Big Blue ships DB2 UDB Express IBM on Thursday announced general availability of DB2 UDB (Universal Database) Express, a database intended for smaller-size businesses and departments.Installable with no mouse-clicks required, DB2 Express features 65 automation tools, the company said. Technology is provided for monitoring the system’s health and expert advice is supplied, as are wizards to walk users through tasks such as expanding a systems capabilities. The database offers self-tuning and self-configuring characteristics.XML and Web services are supported of both the Java and Microsoft .Net varieties. In addition to serving as a standalone database, the product also can be embedded in applications and tools IBM Universal Database Express Edition for Linux and Windows 8.1 is available for $499 for a base server package, with additional licensing costs of $99 per user. The average cost of the database for a company with 52 users of a particular application is $5,499.IBM also is announcing a Partner License program, called IBM Entry OEM Agreement for Software. The program provides better margins in both the initial license sale and ongoing support of the database without up-front revenue commitment or prepayment at entry levels, according to IBM. DatabasesSoftware DevelopmentTechnology IndustrySmall and Medium Business