IDUG
IDUG is an independent, not-for-profit, user-run organization founded in 1983 that provides global education, conferences, certification, and community services for IBM Db2 professionals across North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersTrento, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What IDUG does
IDUG (International Db2 Users Group) is an independent, not-for-profit, user-run organization founded in 1983 and headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Its mission is to support and strengthen the information services community by providing education and services that promote the effective utilization of IBM Db2 database technology. IDUG serves Db2 database administrators, application developers, systems programmers, and Db2 consultants globally, operating as a community-led organization governed by a Board of Directors and supported by volunteer committees across multiple regions.
IDUG's core offering is a portfolio of regional Db2 Tech Conferences held annually in North America, EMEA, Latin America, India, Australasia, and Singapore. These events deliver technical sessions, workshops, hands-on labs, and certification exams, and are complemented by a suite of educational and community services including the IDUG Essentials Courses for Db2 z/OS and LUW, the monthly Db2 Table Talk Podcast, the IDUG Codeplace Library, technical articles and whitepapers, and the IDUG eBulletin newsletter. IDUG also operates an online community forum, Regional User Groups (RUGs), and certification and badging programs delivered in partnership with IBM. Technology-wise, IDUG is a community and content organization rather than a software product company, distributing its services through digital platforms, in-person events, and volunteer-driven regional chapters.
IDUG's business model is a hybrid of conference registration fees, corporate sponsorships across Platinum, Gold, and Bronze tiers, and membership dues. Standard Membership is free, while Premium Membership is a paid subscription offering access to recorded conference content and exclusive resources. Headcount is stated at 1-10 employees, indicating a lean operational footprint that relies heavily on volunteer labor and partnership contributions from key Db2 vendors including IBM, Broadcom, BMC Software, Rocket Software, LearnQuest, and others.
IDUG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IDUG
- Legal name
- International Db2 Users Group
- Website
- https://idug.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- IDUG is an independent, not-for-profit, user-run organization founded in 1983 that provides global education, conferences, certification, and community services for IBM Db2 professionals across North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IDUG industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Database Professional Education and Community Services
- NAICS
- Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Database Administration & Data Engineering (RDBMS/NoSQL, ETL/ELT, Pipelines) (EDABAFAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Infrastructure, Networking & Systems Administration Training (BPAEANAJ)
Keywords
Where IDUG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Trento
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
IDUG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Conference and Event Revenue: IDUG hosts regional Db2 Tech Conferences across multiple locations including North America, EMEA, Australia, India, Latin America, and Singapore. These events generate revenue through attendee registrations and are complemented by sponsor partnerships.
- Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors including IBM, Broadcom, BMC Software, Rocket Software, and others sponsor IDUG conferences and events. Sponsorship tiers include Platinum, Gold, and Bronze levels.
- Membership Dues: IDUG offers both free standard membership and paid Premium Membership tiers. The premium membership provides additional benefits including access to recorded conference content and exclusive resources.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Standard Membership - Free |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
IDUG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IDUG is an independent, not-for-profit, user-run organization that delivers Db2-focused education and community services to database professionals worldwide. Its core offering is a series of regional Db2 Tech Conferences held across North America, EMEA, Australia, India, Latin America, and Singapore, complemented by Essentials training courses, certification and badging programs, the Codeplace Library, an online community forum, the Db2 Table Talk podcast, and a curated technical content library. Membership is offered via a free Standard tier and a paid Premium tier, with conference registrations and corporate sponsorships providing the primary funding for the organization's education mission.
Product overview
IDUG (International Db2 Users Group) is a not-for-profit, user-run organization that serves as the global leader in independent Db2 education. Rather than a software product company, IDUG offers a portfolio of educational and community services centered around IBM Db2 database technology. The core offering is a series of regional Db2 Tech Conferences held across North America, EMEA, Latin America, India, Australia, and Singapore, complemented by IDUG Essentials training courses, the Db2 Table Talk Podcast, certification and badging programs, and the IDUG Community platform with forums and Regional User Groups. The organization also curates technical content including articles, whitepapers, and the Codeplace Library. IDUG's services are delivered through membership tiers (Standard and Premium) and conference registrations, providing Db2 professionals with education, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- IDUG Db2 Tech Conferences Annual regional technology conferences for IBM Db2 professionals held in North America, EMEA, Australia, India, Latin America, and Singapore, featuring keynotes, technical sessions, hands-on labs, workshops, certification exams, and networking opportunities.
