How To
Summary
FAQ for TechXchange
Objective
Q. How do I extend my reservations?
Q. What do I do if my session times out?
Q. What do I do if there is a certificate or a license issue?
A. Before you submit your template please make sure all product/software installed on your template are valid and key Preferably expiration set 1 year date for all the below set
- Product Certificates
- Product Keys
- Key rial Keys
Q. What do I do if my product installation fails?
A. Contact your product SME (Subject Matter Expert) or Track Lead.
Q. We are sharing the same template for a few lab sessions. Do I need reserve all three VMs as the template will be the same?
A. For a VMWare based image, published URLs cannot be used; at the event, participants will have access to the VMWare consoles through a web browser but not Guacamole. For labs sharing same templates, you only need to reserve 1 to update/finalize your template. But if you want to run through end to end of the exercises on each lab, you will need to reserve for each lab as templates can be same but different exercises for each lab.
Q. My environments are in a “Scheduled” state and not “Ready”, what can I do?
A. If your environment is in a “Scheduled” state or any state that is not “Ready”, the best course of action is to contact support with your reservation link or ID. Our team will investigate the issue and assist in getting your environments ready for use.
Q. How can I update the instructor for a session?
A. You need to contact your Content Lead or Steering Committee track leader.
Q. What do I do if my lab is browser only?
A. If your lab is browser only, please provide the URL you will be using for this lab and any credentials the student will need to use.The lab author is responsible for testing and validating the student environment. NOTE: TechZone is not responsible for any issues you may encounter with this environment.
Q. When is TechXchange 2025 taking place?
A. October 6-9 in Orlando, Florida. IBM TechXchange 2025 is at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL USA. The conference officially starts Monday, October 6 at 6:30 PM local time . For more details, visit TechXchange 2025
Q. What is the submission deadline for TechXchange?
A. Submission deadline: April 11. Call for speakers is open for 8 weeks.
Q. With TechXchange, how many session type are available for submission?
A. There are five session submission type:
- Technology Breakout
- Demo
- Tech Talk
- Instructor-led Lab
- Meet the Expert
- Workshop
Q. How many platforms are needed for lab session?
A. For VM based environments, you can contain up to 6 per participant.
In all Cases, 2 additional environment will be provided for Instructor and SME.
Q. I need guidance for when to choose which platform?
A. Answer:
- Use Openshift for Cloud Pak-based sessions or any workloads that require OpenShift.
- Use virtual machines (VMs) for all other non-OpenShift-based workloads.
- SaaS is suitable for IBM Cloud/AWS/Azure based Software as a Service based sessions.
Q. What is Cluster Size Guidance for my workload?
A. Answer:
- Use the Sales Configured Tool to help determine the optimal cluster size based on your workload.
- No Cluster size for SaaS environment or Custom-On Prem Power or Z
Q: How can I change the instructor details for my TechXchange (TXC) lab?
A. Please contact your TechXchange (TXC) content lead for any of these changes.
Q: How can I change the developer details for my TXC lab?
A. Please contact your TechXchange (TXC) content lead for any of these changes.
Q: How do I change my TXC lab title?
A. Please contact your TechXchange (TXC) content lead for any of these changes.
Q: How do I edit the description for my TXC lab?
A: Please contact your TechXchange (TXC) content lead for any of these changes.
Q: What does Cloud Hosted Trial/Browser-Only mean in a TechZone lab request?
A: It means the lab developer is using TechZone solely to provide a URL that gives users access to the training or lab, rather than hosting full environments directly on TechZone.
Q: What should be considered when approving a Cloud Hosted Trial/Browser-Only lab?
A:
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Confirm there's a post-event commitment that ensures the trial will remain accessible.
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Consider the ongoing maintenance and security of the hosted content.
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Determine whether the lab can be transitioned to Paid Learning or directly offered via TechZone.
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If it cannot be transferred or leveraged for Paid Learning, consider using a different environment, preferably one built from TechZone Certified Base Images for better long-term support
Q. How do I determine which of multiple lab session proposals was accepted?
A. In 2025 the labs were internally curated by TechXchange steering committee members (there was no open call for labs. On the speaker portal it will show which sessions have been accepted .. https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks
Q. I responded to "internal" asks for proposals. At this point I don't have feedback on which session was selected.
A. If you answered the Requirements Gathering task we will be in touch with you once your lab has moved to Accepted status. All labs go from a status of "Pre-Accepted" (this means that the TechZone team are reviewing the lab) to "Accepted" (this means your lab is Accepted for the conference
Q. Where can I check the status? (there were multiple labs proposed)
A. In ibm.biz/tx-2025-labs or https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025
Q. Is there a lab guide template for TXC labs?
A. TXC Lab guide - https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks/lab-guides
Q. How to get access to RainFocus?
A. Rainfocus access - https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks
Q. TechXchange Lab Development
A. TXC lab development - https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks/lab-development
Q. We are seeing empty page for labs:
A. If you see an empty page, this means you have no tasks to complete.
Q. Our 15 Cloud labs are marked as Complete in Submission Status - what is the next step to get them Approved? All env questions were answered.
