IBM and Avokia Set Record for Long-Range Database Clustering

IBM and Avokia Inc., today announced they have developed a long-range database clustering technology, which is the first of its kind to link active data servers located thousands of miles apart.

The technology, called "active-active" database clustering, describes a process by which all of an organization's information management systems are kept online, regardless of their physical location, ensuring continuous availability of critical business information. This solution allows companies to take idle systems traditionally used for backup and devote them to production tasks.

IBM and Avokia created the record-setting, high availability data solution for Espressocode, a leading software provider for the freight and customs industries. The installation combines IBM's new DB2 9 "Viper" data server, Avokia's apLive database clustering software and Espressocode's Exdocs logistics management software to continuously synchronize databases located roughly 2,500 miles apart in Toronto and San Francisco. This advanced level of protection provides Espressocode clients with uninterrupted access to, and availability of, essential business information.

"Shipping is a 24/7 business and access to information can mean the difference between a smooth running operation and a logistical nightmare," said Sean Pulins, president, Espressocode. "By working with Avokia and IBM, we have put in place a system that guarantees our clients will have access to the information they need to confidently conduct business anywhere in the world."

Avokia apLive delivers continuous availability by making it possible for companies to run a cluster of DB2 databases, wherein each server is a replica of the others, and all servers are active and load balanced, in a single or multi-site (LAN/WAN) environment. With extremely low bandwidth usage and multiple active, redundant servers in operation, zero downtime is experienced even if servers come off-line due to a catastrophic event, power failure or for routine maintenance.

"The shipping industry typifies what a truly global economy is all about and access to information is at the heart of it," said Alan McMillan, CEO of Avokia. "In this business there is no such thing as a day off or slow time. With Avokia apLive and IBM DB2, we are delivering 'always on' capabilities for Espressocode's 'always on' business."

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, audio and video files, images, Web pages, and digitally signed XML transactions. IBM's new data server provides the industry's first seamless and simultaneous information flow of XML and relational data, regardless of format, platform or location.

"Just a few months after DB2 9 began shipping to clients, it is delivering on the promise of providing the most robust and versatile data server environment for backup and recovery operations," says Arvind Krishna, vice president, Data Servers, IBM. "Our partnership with Avokia is enabling Espressocode to reap the benefits of the highest performing and most reliable data server platform available, a critical factor to consider when the operational databases are thousands of miles apart."

Source: IBM

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