Data and Database Management

Consulting, Research, and Strategy

The web site of Craig S. Mullins

Database Expertise That Delivers Results

Data is the backbone of modern business—but too often, it is managed with assumptions, shortcuts, and “good enough” practices that eventually fail under pressure. That’s where experience matters. I’m Craig S. Mullins, and I help organizations take control of their data environments… improving performance, strengthening resilience, and reducing risk across complex database infrastructures. With decades of hands-on experience in database systems, I don’t just understand the technology, I understand how it behaves in production, under load, and when things go wrong.

What I Do

I provide expert consulting, education, and strategic guidance for organizations that depend on their data to perform reliably and efficiently. Database Performance & Tuning: Slow systems are rarely caused by a single issue—and quick fixes rarely last. I analyze your environment holistically, identifying root causes and implementing solutions that deliver sustained performance improvements. Db2 for z/OS Expertise: From design and implementation to optimization and troubleshooting, I help organizations get the most out of their Db2 for z/OS environments… without unnecessary risk or disruption. Database Strategy & Architecture: Technology decisions made today can limit you for years. I help you design database architectures that scale, adapt, and support long-term business goals. Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution: When systems fail, guesswork is expensive. I bring a disciplined, experience-driven approach to diagnosing and resolving complex database issues quickly and effectively. Education & Mentoring: Tools change, but fundamentals endure. I provide training and mentoring that equips your team with the knowledge and judgment needed to manage databases with confidence.

My Biography

Craig is president & principal consultant of Mullins Consulting, Inc. and an in-demand analyst, author and speaker. He has over three decades of experience in all facets of database systems development including creating and teaching database classes, systems analysis and design, data analysis, database administration, performance management, and data modeling. He also has experience in multiple industries and has worked for decades developing and managing systems on the IBM Z mainframe platform. Craig has worked with Db2 on the mainframe since Version 1 and has experience working with other database technologies including Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and IMS. IBM has appointed Craig as a Gold Consultant for Db2 and has honored Craig as an IBM Champion for Data & AI for more than 15 years straight.

Thought Leadership, Writing, and Analysis

Craig was named as one of the Top 200 Thought Leaders in Big Data & Analytics by AnalyticsWeek. Big Data Made Simple also named Craig one of their 200 Big Data thought leaders. Craig has also been named an expert in the “Who’s Who in Cybersecuirty” listing published by Onalytica. Red Gate appointed Craig as one of the 100 Most influential in the database community. And Planet Mainframe named Craig as one of the Most Influential Mainframers for 2024. View all of Craig’s industry certifications here. Craig is also a senior contributor to elnion (where he provides analysis and thought leadership on digital impact and transformation across business, telecommunications, and enterprise), and a columnist for Database Trends & Applications (where he writes the montly DBA Corner column). Craig is a prolific writer, having authored articles for popular journals and web sites including Database Trends and Applications, TDAN, TechTarget, Big Data Quarterly, TechChannel, and more. He also writes and maintains two popular blogs: • Db2 Portal • Data & Technology Today

Db2, DBA and IBM Z Books

Craig is the author of three best-selling books on Db2 and database administration.

• DB2 Developer's Guide, published by IBM Press, delivers over 1600 pages of in-depth technical information on Db2 for z/OS. The best selling Db2 book over 20 years and 6 editions. • Database Administration: The Complete Guide to DBA Practices and Procedures, published by Addison Wesley, offers the industry's only comprehensive guide to heterogeneous database administration. • Craig’s latest Db2 book, A Guide to Db2 Application Performance for Developers, provides guidance and direction to Db2 application developers and programmers on how to write efficient, well-performing programs. If you write code and access data in a Db2 database, then this book is for you. • And Craig’s most recent database book, Optimizing Database Performance, offers guidance on the techniques and issues involved in creating and maintaining optimal database systems and the applications that access them (regardless of the DBMS you use). • Craig’s most recent book, IBM Mainframe Specialty Processors, focuses on guiding mainframe professionals on how to use IBM Z specialty processors, like zIIPs. The book also offers an overview of mainframe internals, IBM Z licensing and pricing, and implementation details. New Low-Cost, Easy-to-Read Books and eBooks Craig has also written a series of low-cost eBooks that can be ordered on amazon. The books are on databases and data-related topics, as well as mainframe issues. The following are available to be ordered now! And you also have the option of ordering print editions (at a slightly higher but still low cost). The Tao of Db2: Achieve Balance and Understanding of Db2 Learn how to manage Db2 to achieve harmonious systems and applications that deliver quality and performance using the Tao of Db2. Follow the exploits of a seasoned DBA and his intern as they learn "the way" of Db2 database management. Great for new DBAs but also fun for experienced ones, too! Database Design Reviews: Techniques to Prepare Databases and Applications for Operational Implementation This book provides a framework for a series of design reviews that should be conducted in order to deliver quality database and application code. Use this book as a template for establishing a consistent approach to database design reviews in your organization. Regulatory Compliance for Data and Database Systems: Protect Your Sensitive Data This book delivers an introduction to the regulatory landscape and its impact on data and database systems and management. We will take a high-level look at some of the most impactful regulations that affect how we manage database systems. The primary focus of this book is to examine several techniques that can be used to ensure compliance: including database auditing, data masking, and data archiving for long-term data retention. Database Views: Rules and Considerations for View Usage Views are a simple concept that cause a lot of disagreement among database professionals. Some promote liberal creation and usage of views; others preach a more conservative approach. But views can be useful tools when used prudently. This book offers up credible guidance on how to best create and deploy views, including a series of specific rules for view creation and usage to help guide your database and application development efforts.

Speaking and Events

Craig is a frequent speaker at industry events, having spoken about database issues to thousands at conferences such as IDUG Db2 Tech Conference (where he has been named top user speaker), SHARE (where has has received a top presentation award), IBM Think, Data Summit, DAMA Symposium, PASS Data Community Summit, and Oracle World, as well as on numerous webinars and at hundreds of regional user groups all over the world.

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IBM Champion