IBM Db2 Database vs Oracle Java DB comparison

IBM and Oracle are both solutions in the Relational Databases Tools category. IBM is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.3, while Oracle is ranked #19 with an average rating of 9.0. IBM holds a 7.5% mindshare in SQL, compared to Oracle’s 0.9% mindshare. Additionally, 90% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 71% of Oracle users who would recommend it.

IBM Db2 Database

Read 74 IBM Db2 Database reviews

4,735 Views
2,147 Comparison Views

90% willing to recommend

Oracle Java DB

Read 9 Oracle Java DB reviews

500 Views
169 Comparison Views

71% willing to recommend

IBM Db2 Database

Oracle Java DB

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 4, 2025

IBM Db2 Database and Oracle Java DB compete in the database management space. IBM Db2 has a potential advantage with its pricing and extensive support, while Oracle Java DB is appealing for its advanced functionalities.

Features: IBM Db2 Database offers optimized performance, robust security measures, and integration with AI capabilities. It supports multiple platforms and provides a powerful SQL dialect with object tables and Java method support. Oracle Java DB integrates seamlessly with Java, has lightweight operations, and offers great portability for developers who prioritize simplicity and flexibility.

Room for Improvement: IBM Db2 could improve in terms of initial setup complexity, enhancing user experience with a smoother configuration process. Additionally, simplifying its interface and reducing costs for smaller businesses would be beneficial. Oracle Java DB might enhance its performance under high workloads, increase its scalability options, and offer broader integration capabilities beyond Java, expanding its reach for diverse developer needs.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Oracle Java DB is known for a straightforward deployment process, reducing setup complexities. It aligns with a lightweight service model that focuses on simplicity and rapid deployment. IBM Db2, with its more involved configuration process, compensates through detailed support, ensuring users can navigate the complex setup successfully.

Pricing and ROI: IBM Db2 may require higher initial costs but offers significant ROI through its analytics and AI capabilities, driving business insights. Oracle Java DB, more cost-effective with minimal upfront investment, is suited for projects with budget constraints, providing a balanced cost-benefit ratio that attracts developers seeking straightforward solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

June 2025

Download the complete report

Helped 860,592 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Db2 Database

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Oracle Java DB

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

19th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Relational Databases Tools category, the mindshare of IBM Db2 Database is 7.5%, up from 6.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Java DB is 0.9%, up from 0.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Relational Databases Tools

Featured Reviews

ArpitKhare

Database Admin Senior Consultant at Capgemini

Offers optimizer plan and ALSM features along with exceptional stability

The TSA version of IBM Db2 Database doesn't meet my stability expectations. Every time when a switch over occurs, some stability issues can be noticed. The vendor should offer a free version of IBM Db2 Database. For instance, if our company wants to train new individuals on all the features of IBM Db2 Database, they can only be trained after purchasing the paid version of the solution. About ten years ago, a trial version was available for the solution that was highly beneficial for companies. The vendor can add AI or ML features in the future version of IBM Db2 Database.

Read full review

Anil-Sinha

Senior Consultant at CGI

Able to process all the reporting and processing in the database itself

We have been upgrading and moving to new environments. I was involved in the solution's initial setup. Some things in the setup are very smooth sailing. However, some setups become complicated because what they set up doesn't meet your needs. So, some tweaking is necessary in certain instances. Having a good understanding of the tool really helps. Oracle Java DB is easy to deploy if it's a new setup. Migrating from an old environment to a new environment takes time because you need the old functionality. A first-time deployment of the application is easy. We just did a default setup and started using it. When we have to migrate, there is too much baggage behind that application, especially from the security point of view.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I have found the most valuable feature to be its availability."

"When you submit a ticket the response time is quick."

"It is a scalable solution."

"The solution's initial setup is straightforward."

"it is very stable and runs smoothly once it is deployed and it is almost maintenance-free."

"The solution is stable."

"IBM Db2 Database has good performance."

"The most valuable features are with the industrial side."

More IBM Db2 Database pros

"The valuable features include connecting to the database and retrieving data."

"The additional value of having Java inside the Oracle database is all the security that is applied to an Oracle database will be enforced on Java's stored procedures as well."

"The most valuable feature is automation."

"The solution is stable."

"There have been no issues in relation to stability. We've never really had do to any recoveries. It is very stable."

"It has a programming language so anything that we require for Selenium is all available there."

"The database is quite robust in terms of performance from the SQL side."

"Able to write queries more efficiently and the management of data has become better and easier."

More Oracle Java DB pros

Cons

"In terms of improvements, IBM Db2 can improve its interface and its functionality. Also, the embedded functions should be much richer than the current ones - the functions which are embedded in the engine itself."

