Keep on Learning

Check out this new ILO course:Managing IDS Using the SQL Admin API and Scheduler ILO course (3S301)

In this course, learn about the features of the Informix SQL Administration Application Programming Interface (API). Learn how to write SQL statements to perform a variety of system administration tasks, and will see different ways in which the Administration API can be used. Also learn about the Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) Scheduler and how to create tasks to be performed at regular times or intervals. You will also learn how to create sensors to gather system information into tables over time. Examples will be presented on how tasks and sensors can be used.View this course in other countries

Note: This is an Instructor Led On Line course. Please do not make travel arrangements for this course. Your system should have a microphone and speakers for interfacing with the instructor and other students. After you receive confirmation that you are enrolled, you will be sent further instructions to access audio, video and remote labs.

This course is eligible for the IBM Education Advantage Program.

Audience This is an intermediate course for Informix Dynamic Server System and Database Administrators.

PrerequisitesYou should have: IBM Informix Dynamic Server System Administration (IX810) or (IX811), or 6 months experience with IDS system administration.

Skills taught * Distinguish between the task and admin functions * Write SQL commands to perform administration tasks * Create and schedule administrative tasks * Create and schedule sensors to collect system information * Analyze the information collected by sensors

Course Outline:

I. The sysadmin Database

II. SQL Administration API

* API functions: admin and task * Admin API commands and options * Administration command examples * ONMODE examples * Admin API scenarios

III. Built-in Database Scheduler

* Creating and scheduling a task * Task examples * Creating and scheduling a sensor * Built-in sensors * Sensor examples * Task and sensor scenarios

Details:

Course code: 3S301 Skill level: IntermediateDuration: 0.5 days Delivery type: ClassroomCourse type: Public only Public price: USD $199.00 plus tax

Make sure you check the course catalog regularly for new Instructor Led On Line courses as they launch.

Susan[Read More]

Get your copy today! Currently at a VERY low price on amazon:

Administering Informix Dynamic Server: Building the Foundation

Amazon says that it "usually ships in 1-4 months"... but I received my copy today... so if you order.. yours should arrive quickly as well.

What is this book about? First of all, this is the first book about Informix to publish in 8 years! That certainly is something to celebrate! Yes... Informix IDS is alive and well!

Second, Carlton Doe is an amazing person to work with and dedicated beyond belief. You can be sure that the content in the book is superb!

Third, this is the Foundation book... and we'd like to publish one that covers more advanced topics... and this is where we NEED you! The publisher is watching closely to the success of this one... and if it does well, will consider more titles.

Fourth, this really is an amazing price. Today the discount that I see is 37% off the list price. This discount may disappear quickly... and without warning.

Congratulations to Carlton and all the dedicated IDS people in the world. I really hope that we see many more books publish in the future :)

Susan[Read More]

Prior to joining IBM, I was a Mac user... and recently became one again after nearly 20 years as a mainframe or PC user. In my work-life (19 years at IBM), I've never encountered a Mac, but apparently that is changing.

Listen to Carlton Doe in a replay of the webcast: Developing Informix Dynamic Server applications for Mac OS X to learn how you can bring the advantages of IBM® Informix® Dynamic Server to Mac OS X.

About this webcast:

Love your Mac? Need enterprise computing capabilities? Now you can have both. IBM has announced the availability of Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) on Mac OS X, which brings the high volume transaction processing, low cost administration, and high availability to the Mac platform. Learn about options for application development, and get tips and tricks for creating low cost and low administration applications.

Speaker: Carlton Doe, IDS Specialist

Carlton Doe is, according to his youngest daughter, a “total technical dweeb." She shouldn’t complain though since his involvement with Informix products since the early 1990s has kept her clothed, fed and sheltered. He has been a DBA, data server administrator and 4GL developer and very active in the Informix user group community. In fact, he was one of the five founders of the International Informix Users Group (IIUG). He is best known for having written a number of Informix-oriented books including Administering Informix Dynamic Server, Building the Foundation as well as articles, IBM white papers and IBM Redbooks® (as a co-author), materials for his classes, and presentations. Carlton is an Executive IT Specialist for IBM with responsibilities covering the Americas Geographies.

Enjoy!

