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.

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

New and updated Informix, U2, and DB2 Training Courses

If you are interested in advancing your skills this spring, why not take one of our new or updated training classes?

Informix
Three courses have been updated for Informix, including:

• IDS 11 Systems Administration (IX810 / 3X810) **all the courses that start with 3 are Instructor-Led Online courses **
• IDS 11 Managing & Optimizing Data (IX220 / 3X220)
• IDS 11 Performance Tuning (IX400)

U2
Check out this new U2 course if you are an advanced programmer: U2 Basic Extensions for Advanced Programmers (U2141 / 3U140).

DB2
If DB2 is what you are looking for, there are tons of new and updated courses to choose from:

• DB2 Fundamentals (CE030 / 3E030)
• SQL Workshop (CE120 / 3E120)
• DB2 9 for z/OS Transition (CV301)
• DB2 9 for z/OS Database Administration (CV830 / 3V830)
• DB2 9 for z/OS System Administration (CV850)
• DB2 9 for z/OS System Implementation (CV860)
• DB2 9 for LUW Transition (CG090 / 3L090)
• DB2 9.5 for LUW Transition (CL311)
• DB2 9.5 LUW Special Topics (CL550)

Visit ibm.com/training and enter the course code to find more information about any of the courses I listed here.

Happy training!
Kate

P.S. If you are interested in DB2 9 certification, check out the Certify and Save promotion!

Categories : [   Training  ]

Apr 09 2008, 02:20:54 PM EDT Permalink

Understanding Training course codes

If you’ve been taking IBM Training courses over the past several years, you may have started to notice changes in course codes. Although these changes will ultimately make it much easier to find courses in your interest area and region, the period of transition (right now) can be difficult since you aren’t always up to date about the latest course codes.

The manager of Education Delivery in the US and Canada has provided me with some helpful info that I thought I’d share with you. One thing to note is that all course codes (US and worldwide) will eventually be 5 digits. For now though, much of our Training material lists worldwide codes with 4 digits (ex. IX22) and US codes with 5 digits (ex. DT200).

ILO Courses
These courses all begin with a 3 and a letter. If you see 3 you know instantly that you are looking at an ILO course. Examples are: 3X22 (Informix Database Administration: Managing and Optimizing Data), and 3U200 (IBM UniData Fundamentals). The numbers after the 3 and the letter correspond to the classroom version of the course (ex. 3X22 corresponds to classroom course IX22).

Cross Product Courses
Cross product courses are those courses that cover multiple product areas. All of these courses will eventually begin with CE followed by 3 digits. Current examples include: CE03 (DB2 Family Fundamentals), and CE13 (DB2 SQL Workshop for Experienced Users).

DB2 for z/OS Courses
After the transition, all courses for DB2 for z/OS will start with CV followed by three digits. Examples include: CV85 (DB2 for z/OS System Administration) and CV73 (DB2 for z/OS Stored Procedures).

DB2 for LUW Courses
These courses will all be listed as CL followed by three digits. Current examples are DB2 9 Database Administration Workshop: CL20 (for Linux), CL21 (for Unix), CL23 (for Windows).

Informix Courses
Informix course codes are one of the easiest to remember – they will all be listed as IX followed by three digits. Examples are: IX81 (Informix Dynamic Server 11 Systems Administration) and IX30 (Informix Dynamic Server 11 New Features).

Data Warehousing Courses
These courses will be DW followed by three digits. Examples are DW03 (Changing Business with Data Insight) and DW35 (DB2 Data Warehouse Edition 9 Components).

U2 Courses
U2 courses are another easy one to remember… they all start with (you guessed it) U2! Examples are U2125 (IBM UniData and UniVerse Database Programming) and U2141 (IBM U2 Basic Extensions for Advanced Programmers).

Optim Courses
Optim is the newest member of the Data Management family. Optim courses are listed as DT followed by three digits. Examples are DT200 (Basic IBM Optim Data Growth for Open Systems) and DT820 (Basic IBM Optim Test Data Management for z/OS).