A. We will let everyone know once your lab (s) has changed status to "Accepted".
Q. TechXchange Certified Developer Collection does not appear to have what I need for my lab. what should I do?
A. There is a custom request section https://pages.github.ibm.com/ITZ/itz-content-docs/techxchange-lab-development/overview
Q. Once we reserve environment and installed needed software and assets that will be templated for us so we don't need to reinstall correct?
A. Depending on the platform if there is a "Template to Collection" option on the reservation
Q. We will need that multiple reservations. Some of us are involved in developing labs for multiple sessions.
A. Yes for each session lab you will have seperate reservations
Q. If we are using the new OCPv clusters can we have additional memory added to the master nodes? 32gig
A. That's fair, 8/32 masters may be necessary for some cloudpaks.
Q. Can you share TechXchange the link of the presented in this session
A. ibm.biz/tx-2025-labs
Q. The TechXchange team picks the reviewers right?
A. No, these are peer reviews, so you can pick your reviewers
Q. Will the lab room still have a monitor for the lab and another one for the lab instructions as we have done in the past?
A. Yes, the lab spaces will have a monitor for the lab and another one for the lab instructions.
Q. Will TZ envs for labs be good till right after the event then expire like last year?
A. All labs will saved and need to be used for the next events/workshops/paid training.
Q. How do we find that whether the idea which we submitted for lab has been selected?
A. This year Instructor-led labs were internally curated. Did you submit your idea to through the TechXchange 2025 Conference team?
Q. If I'm using an existing TechZone lab, do I need to do anything special? (e.g. will you clone it to be a separate lab image? or can I use it straight away?)
A. Provide the TZ lab collection/ Reservation ID and make sure it is saved as part of the Development to capture your environment.
Q. I imagine some labs (such as mine) will include software with time-out evaluation licenses. These will need to be maintained. Further, some software (such as mine) is new and is evolving rapidly. A lab that is valid in October will be out of date come March.
A. Yes. you will have to maintain each lab
Q. Do attendee BYOD?
A. Labs do not require BYOD. Workshops typically do. abs run in the designated space in the Sandbox (up to 20 concurrently with ~30 seats) and are aligned with these process. BYOD does not apply.
Q. Can you expand on Rainforest? What is it?
A. Speaker Portal check the link - https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks
Q. Do all attendees need to have W3ID?
A. Yes, IBMID is required.
Q. Can we get a final list of all confirmed and accepted labs and their topics?
A. Track Leads should have that info. Also speaker portal will show which all labs that you are part of.
Q. What is the experience for an attendee? like last year with the TechXchange portal? are we able to provide attendees with credentials when they start the lab?
A. Most Labs should have credentials autogenerated based on the platform please leverage
Q. What is RainForcus?
A. RainFocus is the tool that is used to administer many aspects of the event including registration and session management. Instructor-led Labs details are in the RainFocus tool now and include details such as TechZone requirements.
Q. Why would someone buy a lab when most tutorials are usually free of charge in our product documentation? what do you buy?
A. Registrants will be able to access the digital event experience through the event website and through the mobile app. Yes, access to the lab env and these labs would be more robust and tested.
Q: I'm unable to access lab development tools. How can I check if I have the correct role?
A: Follow these steps to verify your access to the "Lab Developer" role:
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Go to your TechZone profile:
https://techzone.ibm.com/my/profile -
Check your roles:
Scroll down and look for "Lab Developer" listed under My Roles on your profile. -
Don’t see it?
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Try logging out of TechZone completely.
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Then log back in — this often triggers a role sync if your access was recently updated.
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If you are still unable to see it, please create a case with TechZone Support
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Q: How can we access IBM Cloud paid accounts for lab development?
A: Submit a request via the TechZone Custom Request form:
https://techzone.ibm.com/collection/tx25-dev/journey-custom-requests. Select "Lab Development" as
the purpose. Approval is required.
Q: I don’t see the “Lab Developer” role or lab instructor access. What should I do?
A: Your session must be approved first. Once approved, roles will appear in the Speaker Portal:
https://reg.tools.ibm.com/flow/ibm/techxchange25/speakerportal/. More info: Speaker Portal Tasks:
https://w3.ibm.com/w3publisher/ibm-techxchange-2025/speaker-portal-tasks/lab-development.
Q: I’m a lab instructor but don’t have the “Lab Developer” role.
A: Check your TechZone profile: https://techzone.ibm.com/my/profile. If the role is missing, log out and
back in. If it still doesn’t appear, contact your track lead.
Q: How do I get listed as the lab SME?
A: Contact your TechXchange event or track lead.
Q: I can’t create a lab development environment. What’s blocking it?
A: Lab development starts only after session approval. Once approved, check your TechZone profile
for the “Lab Developer” role.
Q: How do I create a collection and set up an image for TechXchange?
A: Follow the TechXchange Lab Development Guide:
https://pages.github.ibm.com/ITZ/itz-content-docs/techxchange-lab-development/overview. Create your
own collection, template it, and open a support case to apply the lab development policy.