- IDUG Essentials Courses Fundamentals-level instructor-led training courses covering Db2 for z/OS and Db2 LUW, designed for professionals who want to master core Db2 concepts while attending IDUG's NA and EMEA conferences.
- IDUG Certification & Badging Professional certification and digital badging programs for Db2 administrators and developers, including IBM certification exams for Db2 z/OS and LUW administered at IDUG conferences.
- IDUG Codeplace Library Online repository of curated and reviewed Db2 code samples, scripts, and technical resources provided to IDUG members.
- IDUG Community Forums Online community platform enabling IDUG members to discuss Db2 topics, share knowledge, and connect with peers through forums and Regional User Groups.
- IDUG Db2 Table Talk Podcast Monthly podcast hosted by Marcus Davage and Julia Carter featuring Db2 topics, industry trends, and interviews with Db2 professionals and thought leaders.
- IDUG Membership Programs Organizational membership program with Standard (free) and Premium (paid) tiers providing access to conferences, content libraries, community forums, Regional User Groups, and additional member benefits.
- IDUG News & Technical Content Curated technical articles, whitepapers, presentations, and blog posts covering Db2 topics, new features, best practices, and industry developments.
- IDUG eBulletin Monthly electronic bulletin distributed by email featuring IDUG news, technical articles, and member updates.
- Regional User Groups (RUGs) Local and regional Db2 user groups affiliated with IDUG that provide networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development opportunities for Db2 practitioners in their geographies.
Companies that use IDUG
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
IDUG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability10 records
IDUG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- IBMcoreIBM is a Platinum Sponsor of IDUG EMEA 2024 and serves as the primary technology partner. IBM provides Db2 certification and badging opportunities at IDUG conferences, contributes speakers and technical content, and maintains an IBM Liaison role within IDUG committees. The partnership enables IBM to engage with the global Db2 user community and shape education priorities.
- BroadcomcoreBroadcom is a Platinum Sponsor of IDUG EMEA 2024 and a key ecosystem partner. Broadcom provides Db2 for z/OS tools and solutions, contributes speakers and workshops at conferences, and maintains a Broadcom Liaison position within IDUG committees. The partnership supports Broadcom's mainframe software business engagement with Db2 professionals.
- BMC SoftwarecoreBMC Software is a Gold Sponsor of IDUG EMEA 2024. BMC contributes subject matter experts including Marcus Davage who hosts the IDUG Db2 Table Talk podcast and participates on the Content Committee. The partnership supports BMC's engagement with Db2 administrators and systems programmers.
- LearnQuestminorLearnQuest is a Gold Sponsor of IDUG EMEA 2024. As an IBM-approved training partner, LearnQuest provides Db2 training content and educational resources to the IDUG community.
- Rocket SoftwarecoreRocket Software is an exhibitor and partner at IDUG EMEA 2025. Rocket contributes Db2 tools expertise, speakers, and workshops at IDUG conferences including sessions on Db2 administration and mainframe modernization. Tom Crocker serves as Rocket Software Liaison within EMEA CPC.
- InfotelminorInfotel is a Bronze Sponsor of IDUG EMEA 2024 and partner at EMEA 2025. The company provides Db2 for z/OS solutions and contributes technical expertise to the IDUG community in Europe.
- ITGAINminorITGAIN is a partner at IDUG EMEA 2025. A German IT consulting group with over 20 years of DB2 and mainframe experience, ITGAIN contributes expertise to IDUG conferences and the Db2 community.
- Planet MainframeminorPlanet Mainframe is a partner at IDUG EMEA 2025. As a vendor-neutral publication focused on the mainframe community, Planet Mainframe provides media coverage and content distribution for IDUG events.
- UBS HainerminorUBS Hainer is a partner at IDUG EMEA 2025. The company provides enterprise software solutions for test data management and IT optimization, serving the mainframe and Db2 community.
- SOFTWARE ENGINEERINGminorSOFTWARE ENGINEERING (SEGUS) is a partner at IDUG EMEA 2025. The company develops optimization and automation products for IBM Db2 for z/OS and contributes Db2 solutions to the IDUG community.
- IBM PolandminorIBM Poland provides Marcin Marczewski as EMEA Data Management and OEM Technical Specialist who participates in IDUG EMEA CPC as an IBM representative.
