"create a repository that lets you store, search, and extract ODF documents in a standards-based manner."

So I was intrigued by this article on Slashdot which used lots of flashy words such as "Document storage", "OpenOffice", "Apache Derby", and of course, the most attractive words: "hot, hot, hot! ".

So I was tricked, and got linked into what made me feel all nostalgic: an IBM DeveloperWorks page. (It's notable how the Slashdot article never mentioned anything to do with IBM). It turned out this "new" feature Slashdot is mentioning is actually about the new DB2 V9's XML feature. Since IBM had DB2 V9 out last summer, IBM is definitely trying to grab all sorts of resources to let every developer know how great it is and how useful it can be.

So I decided to give this fancy thing a try. Initial system requirement: DB2 V9 Express-C (The free DB2 version for local useage), and DB2 Developer Workbench. Each product is about 500MB. Although I worked for DB2 for 16 months, I never used a non-developer DB2 build before. The personal DB2 version didn't look too bad though: downloading took about 20 mins and installation was almost seamless. It also happily picked up my Chinese language setting and converted all menus and instruction into Chinese. (This is the component I worked on before. :))

The Workbench was a pain, however. It is essentially an IBM-ized eclipse, with a bunch of fancy stuff, plug-ins you might never use. Download took about another half an hour, and installation wasn't that bad either. Setting up Derby was another story. I had to follow another link only to find out the Callisto Discovery Site is broken (or say, doesn't support) for eclipse 3.1.x so I couldn't install the Web Tool Platform; and to find out that I didn't at all need this WTP.

Another error with the document also made me ponder why the heck I couldn't connect to a Derby database. Long story short: 4 hours later (Including an episode of 24, an episode of Heroes, and a bunch of assignment work), I finally got the environment set up.

Then.... I got tired of it. Did have a glance of the explanation of how OpenOffice stores data and how to search through it. And how DB2 can help with its XML feature. And how the code works. That's the rest of the 8/12 pages of the document. Wahaha.

I'm sorry readers. I could have tried the thing out and wrote a review about it. After all the hardship with installation and fighting with all sorts of eclipse, plug-ins, I really should have.

Moral of the story: Don't let your readers/users spend 4 hours just to set up the environment (regardless if they are watching TV or not). Sad to say this happens A LOT at IBM - setting up a Windows build DB2 was a nightmare of all developers. Yes and I did it twice...

Of course, DB2 is a great tool. Once you get it all set up, you can enjoy all the convenience and beauty it brings you - just you have to be patient enough to find out. :)