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Compare IBM Db2 and Microsoft SQL Server 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Enterprise (66.1% of reviews)
Enterprise (45.4% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Free Trial 1 License
No pricing available
IBM Db2
Star Rating
(680)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (66.1% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
Free Trial 1 License
Browse all 6 pricing plansMicrosoft SQL Server
Star Rating
(2,262)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (45.4% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Microsoft SQL ServerSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that Microsoft SQL Server excels in user experience, particularly for beginners. Users appreciate its intuitive interface in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and straightforward implementation process, making it easy to navigate and set up.
- According to verified reviews, IBM Db2 is recognized for its robustness and reliability, especially in critical enterprise workloads. Users highlight its strong data integrity and efficient SQL optimization, making it a preferred choice in industries like finance and healthcare.
- Users say that Microsoft SQL Server offers a wealth of features, such as the 'Always On' feature that enhances database durability and performance. This capability allows for effective segregation of read and write operations, which is a significant advantage for performance-focused applications.
- Reviewers mention that while IBM Db2 is a solid choice for enterprise environments, it faces challenges in ease of use compared to Microsoft SQL Server. Users have noted that the learning curve can be steeper, which may impact new users or smaller teams looking for quick deployment.
- G2 reviewers highlight that Microsoft SQL Server's integration with other Microsoft tools is seamless, enhancing its usability for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. This integration is often cited as a key factor in its strong performance ratings.
- Users report that IBM Db2's scalability is impressive, particularly for large datasets and complex queries. However, some users feel that its setup process could be more user-friendly, as they have encountered challenges during initial configuration compared to the more straightforward setup of Microsoft SQL Server.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
IBM Db2
Db2 On Cloud - Lite
Free Trial
1 License
A completely free edition of DB2 on Cloud.
- Enjoy high performance and elastic scaling with Db2’s fully managed database and warehouse solutions in the cloud. Try for free.
Microsoft SQL Server
No pricing availableFree Trial
IBM Db2
Free Trial is available
Microsoft SQL Server
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.5
487
9.0
1,855
Ease of Use
8.0
496
8.6
1,871
Ease of Setup
7.7
262
8.1
992
Ease of Admin
7.7
242
8.3
950
Quality of Support
8.1
460
8.3
1,649
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.3
234
8.4
900
Product Direction (% positive)
6.8
455
8.4
1,826
Features by Category
Data Management
8.6
52
|
Verified
Not enough data
8.1
48
|
Verified
Not enough data
8.6
49
|
Verified
Not enough data
8.2
48
|
Verified
Not enough data
7.5
34
|
Verified
Not enough data
7.6
34
|
Verified
Not enough data
Integration
7.8
43
|
Verified
Not enough data
8.1
45
|
Verified
Not enough data
8.1
42
|
Verified
Not enough data
Deployment
8.4
50
|
Verified
Not enough data
7.8
41
|
Verified
Not enough data
Performance
8.6
51
|
Verified
Not enough data
Security
8.7
46
|
Verified
Not enough data
9.0
35
|
Verified
Not enough data
Generative AI
8.3
8
Not enough data
8.3
8
Not enough data
Management
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
8.8
153
Not enough data
9.2
158
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
8.9
156
Maintenance
Not enough data
8.9
154
Not enough data
9.0
159
Not enough data
9.0
154
Security
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
9.1
155
Management
8.6
60
9.1
152
8.4
62
9.2
153
8.2
52
8.8
140
8.5
55
8.9
145
Support
8.0
