Kate Dawson is a member of the Data Management Education team at the Toronto Lab. A recent graduate of the University of Waterloo, Kate is new to IBM and is rapidly learning the tips and tricks you need to know to get trained and certified by IBM. Read on as Kate asks questions and gets answers about training, certification, and education.

DB2 Book Alert

In the summer, there’s nothing better than relaxing outside with a good book. If you are looking for a good book, you might want to check out one of these two well-written and widely praised DB2 books. Each has a slightly different focus… so make sure you pick the one that is right for you.

Book: Understanding DB2: Learning Visually with Examples 2nd Ed
Written by: Raul Chong, Xiaomei Wang, Michael Dang, and Dwaine Snow
Ideal for: anyone moving from another database platform or product to DB2
You’ll get: a wealth of information presented visually in easy-to-understand screenshots, diagrams, charts, and tables
Don’t forget: this book has been fully updated for DB2 9.5

Book: DB2 9 for Linux, Unix, and Windows: DBA Guide, Reference, and Exam Prep 6th Ed
Written by: George Baklarz and Paul Zikopoulos
Ideal for: anyone working with DB2 9 for LUW will want this book on their desk
You’ll get: complete, start-to-finish coverage of DB2 9 administration and development for LUW platforms
Don’t forget: this book also provides exam prep material for the DB2 9 for LUW certification exams

You can find these books and many others at the online Information Management bookstore.

Happy Reading!
Kate

New DB2 9.5 Developer Certification Available

The Information Management Certification team has recently released a new DB2 exam. Exam 735, DB2 9.5 SQL Procedure Developer, is now available for anyone who has significant experience with intermediate or advanced level skills in developing DB2 stored procedures, user defined functions and triggers. The exam is 60 questions in length and requires at least 69% to pass the exam. To earn this certification, you must pass both Exam 730, DB2 9 Fundamentals, and Exam 735.

The exam is broken down into six parts:

• Section 1 - SQL Procedural Language (30%)
• Section 2 - DB2 SQL Procedures (26%)
• Section 3 - Functions (16%)
• Section 4 - Triggers (10%)
• Section 5 - Advanced SQL Features (12%)
• Section 6 - Related Tools (6%)

Good luck with this new certification!
Kate

Seven days left!

If you are planning to get DB2 9 certified this summer, hurry because you only have seven days left to study and save with the Certify and Save promotion. Seven days... that is one week... or 168 hours... so act fast!

Promotion details:
Buy a DB2 9 certification guide and get a voucher for 50% off the cost of the associated Information Management Professional Certification exam. You’ll save approximately $75 USD with your voucher which easily covers the cost of the certification guide!

What to do:

1. Buy one of the certification guides available for DB2 9 at any US bookstore (physical store, online store, even our conference bookstore at IDUG North America)
2. Sign up for the offer on the promotion registration site or before June 30, 2008 (eight days away!)
3. Receive your promotion qualification email from IBM
4. Following the instructions in your qualification email, send proof of book purchase to IBM on or before July 15, 2008
5. Receive your professional certification voucher valid for the guide's corresponding exam
6. Take the certification exam through Thompson Prometric on or before August 31, 2008, redeem the voucher, and save $75

1. Purchase DB2 9 Fundamentals Certification Study Guide by Roger Sanders, ISBN: 1583470727... Receive a voucher for Exam 730: DB2 9 Fundamentals
2. Purchase DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Database Administration: Certification Study Guide by Roger Sanders, ISBN: 1583470778... Receive a voucher for Exam 731: DB2 9 DBA for LUW
3. Purchase DB2 9 for z/OS Database Administration: Certification Study Guide by Susan Lawson, ISBN: 1583470743... Receive a voucher for Exam 732: DB2 9 DBA for z/OS

Find out more online at ibm.com/software/data/education/voucher.html.

Don’t miss your chance to get certified this summer!
Kate

It’s contagious!

IBM Data Management just released part one of three humorous viral videos on YouTube. The video increases awareness of IBM Data Management capabilities, such as pureXML (the two most beautiful words in the English language). Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmtXaZ_HhBg to view the video.

Parts two and three will be released over next two weeks, so keep checking the video landing page to learn more about Data Management and view the newest videos.

