IBM Db2 End of Support Dates by Version
IBM Db2 end of support dates: 7 versions are listed below. 6 are already past IBM's end of support, most recently Db2 11.1 on Apr 30, 2022; the next to end is Db2 11.5 on Apr 30, 2027. IBM sells IBM Extended Support for a limited period after that date. Third-party support keeps any of these versions in production after the vendor date, with 24x7 incident response, vulnerability mitigation and compliance documentation, typically at 40-70% below the vendor's renewal.
IBM Db2 versions and end of support dates
"Vendor end of support" is the date IBM stops free fixes and security updates. "Extended end" is the end of the paid extension where IBM offers one. Each version links to its own page and quote form.
| Version | Vendor end of support | |
|---|---|---|
| Db2 11.5 | Apr 30, 2027 | Get support |
| Db2 11.1 | Apr 30, 2022 | Get support |
| Db2 10.5 | Apr 30, 2020 | Get support |
| Db2 10.1 | Sep 30, 2017 | Get support |
| Db2 9.7 | Sep 30, 2017 | Get support |
| Db2 9.5 | Apr 30, 2015 | Get support |
| Db2 9.1 | Apr 30, 2012 | Get support |
1 further IBM Db2 entry in the catalog has no published date: Db2 12.1.
Why IBM Db2 versions stay in production
Db2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows underpins ERP, core banking and data warehouse systems where a version change means regression testing the whole application landscape. Estates on 10.5, 11.1 and 11.5 are common for that reason.
IBM's lifecycle for Db2 LUW runs several years per release followed by paid extension. The database does not degrade on the end-of-support date; the invoices change.
How IBM's support lifecycle works for IBM Db2
IBM announces end of support per version in a withdrawal letter, typically with at least twelve months' notice, and then offers paid Extended Support for a limited period and sometimes Sustained Support after that. Your perpetual licence does not expire: without Subscription and Support you keep the right to run every version released before your S&S lapsed, provided you downloaded the media and fixes before the expiry date.
The IBM-specific risk is reinstatement. If you drop S&S and later want it back, IBM charges for the lapsed period plus a reinstatement fee, so the decision should be made per product with the exit checklist on the IBM support page.
What changes on the end of support date
- IBM stops shipping fix packs and security updates for the release.
- Support cases are refused without Extended Support.
- Instances, HADR pairs and pureScale clusters keep running on the fix pack you are on.
Your options after IBM Db2 end of support
1. Upgrade to a supported version
Right when the application above it is ready and the budget exists. Wrong as a forced move: an upgrade driven by a support date rather than a business need is where regression bugs and surprise licence costs come from.
2. Buy IBM Extended Support
IBM's paid extension buys more time at a price that rises each year and typically covers security fixes only. It keeps the deadline in place and is often the most expensive line in the renewal.
3. Third-party support
Replaces the vendor contract with ours for the versions you run, with no deadline. For IBM Db2 that covers:
- Instance, HADR, pureScale, backup and recovery incidents on the version you run, 24x7
- Performance and query tuning, storage and logging issues
- Security advisory monitoring with mitigation steps for new Db2 CVEs
- Upgrade planning to a current Db2 release or an alternative platform when you are ready
Not included: new vendor patches or licences. Those stay with IBM; everything operational moves to us.
IBM Db2 end of support: frequently asked questions
Which IBM Db2 versions are out of support?
Db2 11.1 (Apr 30, 2022), Db2 10.5 (Apr 30, 2020), Db2 10.1 (Sep 30, 2017), Db2 9.7 (Sep 30, 2017), Db2 9.5 (Apr 30, 2015), Db2 9.1 (Apr 30, 2012). All of them can be covered by third-party support.
Can a Db2 version past IBM end of support be covered?
Yes. Third-party support covers Db2 LUW versions IBM has withdrawn, with 24x7 incident response and vulnerability mitigation, for as long as you run them.
Does leaving IBM S&S affect our Db2 licence?
No. Perpetual licences remain valid. You lose access to new fix packs and IBM support, which third-party support replaces for operational purposes.
What does third-party support for IBM Db2 cost?
Typically 40 to 70% below the vendor renewal or extended-support price for the same versions, priced per instance, server or core depending on the product. We return an indicative price within 24 hours and a firm quote within 48.
How do we move IBM Db2 to third-party support without a gap?
Start before the vendor renewal date: inventory versions and instances, download all media and fixes you are entitled to, confirm no bundled contract depends on the renewal, then let the vendor support lapse as ours starts. We handle the hand-over checklist with you.
Version-by-version guides
- IBM Db2 11.5 EOL: April 2027 Deadline (Oct 30, 2026)
- IBM Db2 11.5 End of Life: 3 Options Before April 30, 2027 (Jul 30, 2026)
- IBM Db2 11.5 EOL April 30, 2027 – Budget Now (Mar 30, 2026)