Susan[Read More]

Carlton Doe's long awaited IDS book is near completion. It is so near completion that you can find it listed on amazon.com now... with a hefty pre-order discount:

Administering Informix Dynamic Server: Building the FoundationList Price: $59.95Price: $37.77 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. You Save: $22.18 (37%)

Carlton's previous published books, Informix Dynamic Server Handbook and Administering Informix Dynamic Server on Windows NT are 11 and 9 years old, respectively.

Except for the two "flashbooks" that Carlton published via IBM, no other IDS books have made it to the bookstores! You'll be happy to learn that there is a certification guide in the works as well as a possible second book from Carlton (with more advanced material).

Here is an online version of the first flashbook that introduced IDS 11: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11: The Next Generation in OLTP Data Server Technology. The second smaller one that introduced 11.5 will be available for free at the IOD Conference.

What's in the new book:

Geared towards database server administrators who need to get a server up and running in a short amount of time, this guide focuses on the basic skills required to administer and maintain the Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) data server. Each of the major functional areas of the database server are reviewed, including designing, initializing, monitoring, building availability layers, securing data, and the data processing environment. This book reviews how the IDS works, how to install it, how to configure a database environment, back up, recovery, and includes an introduction to monitoring instance operations, making it useful to current IDS users who need to upgrade from earlier versions of the data server as well as those who have never used IDS before.

Table of Contents:Chapter 1 – Introduction to Informix Dynamic ServerThis chapter covers the general design of the IDS data server. Terms and keywords used extensively throughout the rest of the book are introduced and defined here.

Chapter 2 – An Introduction to ExtensibilityThis chapter explores the object-relational features and capabilities of Informix Dynamic Server.

Chapter 3 – Preparing for InitializationIn this chapter, Carlton covers many of the topics you need to address from a design perspective when planning for the implementation of an IDS environment. For the most part, the discussion is general in scope because there are few hard and fast rules to follow when building a database environment. Where rules do exist, they are stated. At the close of the chapter, Carlton explains the required environment variables, files, and other objects as well as how to set them up.

Chapter 4 – Installing and Initializing IDSThis chapter covers all the steps and configuration parameters for creating an IDS database environment or instance, with specific recommendations given for the most critical configuration parameters. At the end, Carlton introduces the system-level databases that manage and control an IDS environment.

Chapter 5 – Basic Administrative TasksIn this chapter, Carlton explains most of the general day-to-day, or occasional, instance-oriented administrative tasks. These include adding or dropping disk space, starting up or shutting down the instance, and killing user sessions in the instance. The major graphical administration tools are introduced as an alternative to performing many of these tasks using the command line.

Chapter 6 – Building a Database EnvironmentIn this chapter, Carlton trades his DSA’s hat for that of a DBA and covers building and populating databases in IDS instances. The chapter explains features such as table and index partitioning, constraints, logging, database and table population utilities, and a collection of IDS-specific SQL statements that Carlton thinks are interesting to know about and use.

Chapter 7 – Backing Up and RestoringOne of the least glamorous, but still important, functions of operating a database environment is backing up what’s on disk to tape. In this chapter, Carlton covers a couple of backup strategies and their relative strengths and weaknesses. He explains how Informix Dynamic Server can execute moment-in-time backup and restore operations with the database environment online and fully functioning. The process of executing backup and restore operations using the ontape utility, as well as the ON-Bar utility suite in conjunction with the Informix Storage Manager (ISM), is covered in great detail.

Chapter 8 – Monitoring the InstanceThroughout the book, discussions make reference to, and include illustrations of, output generated by the various IDS monitoring commands. In this chapter, Carlton focuses exclusively on those commands and some of the more commonly monitored activities of a database environment. He concentrates primarily on IDS’s command-line utilities as well as the functionality available in the new OpenAdmin Tool for IDS (OAT).

For those of you who don't know Carlton, here's his bio and website:

Carlton Doe is one of the five founders of the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) and has served as the IIUG president. He is the author of Administering Informix Dynamic Server on Windows NT and Informix: OnLine Dynamic Server Handbook. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Congratulations Carlton! The entire IDS community will be proud of this book!

Susan[Read More]

We don't yet have a Certification Study Guide for any of the IDS certification exams, but we do have one in the works. So, how should you prepare for the exams in the meantime?

1) Review the exam objectives.

* 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

2) Read through the free tutorials.

