IBM announced DB2 Universal Database Version 7, which the company bills as the world's first fully integrated e-business database. The beta of Version 7 will be available on or before April 30. The release includes new e-business features and a new pricing structure, in which IBM provides the software to an application service provider (ASP) in return for a cut of the profits. IBM is spinning this product as made especially for dot.com companies and for large Web business-to-business (B2B) enterprises.

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