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.

In the Toronto area? Attend our Information Management Certification Day!

If you live in or near my homebase of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this post will be of interest to you!

On July 7th, IBM Business Partners and clients are invited to 3600 Steeles Avenue, Markham from 9:00am to 4:00pm to get certified at 50% off. You'll pay only $100USD for courses from across the entire Information Management portfolio. For a complete list of exams, please visit ibm.com/certify. Visit ibm.com/software/data/education to get prepared before exam day with a variety of preparation guides, tutorials and assessment exams.

Pre-registration is required for this event by contacting the event coordinator at csoares@ca.ibm.com.

Best of luck on certification day!
Kate

Are you going to IDUG?

Will you be attending IDUG 2009 - North America in a few weeks? The event takes place May 11 - 15 in Denver, Colorado (one of my favourite places to visit!) If you are attending, you'll want to make the most of your days at the event. There are plenty of great speakers, panels, sessions, and opportunities to get certified!

The IDUG 2009 - North America conference will feature three complimentary IBM certification exams for each registered attendees covering a variety of DB2 topic areas. Certification exams typically cost $200 USD per test, however, because of IDUG's partnership with IBM, FREE certification testing is available for all registered IDUG attendees. For more information, check out: http://conferences.idug.org/na/GeneralInformation/CertificationTesting/tabid/381/Default.aspx

For information about the IDUG Conference schedule and speakers, visit: http://idugew.prod.web.sba.com/displaymod/GridDisplay.cfm?conference_id=76

Enjoy the event!

Announcing... DB2 9.7 for LUW and InfoSphere Warehouse 9.7!

Big news from Information Management yesterday - the announcement of DB2 9.7 for LUW AND InfoSphere Warehouse 9.7!

Here are three great ways to learn more about the announcement:

1. For more information about how you can break free with DB2 9.7, check out the announcment page.
2. Sign up for the Early Access Program. Participants in the Early Access Program can download the code, read the technical documentation, and get more information.
3. Attend the DB2 9.7 Overview webcast (Chat with the Lab) on May 6, 11:30 AM ET to get additional details about the new release. Click here to register for the webcast.

You can be sure this announcement will be supported with new education resources... stay tuned and I'll post links as they become available!

Kate

Data in Action Virtual Event: Solutions for an efficient environment

Join us on February 25, 2009 for a special online event with live webcasts featuring the key trends and innovations that are shaping the next generation of Data Management products. Chat with industry experts and IBM innovators about the evolution of traditional Data Management practices in the age of SOA, Web 2.0 and the continuing data explosion into new smarter practices and paradigms for managing information.

See how this smarter data revolution is creating new opportunities for organizations to refresh their approaches, and in the process:

• Gain better access to data
• Increase data security
• Lower costs

Learn how customers who have made the change are now reaping the rewards, and what it took to get them there.

Get all the benefits of a world class Information Management event without the hassle and expense of travel. Register today!

Agenda:

• 8:00 AM ET, Show floor opens
• 11:00, Understanding the Foundations Of The Information Agenda
• 12:00 Noon, Chat with the experts
• 1:30 PM, Integrated Data Management Revolution with Merv Adrian of Forrester Research
• 2:30 PM, Chat with the experts
• 6:00 PM, Show floor closes

• Information Agenda
• Lower Costs with IBM Data Servers
• Optim Data Growth
• Architect and Developer Productivity
• DBA Efficiency and Autonomics

Want to keep more money in your pocket?

Have you been thinking about taking an IBM Professional certification? If so, you are going to be interested in a new (and cost effective) way to become certified: Assess and Save!

Here's what you do:

1. Determine which IBM Professional Certification will best grow your skills and demonstrate your expertise. Check out the Certification program overview, and the Certification roadmaps to learn more about the program and choose an exam.
   
2. Study, study, study to get prepared! Visit the exam preparation page to find study resources (including some FREE resources!)
   
3. Take a self-assessment test. IBM offers online self assessment exams for each Information Management Professional Certification exam. These practice tests enable you to test your readiness for an exam for a minimal fee, helping you to be successful when you take the actual exam. With the Assess and Save Offer, candidates who purchase and pass any Information Management Online Assessment Exam through Prometric Testing from February 1, 2009 to April 30, 2009 will receive a 50% off voucher good toward the purchase of the corresponding exam at the IBM Authorized Testing Provider, Prometric. That's $100 right back in your pocket!
   