This series of eight tutorials has been developed to help you prepare for the IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11 System Administration Certification Exam (918). These tutorials provide a solid base for each section of the exam. However, you should not rely on these tutorials as your only preparation for the exam. After a quick registration, you can begin a tutorial. Currently parts 1 and 2 are available in this series of eight. Each tutorial should take less than two hours to complete. You can take the tutorials online, or download a PDF.

3) Take an online assessment exam.

For a limited time, all IIUG members, can take a free online assessment testing to gauge their readiness for the certification exam. 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.

4) Take the real exam at the IIUG Informix Conference April 27-30, 2008 if you are planning to attend.

See also Kate's blog for more information on certification and training programs.

Good luck on all your exams!

Susan[Read More]

Available now... an electronic version of the very popular flashbook by Carlton Doe: IBM Informix Dynamic Server: The Next Generation OLTP Data Server Technology.

Up until today... the only way to get this book and the excellent content inside was if you were attending an event where the book was being handed out. Now you can access and read the content at your convenience with this e-version of the same book.

What is a flashbook? A flashbook is a professionally published book that is roughly 100 pages in length and it introduces you to the latest release, in terms of the business value that the product will bring you and your company.

What is in this book: IBM Informix Dynamic Server: The Next Generation OLTP Data Server Technology? The major features and functions of the 11th version of Informix Dynamic Server (IDS 11), IBM’s lead data server for high-volume database applications in nonmainframe environments, are explored and explained in this handy guidebook. Security technologies offered by IDS 11—such as Label-Based Access Control and nonpreemptable connect and disconnect routines—are addressed, as are its newly enhanced Enterprise Replication and High Availability Data Replication capabilities. Oriented for both small business users and large corporate IT departments alike, this is the ultimate reference to one of the most stable, speedy, and adaptable data servers available.

About the AuthorCarlton Doe is one of the five founders of the International Informix Users Group (IIUG) and has served as the IIUG president. He is the author of Administering Informix Dynamic Server on Windows NT and Informix: OnLine Dynamic Server Handbook.

Table of Contents1 - Introduction to Informix Dynamic Server2 - Security and Regulatory Compliance3 - Relieving the Load on the IDS Administrator4 - Better Business Continuity Using IDS5 - Easing Application Development

Enjoy!

Susan[Read More]

Today I'm thinking about IDS... I just had a phone meeting with Ron Flannery and Paul Watson about a possible book. I'm also working with Carlton Doe on two new projects I'm pursuing a study guide for the new Test 918 - System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server V11. Oh yea, I also had another proposal for an IDS book...

So the questions is.... is there really a market for all these books? I hope so. All of the published books that you can currently find on amazon.com are nearly 10 years old. I'm sure many of you saw the IDS 11 Flashbook IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11: The Next Generation in OLTP Data Server Technology, written by Carlton: IBM has been handing this book out at events since June and the feedback has been amazing! The success of this book showed everyone that there is extreme hunger in the market for new and relevant information.

So, in addition to the IBM Redbooks, articles, tutorials, and courses, I'm hoping to see three full retail books published. Interested?

Here is a current list of the training options that you have for IDS 11:

IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11 System Administration Certification Preparation Tutorial SeriesThis series of eight tutorials has been developed to help you prepare for the IBM Informix Dynamic Server 11 System Administration Certification Exam (918). These tutorials provide a solid base for each section of the exam. However, you should not rely on these tutorials as your only preparation for the exam. After a quick registration, you can begin a tutorial. Currently parts 1 and 2 are available in this series of eight. Each tutorial should take less than two hours to complete. You can take the tutorials online, or download a PDF.

Informix Dynamic Server 11 Systems Administration - Instructor Led OnlineThis online course is designed for Informix Dynamic Server system administrators and is 4 days in length. Travel arrangements are not necessary for this course. After you receive confirmation that you are enrolled, you will be sent further instructions to access audio, video and remote labs.

After completing this course, students will be able to:* Describe the components of a database server.* Install IBM Informix Dynamic Server.* Configure and initialize a database server.* Configure the server to allow both local and remote connections.* Use Dynamic Server utilities to monitor server activity.* Describe the components of shared memory and configure the component sizes.* List, describe, and configure the different classes of virtual processors.* Identify the components of the database server disk architecture.* Create dbspaces, blobspaces, and sbspaces and add chunks to these spaces.* Explain the purpose of physical and logical logs and monitor log activity.* View the individual transactions that are written to the logical log files.* Describe the importance of checkpoints on the server.* Describe the importance of fast recovery.* Perform backups of the database server and logical logs.* Use different methods to restore a database server from backup.* Explain the purpose of temporary spaces used by the server.* Configure the database server to operate more efficiently using parallel operations.* Monitor the resources used by individual user sessions.* Configure the server to respond to specific events by executing an alarm program.* Use various troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve common problems.