I hope this information makes it a little bit easier to find your next training course. Visit ibm.com/training to find more information about specific courses.

If you have a moment, please write me a comment and let me know how you traditionally find training courses. Do you use the training search (ibm.com/training) and search by course number or course name? Or do you find training using the training paths? Do you use another method?

Thanks!
Kate

Note: The changes to course codes mentioned above will take place gradually and will only apply to currently offered courses.

Planning to get DB2 Certified? Now's the time to Certify and Save!

Have you been thinking about earning a DB2 9 certification over the next few months? Do you want to validate your skills and increase your earning potential? Then you’ll be interested in the Certify and Save promotion announced today by Information Management Training.

The Certify and Save promotion works like this: 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!

Here are the details:

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
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

Here are the available guides and the associated exams:

• Purchase DB2 9 Fundamentals Certification Study Guide by Roger Sanders, ISBN: 1583470727... Receive a voucher for Exam 730: DB2 9 Fundamentals
• 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
• 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

I’m really excited about this promotion because it is a practical and cost-effective way to earn a DB2 9 certification. Plus, the certification guides are useful resources to keep at your desk following the exam if you ever need to refresh a concept or skill.

For more information about the Certify and Save promotion, visit ibm.com/software/data/education/voucher.html. From this site you can read more about the promotion, listen to a podcast about the offer, and download a PDF with all the promotion details.

So… get studying!
Kate

P.S. Before your exam, you can test your skills with an assessment exam available for only $10 USD – visit ibm.com/software/data/education/cert-assessment.html for more information.

Check out the IBM Database Magazine

If you work with a relational database, you might be interested in checking out the IBM Database Magazine. Previously DB2 Magazine, this magazine and website provides tons of useful information about DB2, Informix, U2, Application Development, Analytics, Content & Discovery, and (where I contribute) Skills & Education.

The site contains useful and current information about a wide variety of database topics. If you want to be the first to know about the latest database news, you can subscribe to the magazine. You have the choice of the quarterly print edition, the monthly e-newsletter, and/or the quarterly digital edition (same content as the print edition… just digital).

If you crave even more database information or want to contribute some of your own, join the IBM Database Magazine Wiki for the Information Management user community. You’ll find tips, tricks, tools, and solutions from other members of the community.

I hope you find this resource useful. Visit IBM Database Magazine at www.ibmdatabasemag.com.

Kate

Choose your own adventure… with training paths

My last post provided some information about certification roadmaps and how they can help you plan your next certification and see how each exam links to other exams. As a fair-minded blogger, I thought it was only appropriate to provide some information about a similar resource we have for training courses. This resource is Training Paths.

Have you ever wondered what training course is right for you? Training paths help answer this question. Available online or in PDF format, these paths are available for multiple roles within the following areas: Data Warehouse, Enterprise Content Management, DB2, IMS, Information Platform & Solutions, Informix, and U2.

The paths are structured in a question and answer format, so by answering yes or no to each question you will be able to easily isolate the training course that is right for you. For those of you who remember choose your own adventure novels, I like to think of the paths as a choose your own adventure resource for training.

Training Paths also provide you with other information such as additional training paths, relevant certifications, and useful websites.

Visit www.ibm.com/software/data/education/roadmaps.html to view the training paths and then go to www.ibm.com/training to book a course. The paths have been updated to include ILO courses so this could be a great opportunity to try this new format.

I hope you find this resource useful!
Kate

Certification roadmaps… your GPS for certification planning

Do you ever feel lost in a jumble of numbers when you are planning for a certification exam? 730, 736, 918, 444… you want to know what these exams are and how they fit together. Information Management Roadmaps are an excellent way to sort this out and plan your certification path.

Roadmaps show you where to start with entry level certifications, and how you can build on your certification at more advanced levels. Roadmaps also identify prerequisites for certain tests which are absolutely essential for planning.