On this site you can also check out other Data Management community sites, including www.channeldb2.com and www.planetdb2.com. And, if the video inspires you to get creative, you can make your own video and enter the IDUG video contest!

Haha, I quite enjoyed the video and I hope you do as well!
Kate

Everything you have ever wanted to know (and more) about DB2 9 certification

If you are interested in DB2 9 certification, I recommend you take a read through a recently updated article by Howard Fosdick. The article, DB2 9 Certification: Everything you need to know, covers the what and the why behind IBM DB2 professional certification. It covers questions such as should you certify? Will it increase your abilities or help your career? How can you do it quickly and inexpensively? If you decide that certification is right for you, the article provides tips on how to do it successfully, quickly and inexpensively.

Here are some interesting findings/suggestions from the article:

• Learn more, earn more - Certification Magazine's worldwide annual salary survey of 35,000 IT professionals shows that an IBM Certified DB2 DBA earns more than an Oracle OCP DBA or an Microsoft SQL Server MSDBA
• Think deeply - Compared to competing database vendors' exams, the IBM DB2 tests seem to have fewer overly specific trivial pursuit questions and more questions requiring deep thought. The exams are intended to test your DB2 knowledge and ability to figure out DB2 problems (not just your ability to memorize what's in the certification study guides).
• Use a certification guide - Read reviews of the books written by those who have used them to certify at online booksellers like Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Or flip through the books at your local bookstore. You want to be certain you pick a book you like, as you'll be spending a lot of time studying it.
• Study with a buddy - several IT pros successfully certified by creating a study group, or teaming up with a study buddy. The whole process can be a lot easier (and more fun) when done with friends. If you take this approach, be sure you've all got compatible goals and a common schedule. Members must take exams in the same time frame for the group to succeed.
• Much much more…

There is much more to learn by reading the article. So check it out at ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0401fosdick/index.html.

Kate

More Redbooks

After my last post about Up and Running with DB2 on Linux, it was brought to my attention that there are some other recently updated and popular Redbooks for Informix and DB2 that you might want to check out. These were brought to my attention by my colleague Pat Moffatt who knows the products and the Redbooks inside and out – so with her stamp of approval I am strongly recommending them to you.

Informix
Security and Compliance Solutions for IBM Informix Dynamic Server
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247556.html?Open

Informix Dynamic Server 11: Extending Availability and Replication
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/abstracts/sg247488.html?Open

DB2
DB2 Workload Manager for Linux, UNIX, and Windows
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/abstracts/sg247524.html?Open

DB2 Security and Compliance Solutions for Linux, UNIX, and Windows
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247555.html

I hope you find these IBM Redbooks useful.
Kate

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Certify and Save promotion!

Up and Running with DB2 on Linux

The recently updated Redbooks download Up and Running with DB2 on Linux is now available in draft form. If you run DB2 on Linux you’ll want to check it out. The prior version was one of the most popular Redbooks downloads in 2007!

Here’s some info about Up and Running with DB2 on Linux:
Linux is one of the fastest growing server operating platforms within the past few years. DB2 has long been known for its technology leadership. This IBM Redbooks publication is an informative guide that describes how to effectively integrate DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows (LUW) with SUSE and Red Hat Linux operating systems. This book provides both introductory and detailed information on installing, configuring, managing, and monitoring DB2 in a Linux environment.

We describe the DB2 product family and features for Linux, and provide step-by-step instructions for a single as well as for multiple partitions DB2 system installation and configuration. We cover how to migrate single and multiple partition DB2 to DB2 Version 9.5, and discuss, in detail, DB2 database administration in a Linux environment, procedures and tools for database backup and recovery, online maintenance, and system monitoring. We cover DB2 integrated tools and their features and use.

We discuss aspects of DB2 application development in the Linux environment, and provide general tips about building and running DB2 applications on Linux, and the use of DB2 application development tools.

Get reading at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/abstracts/sg246899.html?Open.

Are you going to IOD EMEA?

IOD Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is quickly approaching! Taking place June 3-6 2008 in The Hague, Netherlands, IOD EMEA is the largest and most valuable IBM event in EMEA for Information Management Customers, Prospects, Business Partners and IBM Employees. Some of my team members will be there running exciting events and promotions that I know you won’t want to miss.