Informix Dynamic Server 11 Extending Availability and ReplicationIn this IBM Redbooks publication, we provide an overview of the high availability and Enterprise Replication features of Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) Version 11, which can simplify and automate enterprise database deployment. Version 11 offers patent-pending technology that virtually eliminates downtime and automates many of the tasks associated with deploying mission-critical enterprise systems. The high availability capability can reduce or eliminate costly downtime through, for example, the introduction of online index rebuild, the capability to create and drop indexes online without locking tables, and point-in-time table level restore. Enhanced Enterprise Replication provides solutions for those customers requiring reliable and quick distribution of data across a global organization. The replicated data can also participate in the high availability environment with capabilities such as seamless online resynchronization of Enterprise Replication (ER) nodes at startup, for example. There is also enhanced capability for high-availability disaster recovery customers in the form of the ability to resend primary server indexes to HDR secondary servers without requiring a rebuild of the index on the primary server. These capabilities enable faster, easier, and reliable distribution and high availability of data, enabling improved access and use throughout the enterprise. For improved availability and data replication, you need IDS 11.

Informix Dynamic Server 11: Advanced Functionality for Modern BusinessIn this IBM Redbooks publication, we provide an overview of Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 11. IDS is designed to help businesses leverage their existing information assets as they move into an on demand business environment. Requirements here call for a flexible data server that can accommodate growth, in applications, data volume, and numbers of users. And it offers the capability to minimize downtime and to provide the high availability required today. A new suite of business availability functionality provides greater flexibility and performance, automated statistical and performance metric gathering, improvements in administration, and reductions in operating costs. The IDS technology enables efficient use of existing hardware and software, including single and multiprocessor architectures. And it helps you keep up with technological growth, including such things as the use of nontraditional data types. Built on the IBM Informix Dynamic Scalable Architecture™ (DSA), IDS provides a next-generation parallel data server architecture that delivers mainframe-caliber scalability; manageability and performance; minimal operating system overhead; and automatic workload distribution. IDS delivers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by leveraging its well-regarded general ease of use and systems administration. It enables customers to use information in new and more efficient ways to create business advantage.

Informix Dynamic Server V10: Superior Data Replication for Availability and DistributionThis book provides an overview of the high availability and enterprise replication features of Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) Version 10, which can simplify and automate enterprise database deployment. Version 10 offers patent-pending technology that virtually eliminates downtime and automates many of the tasks associated with deploying mission-critical enterprise systems. The high availability capability can reduce or eliminate costly downtime through, as examples, the introduction of online index rebuild, the capability to create and drop indexes online without locking tables, and point-in-time table-level restore. Enhanced enterprise replication provides solutions for those customers requiring reliable and quick dissemination of data across a global organization. The replicated data can also participate in the high availability environment with capabilities such as seamless online resynchronization of enterprise replication nodes at startup, for example. There is also enhanced capability for high-availability disaster recovery customers in the form of the ability to resend primary server indexes to HDR secondary servers without requiring a rebuild of the index on the primary server. These significant and powerful capabilities can enable you to intelligently replicate (distribute) your enterprise data to improve the availability of that data to better service the requirements of your enterprise.

Use the Informix Dynamic Server scheduler and SQL APIWith the release of IBM IDS 11, a new set of highly anticipated features form the foundation for a self-managing RDBMS. These tools allow the DBA to collect server information and adjust the database server using SQL as a remote administration tool. Additionally, a scheduler allows those same SQL API commands to be scheduled for execution, much like a UNIX® cron job. IBM IDS further extends its value by adding reduced costs for administration and problem determination to its already lauded reputation as the administration-free database.

IDS CheetahLink to articles, tutorials, blogs, forums, and other resources to learn about IDS Cheetah, the next version of IBM Informix Dynamic Server.

Grant Hutchison hosted a webinar with Guy Bowerman earlier this week, but I'm not sure if it was recorded.... If someone knows, please post a comment.

Susan[Read More]