The relevant topics of Database 2 (DB2) are covered very well in this book, and the authors have systematically organized the subject titles and presentation for intermediate and expert-level readers.

A good overview of DB2 functionalities is presented in the book. With DB2 Universal Database (UDB) v8 being the latest database version from IBM, the material presented in the book is up-to-date and deserves praise. The topics are well planned and organized for those preparing for certification examinations, as well as those involved in development and architecting.

The Note boxes in the text are excellent, and provide only relevant and interesting information. There are, in many places, data that would be new to even experts in the field. A little deeper presentation in UDB Administration would have made the book more attractive. And when the book is written for three prominent operating systems (Unix, Linux, and Windows), the write-up becomes more colorful.

In my opinion, the book will prepare examinees well; a slightly deeper analysis of various topics would have turned the book into a definite reference guide for the architects and managers. It is very neatly presented, and I would strongly recommend it for students and implementers.