Study to Win an iPod® Shuffle™
Take a free Information Management certification exam at IOD EMEA and achieve one of the top four scores daily to win an iPod Shuffle! All Information Management exams qualify, excluding the FileNet exams. Each attendee can only win once. The iPod Shuffles are small (perfect for the gym) and very handy for traveling. To top it off their green colour clearly displays your mastery of Information Management!

FREE Online Practice Exams
If you are hoping to bring home a Shuffle you should study now to increase your chances of winning! What better way is there to gauge your readiness than with an Information Management practice exam online? And, since we really want you to win, we’re making these exams FREE up to and during the conference (May 18 to June 6). They normally cost $10 USD per exam. Visit ibm.com/software/data/education/cert-assessment.html.

You can also prepare with our online resources. Visit ibm.com/software/data/education/certprep.html

Books galore
Our IBM Publications Program Manager, Susan Visser, will be running a bookstore at IOD EMEA and has arranged some book giveaways & meet the author sessions you’ll want to attend.

• IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11, the Next Generation in OLTP Data Server Technology - pick up your free copy outside World Forum Theater immediately following the Data Management featured keynote on Tuesday, 3 June at 12.20
• DB2 VIPER Strikes Again, New Features in DB2 9.5 - pick up your free copy outside World Forum Theater immediately following the Data Management featured keynote on Tuesday 3 June at 12.20
• Enterprise Master Data Management: An SOA Approach to Managing Core Information - pick up your free copy and have the authors sign your book outside World Forum Theater immediately following the Information Platform & Solutions featured keynote on Wednesday, 4 June at 12.20

Have fun at IOD EMEA!
Kate

Hook in with DB2 on Facebook

If you want to get the latest info on DB2, including news about Training and Certification, consider becoming a fan or joining a DB2 group on Facebook. There are a number of links to check out:

IBM DB2 Training and Certification
This product page provides the latest info about Training and Certification, including promotions and offers relevant to you. I just became a fan and I hope you’ll do the same.

DB2 on Campus
The DB2 on Campus program promotes the use of DB2 in universities around the world. Become a member of this group to learn about the activities of the DB2 on Campus program, including e-Learning videos, books, and the campus tour schedule.

IBM DB2 Product Page
Find events, blogs, and product features on this product page.

IDUG: The Face of DB2 DBAs
This group describes itself as a ‘kinder, gentler forum for DB2 DBAs to discuss topics of interest.’ Ask questions and learn from the experiences of others in this Facebook group.

Hope to see you on Facebook!
Kate

IDUG Members: Take a free online assessment exam!

If you are planning to take a certification exam at the IDUG North America Conference, May 18 – 22, 2008, you’ll be interested in this offer! Information Management is offering free online assessment exams prior to and during the event, May 4 through May 22, 2008. These assessment exams are a great way to determine if you are ready to ace a certification exam and normally cost $10 USD each.

Assessment test quantities are limited and there is only one complimentary assessment test per person.

To learn more and get your access code, visit the IDUG website.

Good luck!
Kate

P.S. While you are at IDUG, check out the Skills Hub located near the bookstore to find info about everything related to education.

Attention Informix Detectives

If you are looking for a fun way to learn the basics of IBM Informix and relational databases, I’ve got the answer for you. Play the IDS Detective Game and see how technology can be used to solve real-life problems, such as a crime scene investigation, while practicing relational database concepts.

With this game you can:

• Gain an understanding of database concepts such as tables, rows (records), columns (fields), and values.
• Learn about relational databases, data models, unique keys, primary keys, foreign keys, and table joins.
• Gain a working knowledge of the primary SQL statements: select, update, insert, and delete.
• Use the IDS command window to import a database.
• Use dbaccess to create and execute SQL code.

You have to have IBM IDS 11 installed, the IDSGame database loaded, and the clue file running to play.

Check it out at ibm.com/developerworks/edu/dm-dw-dm-0804moffatt-i.html.

Enjoy the game!
Kate

P.S. Other games are available for DB2. Play the DB2 Detective and the DB2 Business games here: ibm.com/software/data/education/games.html.


May 02 2008, 04:14:04 PM EDT Permalink

Get ready for IOD, October 2008

I’ll admit that this post seems a bit early… the Information on Demand Conference isn’t happening until October. But it seems like just yesterday it was January so time is definitely flying this year. Now is the time to start thinking about the conference, particularly if you plan to take advantage of the three complimentary Information Management certification exams registered attendees can take.