57
8.6
148
8.4
60
9.0
152
7.9
60
8.7
147
8.4
61
8.4
152
Security
8.5
60
8.9
151
8.8
60
9.0
151
8.4
58
8.8
148
8.4
56
9.0
152
Performance
8.6
62
8.7
147
8.6
58
8.8
144
8.5
56
8.7
150
8.4
57
8.6
148
8.4
57
8.8
149
Database Features
8.7
306
8.9
1289
8.8
309
9.0
1294
8.8
309
8.9
1301
8.4
304
8.7
1268
8.8
302
8.8
1269
8.4
303
8.8
1274
8.4
308
9.1
1294
Automation
8.3
9
Not enough data
8.1
9
Not enough data
8.3
9
Not enough data
8.5
9
Not enough data
Functionality
7.4
9
Not enough data
8.1
9
Not enough data
8.0
9
Not enough data
Administration
8.3
8
Not enough data
7.7
8
Not enough data
7.7
8
Not enough data
Agentic AI - Data Warehouse Automation
Not enough data
Not enough data
Configuration
8.5
65
Not enough data
8.1
60
Not enough data
8.5
65
Not enough data
8.3
61
Not enough data
8.6
62
Not enough data
Database Administration
8.6
60
Not enough data
8.8
60
Not enough data
8.8
59
Not enough data
Availability
8.9
62
Not enough data
9.1
62
Not enough data
8.8
63
Not enough data
8.9
63
Not enough data
Security
8.4
41
Not enough data
8.8
42
Not enough data
8.8
40
Not enough data
Data Management
8.7
45
Not enough data
8.6
44
Not enough data
Database
Not enough data
8.5
56
Not enough data
8.8
57
Not enough data
8.4
54
Integrations
Not enough data
7.8
45
Not enough data
8.2
45
Platform
Not enough data
8.2
50
Not enough data
8.5
53
Not enough data
8.2
45
Processing
Not enough data
8.5
52
Not enough data
8.5
55
Building Reports
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Database Features
8.7
306
8.9
1289
8.8
309
9.0
1294
8.8
309
8.9
1301
8.4
304
8.7
1268
8.8
302
8.8
1269
8.4
303
8.8
1274
8.4
308
9.1
1294
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
IBM Db2 and Microsoft SQL Server are categorized as Relational Databases
Unique Categories
IBM Db2 is categorized as Data Warehouse, Object-Oriented Databases, XML Databases, Database as a Service (DBaaS), and Data Warehouse Automation
Microsoft SQL Server is categorized as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Big Data Processing and Distribution, and On-Premise Data Integration
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
IBM Db2
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Microsoft SQL Server
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
21.5%
Banking
11.7%
Computer Software
10.1%
Financial Services
7.2%
Insurance
5.9%
Other
43.6%
Information Technology and Services
24.1%
Computer Software
13.7%
Hospital & Health Care
5.4%
Financial Services
4.3%
Higher Education
2.9%
Other
49.6%
Alternatives
Discussions
Where can I find answers to other questions I may have?
2 Comments
Official Response from IBM Db2
Please visit: https://developer.ibm.com/answers/questions/436870/common-questions-about-the-db2-on-cloud-free-plan/Read more
I want to replace KDB+ with DB2 BLU, before doing this in my project, i want to know following answers.
1. Is DB2 BLU , capable for this type of achievement which KDB+ do?
2. can you please give me a list comparison between DB2 BLU with KDB+?
1 Comment
NO
Please check:
https://db-engines.com/en/system/IBM+Db2%3BKdb%2B
Read more
Which tool do you use for deep monitoring of IBM DB2 databases (instances) ?
1 Comment
MF
Maxim, we have a dedicated management console that comes free with Db2. It was called Data Server Manager in the past, now we call it the Unified Management...Read more
What is the best way to save your queries?
4 Comments
CA
I recommend that you use the saved querys in plain text or .sql or txt format you can use the same sql server query creator or a notepad +++ tool, they are...Read more
How could I make much easier the experience with the order of my database?
4 Comments
AF
You can create different tables with your employee information eg employee table, employee roles etc. Then you can create a single view that will pull data...Read more
How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?
4 Comments
JE
When this happens to me in SQL Server Management Studio, I just have to type USE {your database name here} and then select only that statement and execute...Read more
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