Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the SQL Assurance for Db2 product.
For information about using this documentation portal, see About this documentation.
What is BMC AMI SQL Assurance for Db2?
It's a tool that evaluates SQL statements for IBM Db2 for z/OS against BMC-provided and user-defined standards to make sure performance and compliance are met before deployment.
What are the main benefits of using this product?
It detects and remediates potentially harmful or inefficient SQL statements before they reach production.
Which versions of Db2 does this product support?
It supports IBM Db2 for z/OS versions 12 and 13, which are compatible with BMC AMI SQL Explorer.
Features and capabilities
What types of SQL statements does it evaluate?
It evaluates static and dynamic SQL statements used in Db2 applications.
Can I analyze multiple SQL packages or plans?
Yes, you can analyze multiple SQL statements when you supply a package or plan with a wildcard.
You can also create an object list file containing up to 100 packages or plans of the same object type, which can be evaluated at one time.
Can I define custom SQL standards?
Yes, you can define your own rules in addition to BMC’s default rules.
What happens when an SQL statement violates a rule?
The continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) console log reports a violation summary, and an SQL Assurance violation report is included in the job output and logged in Command Center’s SQL Assurance Violation Details view.
Does it support batch processing?
Yes, SQL Assurance can be run via batch jobs—samples are provided in the installation directory (<RTEHLQ>.BMCCNTL), or integrated into CI/CD projects or pipelines.
Integration and automation
Which CI/CD tools does the product support?
SQL Assurance supports Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and GitLab CI/CD.
Is there a Jenkins plug-in available?
Yes, SQL Assurance offers Jenkins plug-ins for project and pipeline integration.
What is the Universal Connector?
It's a containerized application that facilitates integration with supported CI/CD tools and mainframe environments.
Can I use environment variables in projects and pipelines?
Yes, the product supports environment variables to control project and pipeline behavior.
Installation and setup
How do I install SQL Assurance?
You can install the product by downloading the product files from the BMC EPD site followed by either installing the Jenkins plug-ins in Jenkins or downloading, pushing, and pulling the Universal Connector container image.
What are the prerequisites for installation?
You need compatible versions of BMC AMI SQL Explorer, BMC AMI Command Center, IBM Db2, IBM Z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) and supported CI/CD tools.
Are sample files available for setup?
Yes, to help you get started, we provide sample projects and pipelines for Jenkins and sample configuration and pipeline YAML files for the Universal Connector.
What happens if required fields are missing during configuration?
The build will fail, and the system will display an error message.
Licensing and support
Is a license required to use SQL Assurance?
Yes, a valid license for the BMC AMI SQL Performance solution is required which also includes access to related BMC AMI products.
Where can I get support for the product?
Support is available via BMC Support Central.
Troubleshooting and best practices
What should I do if I get a java.lang.OutOfMemoryError message in the Jenkins console log?
Increase the Java heap size in your Jenkins configuration.
How do I resolve an S80A error?
Include REGION=0M in the job card.
Can I downgrade the plug-in from Jenkins UI?
No, downgrading must be done manually by reinstalling the .hpi file and restarting Jenkins.