Step one: Planning
Visit ibm.com/software/data/education/cert-roadmaps.html to view the current certification roadmaps and decide which exam(s) you want to attempt. If you pass an entry level exam you may even want to try for an intermediate or advanced certification as well. If you want detailed information about any one exam click here and search by exam number.

Step two: Studying
Once you’ve decided which exam to take you can start preparing. If you are going to take a DB2 9 exam chances are there is a certification guide available for you. There are also a variety of tutorials and other prep material available for all Information Management exams.

Step three: Assessing
Once you think you are ready to write the exam, take an online assessment exam to test your readiness.

Step four: Testing
Take your certification exam while at IOD. You’ll be glad you prepared in advance – trust me!

Step five: Relaxing
When you get certified at IOD you gain exclusive access to the IBM certification lounge! The lounge is a quiet space with comfortable chairs and munchies where you can regroup after an exam or study for your next one.

Good luck!
Kate

Podcasts galore!

My team has recorded a number of podcasts over the last couple of months about topics ranging from instructor-led online training and the current Certify & Save promotion to the Information Management Books program. We’ve received some great feedback on the podcasts, and plan to record more throughout the year. I encourage you to take a few minutes to catch up on the latest education offerings by listening to these podcasts:

• One of my coworkers (and fellow blogger) Susan Visser recently recorded a podcast about the books she works to publish. This podcast tells you what’s new in the books for certification, Informix, and DB2.
• The Certify and Save podcast explains how you can save 50% off the cost of certification by purchasing a study guide for a qualifying DB2 exam.
• The Instructor-Led Online (ILO) podcast provides info about this new type of training, including benefits, sample courses, and how to sign up.

Happy listening!

Kate

Instructor-led online… what instructors are saying

Have you taken an Instructor-led online (ILO) class yet? If so, you’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of learning from your home or office from an instructor on a specific date and time. You’ve given yourself a pat on the back for the time and money you saved on travel and living expenses. You’ve also interacted with the other members of your class using VOIP and participated in virtual labs. Good for you!

Have you ever thought about the course from an instructor’s point of view? As we students are all adjusting to this new learning format, instructors are doing the same and making special efforts to reach out us online.

A few of our talented instructors took the time to share their thoughts on ILO:

"Instructor-Led Online courses truly offer a global learning opportunity. Having the option to take a course on your own terms, in the location of your choice, while still being able to experience live interaction with an instructor is highly beneficial for our global customers."
- Joan Dunn, IBM certified instructor, U2

"When you look at Instructor-Led Online, it comes down to one thing: convenience. For the student on the go, online access to a real-time instructor means savings in travel time and money, which can be spent on additional training, ultimately further advancing the student's skill level."
- John Zucchero, IBM certified instructor, Informix

"Live instructor interaction, high-quality course content, hands-on labs, with flexibility, no travel expenses and real-time skills building with peers… it’s almost a question of why wouldn’t you take an Instructor-Led Online course."
- Melanie Stopfer, IBM certified instructor, DB2

If you want to learn more, visit ibm.com/software/data/education/ilo.html. To sign up for an ILO course, visit ibm.com/training.

Kate

Get ready for your certification exam at IIUG 2008 with a FREE online assessment!

For all you IIUG members, this is an offer you can’t pass up. IBM Information Management is offering free online assessment testing to IIUG Members to help you prepare for the complimentary Informix Professional Certification IBM is offering at the IIUG Informix Conference April 27-30, 2008.

Assessment tests for Exams 915, 917 and 918 will be available free of charge for two weeks prior to and during the conference, April 15 through April 30, 2008. Normally these tests are offered for a fee of $10 each.

Find more information about the exams at the following links:

• Exam 915: System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server V 9
• Exam 917: System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server V 10
• Exam 918: System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11

Please note assessment test quantities are limited, only one complimentary assessment test per person... and don’t forget – you have to be an IIUG member!

To take an assessment exam, visit www.iiug.org/news/announcements/online_assessment.php and find out all the details.

Further increase your chances of success on exam day with our complimentary Informix Certification tutorials! Visit ibm.com/software/data/education/selfstudy.html#5.

Good luck with your Informix certification!
Kate