Stream: Virtual Room 6
Time: 11:15 - 12:00
OpenTelemetry is rapidly becoming the industry standard for application observability—offering a unified approach across distributed platforms. But did you know that even mainframe applications and subsystems can now be part of this modern observability ecosystem? In this session, we’ll dive into what OpenTelemetry means from a Db2 for z/OS perspective. You’ll learn its core concepts, why they matter for mainframe environments, and how to take your first steps toward OpenTelemetry-based end-to-end monitoring of Db2 for z/OS applications with minimal effort. We’ll also highlight common pitfalls and explain why OpenTelemetry complements—rather than replaces—traditional Db2 monitoring.
Christoph Theisen is a Principal Solutions Advisor at Rocket Software, based in Germany. He joined Rocket in April 2021 after more than three decades at IBM. Christoph began his career in IBM’s Global Services unit in 1991, working on numerous client engagements — primarily focused on Db2 for z/OS — as an application developer, database administrator, architect, and consultant. Over time, his role evolved into that of a Client Technical Specialist, helping Db2 for z/OS users adopt new features, functions, and analytics capabilities across Db2 and related products. At Rocket Software, Christoph supports clients using IBM Db2 for z/OS Tools, with a particular focus on IBM OMEGAMON for Db2 and Db2 Query Monitor for z/OS, ensuring they maximize the value of these solutions. He also works with customers leveraging the Db2 Connect product stack, assisting them in modernizing their Db2 data server and client infrastructure. Christoph is a frequent speaker at IDUG conferences and local user group meetings, presenting on topics such as Db2 Tools, connectivity, encryption, and core Db2 areas like performance monitoring and optimization. He has been recognized as an IBM Champion since 2022.
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