Written by an "in-the-trenches" consultant, this guide hails the newest version of DB2 as a major release, highlighting the large number of totally new features, most notably the addition of XML capabilities. Packed with the information DB2 developers and administrators need to know when implementing version 9, the discussion covers upgrading from prior releases of DB2, converting relational data to XML data, and how DB2 supports industry standard schemas. With detailed examples and useful scripts, users learn how to develop DB2 XML applications, design an XML database, and tune the DB2 XML hybrid database. Extensive information on DB2 optimization of SQL and XML is a particularly useful feature of the book and includes a rundown on import and export utilities that database managers can use in their own installations. Going far beyond the standard manuals and certification guides, this is a truly comprehensive resource that teaches the "why" and "how" of a well-designed and well-implemented DB2 database.