"The tool is not easy to use. It needs to improve scale computing so that the tool can be scaled vertically. The product needs to enhance pre-engine optimization and it needs to be more efficient in completing queries. The documentation should be updated to include different scenarios of deployment."

"They could enhance the product's cloud integration and general-purpose database capabilities."

"The data table names are very short which is not user-friendly compared to the Oracle SQL server. It should have longer column and table names."

"The command line part of this solution could be much better."

"The vendor should offer a free version"

"They should simplify the management of Db2 as a relational database system. There should be the simplification of management. This is probably one of the most important asks for being successful in the future."

"The solution could be more modern and have updated database technology."

More IBM Db2 Database cons

"It'll be better if Oracle Java supports open source technologies, like Node.js."

"The solution could be more user-friendly."

"The solution should continue to keep updating and improving the Java language."

"The biggest lesson that I have learned from using Oracle products is vendor lock-in."

"Needs improvement in consistency issues with respect to timeframes."

"In terms of improvement, I'd like an automation tool that is lower priced. The core prices are very high."

"The tool might be integrated, but we see performance issues because of overhead."

"Oracle can improve by providing more connection string variations and relay servers on the path to the database."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Licensing fees are on a yearly basis."

"There is a license for this solution and we pay every three years."

"If I consider the price of IBM Db2 Database, I would say there are cheaper products in the market."

"Among Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and Db2, Microsoft SQL Server is the cheapest one, and Oracle is the most expensive one. Db2 is in the middle. As compared to SQL Server, its price could go down. It will be good for customers."

"Compared to Oracle, it is so much cheaper."

"We did not buy it. It came with our hardware without any complimentary maintenance. If I compare Db2 Database with Oracle Database, its price is lower than Oracle Database."

"They are competitive and honest (compared to how peer firms approach licensing conversations). "

"We normally handle large size businesses and as far as I am aware, the license is negotiable based on the number of users and the quantitative data."

More IBM Db2 Database pricing and cost advice

"The product's pricing is very friendly, with no extra costs after the licensing fees."

"Oracle Java DB is a pricey solution."

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Relational Databases Tools solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

860,592 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

30%

Financial Services Firm

15%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

14%

Educational Organization

13%

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM Db2 Database?

Db2 database scalability and performance capabilities match our database needs. It covers pretty much everything a database administrator or engineer might need.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM Db2 Database?

IBM Db2 is an expensive solution. While I am not heavily involved with pricing, additional companies provide capabilities or products like those from BMC, which many installations might also purchase.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM Db2 Database?

IBM is implementing some release improvements. It might be slightly slower than other database vendors, but it works well since banks typically do not move quickly with leading-edge technology.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Oracle Java DB?

Oracle can improve by providing more connection string variations and relay servers on the path to the database. Various ways of connecting would enhance functionality.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Oracle Java DB?

I have experience connecting to a database with Java by using Java code and interrogating the database.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Oracle Java DB?

It's important to consider several settings and connection strings, as well as firewall rules when connecting to the database. I would rate the overall solution nine out of ten.

See all answers

Comparisons

SQL Server vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 33% of the time

Oracle Database vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 18% of the time

SAP HANA vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 14% of the time

Teradata vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 13% of the time

More IBM Db2 Database Competitors

MySQL vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 43% of the time

Oracle Database vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 20% of the time

SQL Server vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 13% of the time

IBM solidDB vs Oracle Java DB

Compared 12% of the time

More Oracle Java DB Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database

June 2025

Download IBM Db2 Database product report

Buyer's Guide

Relational Databases Tools

June 2025

Download Oracle Java DB product report

Also Known As

DB2

No data available

Overview

DB2 Enterprise for Linux, UNIX, and Windows is the ideal data server for the most demanding workloads. New XML support is designed to help firms minimize the time and effort it takes to persist and use their XML data reducing development costs and improving business agility.

IBM

Java DB is a relational database management system (RDBMS). Data is stored and queried via SQL or JDBC. Like other RDBMSs, Java DB can also be accessed through a persistence layer such as JPA, Hibernate, or JDO. Java objects can be stored in the columns of Java DB tables.

Oracle

Sample Customers

Knorr-Bremse, Mizuho Bank Ltd., Australian Government Department of Defence, SCHWENK Zement, Friedhelm Loh Group, YAZAKI Europe Limited, Ekornes ASA, Baldor Electric, VSN Systemen BV, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, PLANSEE Group, TE Connectivity, Hansgrohe SE, Openmatics, University of Toronto

Université Nice Sophia Antipolis

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

June 2025

Free Report: IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB

Find out what your peers are saying about IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.

DOWNLOAD NOW

860,592 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our IBM Db2 Database vs. Oracle Java DB report.

See our list of best Relational Databases Tools vendors.

We monitor all Relational Databases Tools reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.