You can view the most recent roadmaps online: ibm.com/software/data/education/cert-roadmaps.html

This site features roadmaps for Enterprise Content Management, DB2, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence, Information Platform and Solutions, Informix, and U2.

Good luck with your planning,
Kate

Are you learning DB2? Play the DB2 Games!

Ok, I’ll admit it. When thinking of databases my mind doesn’t immediately jump to games. I think of tables and cells and queries… and perhaps you do too. My thinking was altered, however, when I came across two games that have been created specifically for people learning DB2 and reinforcing existing DB2 skills. These FREE interactive self-study games build your DB2 skills using real world problems and solutions.

Just choose your level and start playing:

If you are a beginner, choose the IBM DB2 Detective Game
If you like watching crime investigation shows, this might just be the perfect game for you. Using a crime investigation theme, you will enforce your DB2 9 and SQL skills while learning relational database concepts and how they can be applied to real-life problems. I’ve played this game and highly recommend it.

If you have some existing DB2 skills, choose the IBM DB2 Business Game
Try a “run your own business” scenario and put your DB2 and SQL skills to the test with the Business Game. Your company’s future depends on a key report needed to secure funds for a critical upgrade… can you put your DB2 skills into action and beat the game? Play now and find out.

Both games are available at ibm.com/software/data/education/games.html

Enjoy the games!

Kate

It’s time to refresh your library!

IBM Press has just announced a great discount on some new and popular Information Management books. If you order now you’ll get a 35% discount on books, PLUS free ground shipping if you live in the continental US.

The books include:

• Mining the Talk: Unlocking the Business Value in Unstructured Information
• DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows: DBA Guide, Reference, and Exam Prep, 6th Edition
• Understanding DB2®: Learning Visually with Examples, 2nd Edition
• Understanding DB2 9 Security
• DB2® SQL PL: Essential Guide for DB2® UDB on Linux™, UNIX®, Windows™, i5/OS™, and z/OS®, 2nd Edition
• An Introduction to IMS™: Your Complete Guide to IBM's Information Management System
• Implementing ITIL Configuration Management
• A Practical Guide to Trusted Computing
• Mainframe Basics for Security Professionals: Getting Started with RACF
• Developing Quality Technical Information: A Handbook for Writers and Editors, 2nd Edition

I happen to have DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows: DBA Guide, Reference, and Exam Prep (6th Ed.) and Understanding DB2: Learning Visually with Examples sitting right here on my shelf. Both are large books packed with the info you need to get the most from DB2.

At the IBM Press website you’ll also be able to download a free eBook, download IBM DB2 Express-C, and listen to author podcasts. The free eBook is 200 pages in length and discusses topics such as PureXML Storage Engine, Database Security, SQL PL Language Elements, and Mining to Improve Innovation.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer from IBM Press, visit www.ibmpressbooks.com/promotions/promotion.asp?promo=136211

Happy reading,
Kate

Start studying now for certification exams at the IIUG Informix and IDUG North America conferences

If you are going to be attending either the IIUG Informix Conference (April 27 – 30 in Overland Park, Kansas) or the IDUG North America Conference (May 13 – 22 in Dallas, Texas) then you’ll have the opportunity to take free Information Management Certification exams while at the conference(s). This is a great way to boost your skill level and save some money. I had the opportunity to be a proctor at an event last fall. While many people studied and passed their exams, others said they wished they had prepared a bit earlier.

So, now is the time to start studying to make sure you pass when your exam day arrives. I’m going to point you to some handy certification study tutorials, guides, and self-assessments to help you prepare.

Self-study tutorials: ibm.com/software/data/education/selfstudy.html#5
There are a number of certification tutorials available to you.

• Those attending IIUG would likely be interested in the new IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11 System Administration Certification Prep Tutorial Series. This series of eight tutorials helps you prepare for Exam 918.
• If you are attending IDUG North America there are a few new tutorials to choose from, including the DB2 9 Fundamentals Exam 730 Certification Prep Tutorial Series, the DB2 9 DBA for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Exam 731 Certification Prep Tutorial Series, and the DB2 9 Application Developer Certification Exam Prep Tutorials for Exam 733.

