IBM Technology Expert Labs released Expert Query on February 10, 2026, an on-premises reporting tool that replaces Db2 Web Query for i.
The software enables users to build and distribute custom reports directly from Db2 for i data without requiring external servers or cloud infrastructure.
Product Structure and Editions
Expert Query runs entirely on the IBM i platform, targeting small and medium-sized shops. The business edition supports single LPARs, while the enterprise edition queries data across multiple partitions. Both editions use browser-based interfaces for report design and execution.
Core Components
Architect provides the report design environment where users create standard tabular and pivot reports. The interface allows data source selection, column ordering, and supports headers, footers, conditional formatting, and calculated columns using SQL expressions.
Explorer serves as the report execution portal with hierarchical drill-down menus for browsing pre-built reports. Users can filter data, sort columns, and export results to Excel, HTML, CSV, and JSON formats. The platform includes distribution tools for email, FTP, and IFS folder delivery.
Technical Implementation
According to IBM representatives, the software is “99 percent SQL with a little bit of RPG” but abstracts complexity from end users. The system automatically handles Db2 for i data types including integers, decimals, dates, and timestamps, presenting them uniformly in reports.
While most operations require no SQL knowledge, creating formulas in calculated fields does require SQL expertise. IBM stated it will implement wizards to simplify this process following feedback from beta testers.
Db2 Web Query Replacement Timeline
The Expert Query for IBM i product page positions the tool as the official successor to Db2 Web Query, which IBM announced for end-of-market in a previous notice. Current reports support alphanumeric output with formatting options including fonts, colors, and highlights.
IBM Expert Labs confirmed plans to add graphical capabilities including bar charts, line charts, and pie charts. The company has not disclosed a timeline for these visualization features but indicated they will arrive in future updates following the initial release.
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