IDUG NA 2026

This session should be considered because it addresses a high-value challenge for Db2 customers: performing a version upgrade with little to no application outage while preserving a reliable backout path. Based on real production experience, it covers failed upgrade scenarios, post-upgrade risk, and the operational realities of switching active workloads across versions and hardware. Rather than staying conceptual, it presents a practical, repeatable approach using Q Replication and Automatic Client Reroute (ACR), along with lessons learned on synchronization, clustered cutover behavior, and risk reduction. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can apply in their own environments.
This session presents a practical approach for performing a no-outage Db2 version upgrade using Q Replication and Automatic Client Reroute (ACR). It explains the drivers behind the solution, including online upgrade capabilities in competing platforms, prior failed upgrade attempts, and the need for a reliable backout strategy. The session then walks through replication setup, synchronization of an active source to the target, online cutover steps, and operational challenges in clustered environments. Attendees will learn how to move from an older Db2 version to a newer one with minimal disruption and lower upgrade risk.