4. Register to take the actual exam at a Prometric Testing Centre (using the voucher number provided) and Save!

Try ILO for FREE

By now you've probably heard all about Instructor-Led Online training. Hopefully you've checked our newly updated ILO webpage to find out why now, more than ever, it make sense to train on your turf rather than travel.

Our ILO offerings have expanded. Not only are courses that were previously offered in a traditional classroom format are now available through ILO, we've also added two new types of ILO learning.

• ILO Flex Time: offers courses that are divided into smaller portions taught over a few weeks, so you can improve your skills while keeping up with your day-to-day work. For example, a traditional two-day course might be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for two-weeks, four-hours per session.
  
• ILO Select: offers short two-to-three hour lectures on a targeted topic so you can get the skills you need quickly.

On December 16, 2008 you can take an ILO Select course for free! Sign up for the Basics of the Data Studio Environment (3E060). This course normally costs $199 USD but is available on December 16 for free. I could go on and on about why you should sign up, but this is such a deal that no superlatives are required! Spaces are limited so sign up now!

So, give ILO a try on December 16 and then start thinking about incorporating the new ILO offerings into your 2009 training plan.

Happy Training!
Kate

IOD Wrap Up

It's hard to believe that another Information on Demand conference has come and gone. Although I didn't attend IOD, I spoke with some of my coworkers who were there to hear all about the event.

The newly launched Skills Hub was a big success with many people visiting the Hub to learn about Services, Training, Certification, Books, developerWorks, Redbooks, and Support. Attendees were eager to meet the Hub Dude (a five foot tall Hub Dude cutout greeted Skills Hub guests and those who took the Skills Hub survey took home a much smaller dude - a USB 2.0 Hub.) There was significant buzz at the Skills Hub about Instructor-Led Online training. Attendees were also able to get their hands on the hot-off-the-press new skills DVD "Boost your DB2 9 Skills + Gaming" featuring the latest information about DB2 9. If you weren't there or didn't get a DVD, look for it at other events in 2009.

The Certification lab was jumping during the conference with many attendees earning an IBM Professional Certification. Hot topics were the new 2008 certifications:

• IBM Certified Solution Developer, InfoSphere DataStage v8.0 (Exam 418)
• IBM Certified Solution Designer, InfoSphere Warehouse V9.5 (Exam 719)
• IBM Certified Solution Developer, DB2 9.5 SQL Procedure Developer (Exam 735)
• IBM Certified System Administrator, DB2 9 for z/OS (Exam 737)

The Information Management Bookstore was a spot of activity at IOD, with the large number of book giveaways and signings generating plenty of excitement.

Well, another year and another successful IOD conference. Thanks to everyone who visited our team at IOD. If you missed the event visit ibm.com/iodskills to learn more about our offerings.

Kate

Are YOU the next XML superstar?

The International DB2 User Group (IDUG) has recently launched the “Search for the XML Superstar” contest in the United States. This worldwide initiative is aimed at highlighting the benefits of DB2 and related technologies to database developers and university students.

The “Search for the XML Superstar” has five categories: XML application programming, ported applications, database gadgets, videos and query challenge. Contestants will participate in a combination of education, exposure to practical applications and “tests” that will validate understanding and ability to program IBM database technologies. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of DB2 professionals.

Participants in the contest will be eligible to win one of a series of great prizes. Those who submit star-quality entries could receive an all-expense paid trip to an IDUG conference, a Segway i2 personal transport system, a new laptop, an iPod, a Sony PlayStation 3 or a Nintendo Wii system. I don't know about you, but I think these are great prizes. I'd like the personal transport system :) The contest will also allow students to win opportunities for interviews and lab visits, and will enhance the skills that catch employers’ eyes on a resume.Developers will be able to gain recognition from world-class consultants and be celebrated for standing out among their peers.

For more information, visit xmlsuperstar.com.

Good luck!