- CSNminorCSN is the employer of Sven Heidorn, an IDUG volunteer with 30+ years of Db2 experience who contributes to the Global Marketing Committee.
- Colruyt GroupminorColruyt Group employs Steven Goedertier as Senior System Engineer for Db2 z/OS and contributor to the IDUG Global Marketing Committee.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
IDUG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Db2Night Show (DBI Software): The Db2Night Show is a long-running Db2-focused webinar/community program. It competes for the same Db2 professional audience as IDUG but through episodic online webinars rather than in-person conferences, making it a partial-overlap niche player.
- Snowflake Community / BUILD events: Snowflake's community programs (Snowflake BUILD, regional meetups) target data engineers and analysts on its cloud data platform. Vendor-run but exhibits the same conf+community+education structure targeted at data professionals.
Direct peers
- ASUG (Americas' SAP Users' Group): ASUG is an independent user-run organization delivering conferences, education, and community for SAP enterprise customers. Operationally analogous to IDUG, just focused on the SAP/HANA ecosystem rather than Db2.
- Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG): IOUG is a user-run, vendor-independent community providing education, conferences, and content for Oracle database professionals. Its structure, mission, and operational model are nearly identical to IDUG, just for the Oracle ecosystem rather than Db2.
- Confluent Community Events: Confluent operates Current (community conference), regional meetups, and educational content around Apache Kafka and streaming data. Similar conference-plus-community-led-content model targeting data professionals, though vendor-run rather than independent.
- MongoDB.local events / MongoDB community: MongoDB runs a global series of community/user events and content programs around its document database. While vendor-led rather than independent, the community-conference-content model closely parallels IDUG's structure.
- PASS Data Community: PASS is a global, community-led organization for Microsoft SQL Server professionals, delivering user groups, conferences (PASS Summit), and technical content. Comparable community structure to IDUG but for the Microsoft data platform.
- PostgreSQL Association / PGConf community: The PostgreSQL global community operates conferences (PGConf), regional user groups, and training for PostgreSQL professionals. It mirrors IDUG's community-led educational model for the open-source PostgreSQL ecosystem.
Others
- CMG (Computer Measurement Group): CMG is a long-running IT performance, capacity planning, and mainframe community. It overlaps IDUG's audience of enterprise IT professionals but addresses performance engineering more broadly rather than being a database-specific user group.
Broad incumbents
- SHARE Inc. SHARE is the long-established, broader enterprise technology user community for the IBM mainframe ecosystem, covering Db2 alongside z/OS, CICS, and other subsystems. It overlaps IDUG's Db2 content but addresses a wider mainframe audience.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
IDUG social profiles
Digital presenceIDUG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IDUG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
IDUG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IDUG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IDUG
What does IDUG do?
IDUG is an independent, not-for-profit, user-run organization that delivers Db2-focused education and community services to database professionals worldwide. Its core offering is a series of regional Db2 Tech Conferences held across North America, EMEA, Australia, India, Latin America, and Singapore, complemented by Essentials training courses, certification and badging programs, the Codeplace Library, an online community forum, the Db2 Table Talk podcast, and a curated technical content library. Membership is offered via a free Standard tier and a paid Premium tier, with conference registrations and corporate sponsorships providing the primary funding for the organization's education mission.
Is IDUG a public or private company?
IDUG is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was IDUG founded?
IDUG was founded in 1983. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is IDUG based?
IDUG is headquartered in Trento, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does IDUG make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Conference and Event Revenue is the primary driver. The others are sponsorships and membership Dues.
Who are IDUG's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Db2Night Show (DBI Software) and Snowflake Community / BUILD events. Direct peers are ASUG (Americas' SAP Users' Group), Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG), Confluent Community Events, MongoDB.local events / MongoDB community, PASS Data Community and PostgreSQL Association / PGConf community. CMG (Computer Measurement Group) is listed as an others. SHARE Inc. is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does IDUG have an API?
No public API is recorded for IDUG.
What industry is IDUG in?
IDUG's product category is Database Professional Education and Community Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABAFAI, Database Administration & Data Engineering (RDBMS/NoSQL, ETL/ELT, Pipelines), with a secondary code of BPAEANAJ, Infrastructure, Networking & Systems Administration Training. Its NAICS code is 61142 and its SIC code is 8200.