Certification guides: ibm.com/software/data/education/bookstore/certify.html
If you are prepping for a DB2 9 exam, you’ll want to pick up one of the recently published certification guides available for Exam 730, Exam 731, Exam 732, and Exam 736. These guides not only get you ready for certification day, they are also a great resource to keep on your desk as a reference (perhaps beside your new certification).

Self-Assessment exams: ibm.com/software/data/education/cert-assessment.html
Since you are already getting your exam for free at one of the conferences, you should invest $10.00 before the event and take a self-assessment exam. Test your readiness and identify areas in need of focused study before sitting down to write the actual exam. If you pass the assessment you’ll have a boost of confidence, and if you don’t you will be able to identify areas to study. Either way you can’t lose.

I hope some of these resources help you as you prepare for certification. Now stop reading… and start studying!
Kate

P.S. My coworker Susan Visser just wrote a great new article for DB2 Mag about certification – check it out here: www.ibmdatabasemag.com/qanda/2001q2_cert.shtml

What is an upgrade exam and do I qualify?

Part of my job is to work with the Information Management Certification Program Manager, Susan Dykman, to get the word out about new and popular certifications. Earning an industry-recognized IBM certification is a great way to validate your skills and keep up-to-date with the latest Data Server products.

DB2 9 certifications have been very popular this year, including DB2 9 Fundamentals (Exam 730), DB2 9 Database Administrator for Linux, UNIX, and Windows (Exam 731), DB2 9 Database Administrator for z/OS (Exam 732), DB2 9 Application Developer (Exam 733), and DB2 9 Advanced Database Administrator for Linux, UNIX, and Windows (Exam 734). Many people have questions, however, about the new upgrade exam for DB2 9 – DB2 9 Database Administrator for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Upgrade (Exam 736). Read on for some information about the upgrade exam and to find out if you qualify.

Upgrade Exams 101
Upgrade Exam 736 allows individuals with a DB2 UDB v8.1 Database Administrator for LUW certification to bypass Exams 730 and 731 when upgrading their certification to DB2 9. However, to maintain the integrity of the certification program, restrictions on who is eligible to take this upgrade exam are necessary. These restrictions include:

• Individuals who took Exam 706 to upgrade from DB2 UDB V7 DBA certification to DB2 UDB V8 DBA certification are not eligible to take Exam 736
• Individuals who attained a DB2 UDB V8.1 DBA certification without taking exam 700 are not eligible to take Exam 736
• Individuals who hold a DB2 UDB V7 DBA certification and did not upgrade to V8 are not eligible to take Exam 736

What does this mean for me?
Check out the list below to find out what exams you need to take to get DBA for LUW certified on DB2 9:

• If you’ve taken Exams 512 & 513 for a DB2 UDB v7.1 DBA certification, you’ll need to take either Exam 700 or 730, and 731
• If you’ve taken Exams 512 & 701 for a DB2 UDB v8.1 DBA, you’ll need to take either Exam 700 or 730, and 731
• If you’ve taken Exams 700 & 701 for a DB2 UDB v8.1 DBA, you’ll need to take either Exam 731 or 736
• If you’ve taken Exams 512, 513, and 706 for a DB2 UDB v8.1 DBA, you’ll need to take either Exam 700 or 730, and 731
• If you’ve never taken a certification exam for DB2, you’ll need to take Exam 730 and 731

• Exam 512: DB2 UDB V7.1 Family Fundamentals
• Exam 513: DB2 UDB V7.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Database Administration
• Exam 700: DB2 UDB V8.1 Family Fundamentals
• Exam 701: DB2 UDB V8.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Database Administration
• Exam 706: DB2 UDB V8.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Database Administration Upgrade
• Exam 730: DB2 9 Fundamentals
• Exam 731: DB2 9 DBA for Linux, UNIX and Windows
• Exam 736: DB2 9 Database Administrator for Linux UNIX and Windows Upgrade

Kate