"Previous to DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Version 8, SAP customers could only have one copy of DB2 for each DB2 version installed on the same physical machine, because the installation path was hard coded. Although DB2 Version 8 provided an alternative fix pak image, these images were only used for testing purposes, and they were not supported in production by SAP.
"With DB2 9, customers can install multiple DB2 software copies on one physical machine. The database installations are independent of each other. They can be of different levels and installed on any valid path. Each copy can be updated without affecting the others. This option is available and supported for all SAP releases as of R/3 3.1I with DB2 9. In addition, starting with SAP NetWeaver 7.1, the SAP installer fully explores this feature and installs DB2 software in the home directory of the instance owner..."