New on the web

New Certification Page
If you are interested in IBM Professional Certification, you'll want to check out the brand new Information Management Certification page, available at ibm.com/software/data/education/certification.html. This page walks you through the steps you should take to earn an IBM certification, and provides links to roadmaps, study resources, exam registration, and more.

Instructor Profiles now online
If you've taken an IBM Training class, you had the opportunity to meet and learn from one of our talented instructors. If you were curious to learn a little more about them, or, if you are thinking of taking a training course and would like to learn about your instructor, then take a read through the new Instructor Profiles. Available at ibm.com/software/data/education/instructors.html, these profiles provide info about the instructor's background, training philosophies, hobbies, and much more.
Profiles are currently available for:

• Jeff Bohm - Data Management Technical Education Specialist, Informix and DB2
• Shirley Brost - Senior Technical Learning Specialist, DB2 for z/OS
• Joan Dunn - Senior Education Specialist, U2
• Melanie Stopfer - Consulting Learning Specialist and Developer, DB2 Custom Education
• John Zucchero - Education Learning Specialist, Informix

Happy surfing!
Kate

A glimpse into IBM Professional Certification

Are you interested in DB2 certification? An article I helped to write has been recently published by Certification Magazine. The article provides a glimpse into IBM Professional certification and provides a step-by-step view of all the DB2 9 exams, including some hot off the press details about the new DB2 exam 735. The article also provides some great information about the new certifications for Power Systems.

You can check out the article at http://www.certmag.com/read.php?in=3548.

Hot skills, cool Chumby

Have you been thinking of taking a training course in the next few months? If so you'll be interested in the latest IBM Training promotion. With this promotion you can not only learn new skills with world-class IBM instructors, you can also get a Chumby device (value $179.95 USD) to take home at the end of the class!

So... what is a Chumby?
The chumby is a compact device that displays useful and entertaining information from the web: news, photos, music, weather, celebrity gossip, webcams, sports scores — using your wireless internet connection. Always on, it shows — nonstop — what's online that matters to you. I highly recommend you view the Chumby demo at http://www.chumby.com/. Click the What the heck is a chumby button.

The Chumby sounds cool... but how does it work?
Just plug it in, connect to your wireless network, and use your computer to choose a playlist of "widgets" (the bite-sized applications that run on a chumby). And if, say, you want to see news, the surf report, and traffic in the morning, and animations, web cams and eBay auctions at night, you can group widgets in "channels." Watch constantly updated info, or use interactive widgets that take advantage of its touchscreen or motion sensor. You can even share widgets and send ecards to other people's chumbys.

With over 700 widgets across 30 different categories such as weather, social networks, photos, sports, news, entertainment, videos and much more, you'll find lots of stuff you'll love.

I'd really like a Chumby... which courses are eligible?
Check out ibm.com/services/learning/ites.wss/us/en?pageType=page&c=L576830G48338Q94 for a list of the eligible classroom and instructor-led online courses.

I really want to get a Chumby... stay tuned for a review if I end up getting one!

Kate

All about Informix

IBM Database Magazine has recently released a new e-book: Exploring IDS 11. In the book, Informix guru Lester Knutsen explains how to get IDS 11 up to full speed using the Sysmaster database to monitor server status and performance. This downloadable e-book includes an overview of IDS 11 features, plus an in-depth look at what new and improved Sysmaster tables can tell you about your IDS system. You'll need to register with IBM Database Magazine to read the book. Click here to download the book.

There is also a new Redbooks publication that might be of interest to you: Informix Dynamic Server 11: Extending Availability and Replication. In this publication, you'll learn in detail about the new features in Informix Dynamic Server 11. Understand how the high availability capability and the new replication technologies can increase enterprise productivity. You can download a free copy online at www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/abstracts/sg247488.html?Open

Finally, if you prefer hard-copy books, you can pre-order your copy of Administering Informix Dynamic Server: Building the Foundation. This long awaited book by Carlton Doe is nearing completion, and you can pre-order your copy with an amazing discount at Amazon.com. With 37% savings off the retail price and free shipping, you’ll pay only $37.77 for this detailed book that focuses on the essential skills to administer and maintain the Informix Dynamic Server. This book is a must have for both current and new IDS users. Order online at Amazon.com.

Happy reading!
Kate

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