Cloud Databases Gen 2 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Gen 2
Overview
Cloud Databases Gen 2 is built on IBM Cloud VPC infrastructure, replacing the older Classic infrastructure used by Gen 1 services. VPC provides stronger performance, enhanced security, modernized networking, and better operational controls for managed databases.
This FAQ summarizes the key differences for Cloud Databases Gen 2 (VPC) and how it differs from the Classic (Gen 1) version.
1. What is the biggest difference between Classic and Gen 2?
Classic services run on IBM's Original Classic Platform, while Gen 2 runs on VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) with software-defined networking.
Classic Gen 1 vs VPC Gen 2: Architectural differences
| Area | Classic | Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | VLAN-based Classic data-center model | Modern, software-defined VPC regional model |
| Performance | Network speeds up to ~50 Gbps | Network speeds up to 200 Gbps |
| Zone architecture | Limited use of zone architecture | Strong multi-zone availability |
| Security | Older networking/security approach | VPEs, IAM-native integration, modern cloud networking |
| Provisioning | Less flexibile provisioning model, slower to modify | Fast, API/CLI/Terraform-first model |
| Scaling | Fixed instance profiles with Isolated and Shared Compute models | Faster, more flexible scaling with modern isolated compute profiles |
2. Why should I choose Gen 2?
Gen 2 provides:
- Modern networking with higher throughput.
- Better multi-zone availability.
- Stronger security with Private only connections and IAM integration.
- Faster provisioning and automation alignment.
- Long-term strategic alignment with IBM Cloud®
3. Does Gen 2 have any limitations compared to Classic?
Yes, the following limitations exist at this point:
- Montreal, Chennai, Mumbai, Frankfurt, and Washington DC region only.
- Context-based restrictions (CBR) is not yet supported.
4. Do Gen 2 databases support the same features as Gen 1?
Gen 2 supports the same core database engines and delivers improved performance, security, and operational capabilities on VPC. Some Gen 1 features and use cases are still being added to Gen 2 as the platform expands, but coverage is increasing rapidly. Most workloads will run normally on Gen 2 today, and full use case parity will continue to grow over time. To track the differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Databases, check out the Overview page.
5. Are there differences in hosting models between Gen 1 and Gen 2?
Gen 2 instances currently offer fixed, Isolated Compute profiles only. These profiles run on newer hardware built on 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors (Sapphire Rapids).
Gen 1 instances use a previous generation of hardware (Intel® Xeon® Platinum 8260 Cascade Lake) and support both shared and isolated hosting models.
The following table explains the differences between Shared Compute and Isolated Compute in Gen 1.
| Shared Compute (multi-tenant) | Isolated Compute (single-tenant) |
|---|---|
| - Flexible CPU/RAM selections - Small or custom presets - Ideal for dev/test or cost-efficient workloads |
- Dedicated compute - Best for production workloads requiring isolation |
6. How does performance differ between Classic and Gen 2?
Gen 2 is built on newer underlying infrastructure that provides higher baseline capabilities, such as:
- Up to 200 Gbps networking.
- Improved CPU/memory profiles.
- IOPS-based scalable storage performance.
- Higher bandwidth with dedicated bandwidth for storage.
- Lower latency on the network level.
- Ability to select the CPU generation.
- Snapshot-based backups that do not impact database performance.
- Restores in the background while you can use the database. Thus, restore times are less dependent on database size.
However, application-level performance improvements will vary depending on workload characteristics, data access patterns and service configuration. While Gen 2 offers a more powerful platform, performance outcomes are not guaranteed and may differ based on your specific workload.
7. What about security differences?
Gen 2 delivers:
- Private only access via Virtual Private Endpoints (VPEs).
- Cloud-native networking (VPN, LBaaS, NAT).
- Unified IAM integration.
- Consistent encryption at rest/in transit.
8. Does Gen 2 change backup and restore capabilities?
Yes, with:
- Snapshot-based bakups.
- Enhanced point-in-time recovery (PITR).
- More performant and predictable backup and restore performance due to newer Gen 2 storage architecture.
- Indpenedent backups (currently for Databases for MySQL only).
For more information, see Comparison of Gen 1 and Gen 2 backups.
9. How does high availability differ?
Gen 2 provides:
- Multi-zone deployments.
- Faster failover.
- Up to 2 HA nodes + 1 DR replica in some database offerings.
10. Are there pricing changes?
Yes. IBM Cloud® Gen 2 Databases use the same pricing model as Gen 1, but the overall pricing structure is more aligned with broader market expectations. Backup-related pricing now follows a snapshot-based model consistent with standard database-industry practices. Storage costs are also approximately 60% lower. The exact impact on your workload depends on the your service and configuration.
11. Do Gen 2 database services integrate better with automation tools?
Yes. Gen 2 Databases provide stronger integration with IBM Cloud® automation tooling through:
- Improved Terraform support.
- Stronger API alignment across services.
- Resource Controller API for instance lifecycle management.
- IBM Cloud® CLI support through Resource Controller CLI.
12. How does the CLI differ between Gen 1 and Gen 2?
| Classic CLI | Gen 2 CLI |
|---|---|
| Based on Classic infrastructure | New CLI plugin required |
| Commands tied to Classic networking and resource constructs | VPC-native command model |
| Does not work with Gen 2 services | Works with Gen 2 compute models and VPE networking |
Gen 2 does not currently support the Databases CLI (CDB) plugin. For Gen 2 instances, you must use the IBM Cloud Resource Controller CLI commands. This includes operations like creating instances, updating configurations, and managing service credentials. See the CLI reference documentation for Gen 2-specific commands.
13. Do monitoring and logging tools change?
No. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 instances fully integrate with: