare row counts, key ranges, nullable columns, Unicode text, LOB values, and generated-key behavior after the test load.

Use the SQL Server connection guide for source setup and the DB2 client troubleshooting guide if client library or authentication errors appear.

Supported versions

  • SQL Server 2008–2022, including Express editions
  • Azure SQL Database and Amazon RDS for SQL Server
  • SQL Server schemas (dbo, custom schemas)
  • Windows authentication or SQL authentication
  • IBM DB2 v9.7 and later

Supported in this path

Source SQL Server
Target IBM DB2
Microsoft SQL Server SQL Server Express Azure SQL Database Amazon RDS for SQL Server IBM DB2
SQL Server

All SQL Server Tools

Other directions and pairs
IBM DB2

All IBM DB2 Tools

Migration & sync options

Reverse Conversion

IBM DB2 to SQL Server

Using SQL Server to IBM DB2 Tools

When launching the DBConvert or DBSync application in GUI mode, it guides you through the steps to start database migration or synchronization:

1

Connect to SQL Server source database

Specify the username/password and host/port parameters if your source database requires login credentials.

Connect to SQL Server source database from DBConvert

SQL Server source

Connect by TCP/IP or Named Pipes, use Azure SQL, or read from Amazon RDS for SQL Server.

2

Connect to IBM DB2 destination database

Specify parameters for the destination database similar to the source, defining connection settings and username/password pairs.

Connect to IBM DB2 target database from DBConvert

DB2 target

Connect through IBM Data Server Client libraries — pick the destination DB2 schema in the wizard.

More guides for SQL Server ↔ IBM DB2

Next steps: configure, validate, run

After connecting source and target, the remaining steps are the same for every database pair:

  • Configure migration options - pick tables, fields, indices, views.
  • Issue detection - the built-in checker flags integrity problems before migration starts.
  • Execute - commit the job, monitor progress, save the session for reuse.
  • Schedule and CLI - rerun saved sessions on a schedule or from the command line.
Open the full guide

Steps 3-5, software features, command-line mode, scheduler, and system requirements.

See all features