DB2 Universal Database Version 6.1 will be available by the end of July.

IBM plans to announce a new version of its database software which will make it easier and faster for customers to develop electronic business applications, according to the company. IBM. said the latest version will run on operating systems such as IBM_s version of Unix, IBM_s OS/2, Sun Microsystems Inc._s Solaris, Hewlett-Packard Co._s HP-UX as well as Microsoft Corp_s Windows NT and Windows 98. Although growth in the database software market has slowed in recent years, it has picked up steam in recent quarters as companies flock to the Internet and need the vast digital storehouses to manage and store Web sites and power electronic business, IBM_s top priority. According to research firm Dataquest, IBM reclaimed its spot as the largest maker of database software in 1998, displacing rival Oracle Corp. IBM ended 1998 with 32.3% of the market while Oracle_s share declined to 29.3% . IBM also said it will now charge large businesses for the software based on how many microprocessors are used in the computer that powers it rather than on a per-user basis. It will cost $12,500 per microprocessor. Pricing for a smaller version of DB2 for mid-size businesses will remain on a per-user basis. Janet Perna, head of IBM_s database business, said it changed the pricing because as businesses migrate more to e-business -- using the Internet and information technology -- it is becoming difficult to know how many workers use the database. Perna said the new database will be faster, easier to use and includes a graphical tool to build programs using the Java programming language that is designed to run on all kinds of computer systems. IBM also said it will unveil a mobile version of the database for use on laptops used by business travelers later this year. Also, it plans to introduce a version for handheld computing devices called DB2 Everywhere that lets users synchronize their handheld data with information stored on company networks and to download information. DB2 Universal Database Version 6.1 will be available by the end of July.