Q: Lab owner doesn’t see “Lab Development” as a purpose.
A: Ensure the lab is in an accepted state. If it is, open a support case with your lab code.
Q: Lab owner sees “Lab Development” but gets an access error.
A: Confirm the correct lab code is being used. Provide the reservation URL and lab code to TechZone support.
Q: I don’t see the lab development option in TechZone.
A: A sync may be pending. If it doesn’t appear, contact your track lead.
Q: How do I extend my reservation time?
A: Re-reserve using the “Lab Development” purpose. If unavailable, contact support.
Q: Can I use an existing private collection?
A: Yes, if it’s made public and shared via the Speaker Portal.
Q: Will students have remote desktop access to the bastion machine?
A: Yes, via browser-based console. No RDP on local machines.
Q: Will students have the same login credentials as instructors?
A: Yes, but with limited permissions.
Q: Will VS Code be available on jump boxes?
A: Yes, it’s included in the standard image.
Q: Will Cisco AnyConnect be available on jump boxes?
A: Yes, it will be included.
Q: Can I customize the jump box image?
A: Preferably not. Use standard tools and document any extras in the lab guide.
Q: Can students upload/download files in Watsonx.ai?
A: Yes, but test this during development.
Q: Can I use Cisco AnyConnect to connect to on-prem systems?
A: Yes, that’s the intended method.
Q: Will instructors see the same screens as students?
A: Yes, the portals are identical.
Q: Where can I find student portal screens?
A: They’re part of the Watsonx SaaS reservation.
Q: How do I set up the Windows environment for students?
A: Use the default “techzone” user and password.
Q: What if Windows isn’t activated?
A: It’s fine unless it blocks functionality.
Q: How do I change the deployer pipeline?
A: Use your own private collection. The environment will be copied there.
Q: How do I provide downloadable files to students?
A: Use IBM GitHub or a public Box link. Personal GitHub is not allowed.
Q: When will reservation IDs be reviewed?
A: Once approved you will be notifed.
Q: What if my environment was provisioned on the wrong cloud account?
A: A fix was deployed. Try templating again. If it fails, update your support ticket.
Q: How do you check what your swap size should be when installing a new Red Hat VM?
A: Visit https://access.redhat.com/solutions/15244 for more details.
Q: How do I update my RHEL base image and get it scanned early?
A: Open a support case.
Q: I don’t see the lab development option in TechZone. What should I do?
A: TechZone syncs twice a day. If the option still doesn’t show up, contact your track lead - https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7232115
Q: How do I know if my lab is accepted and I can start development?
A: Once your lab is accepted, you can begin development. Instructors will get confirmation emails soon.
Q: I submitted my environment requirements. Why don’t I see the next steps?
A: Your lab might still be in “pre-accepted” status. Track leads will follow up after review.
Q: I filled out the TechZone asset form. How do I know if it’s approved?
A: If your lab is accepted, your TechZone focal will confirm. .
Q: I missed the kickoff meeting. How can I catch up?
A: You can watch the playback here: Kickoff Playback
Q: Can I use a different lab purpose temporarily to unblock myself?
A: Yes, but make sure the final reservation is under “Lab Development” for proper integration.
Q: Can I combine multiple environments and services like WatsonX Orchestrate?
A: Yes, TechZone liaisons can help consolidate environments when possible.
Q: Can I automate deployment using a deployer image from the developer collection?
A: Yes, contact Ben Foulkes to set up custom deployer parameters.
Q: Can I expand disk space on the new RHEL 9 base image?
A: Submit a support case and share it in the chat for help.
Q: Can I template VMware environments? What about OCPV?
A: VMware and IBM Cloud VPC support templating. OCPV and OpenShift do not.
Q: Has App ID user creation been automated for SaaS labs?
A: Yes, one App ID user is created per reservation. For more users, contact Ben Foulkes.
Q: What do I need to do by the end of next week?
A: Reserve your environment and submit the reservation ID in the speaker portal.
Q: What if I need to change my environment after submitting the reservation ID?
A: Minor changes are okay. Try to avoid major changes like infrastructure or size updates after submission.
Q: Is IBM i Access Client Solutions included in the standard image?
A: Yes, IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) is included in the standard image.
Q: Will each student get their own bastion in OCP?
A: Yes, each student will have their own bastion in the OpenShift Container Platform (OCP).
Q: What ports are open for on-prem IBM i environments?
A: It depends on the specific setup, whether it's cloud, on-prem, or data center. Please reach out to your focal or track lead for details.
Q: What is Rainforest?
A: It’s part of the Speaker Portal. Learn more here: Speaker Portal Tasks
Q: What is RainFocus?
A: RainFocus is the backend system managing lab submissions, registration, and session logistics. The Speaker Portal is its front-end interface. All lab coordination for 2025 is handled through RainFocus, now fully integrated with TechZone.
Q: What is the link to the 2025 TechXchange Labs Publisher page?
A: ibm.biz/tx-2025-labs
Q: What is the purpose of the Labs Publisher page?
A: It’s a central hub for lab authors and instructors to manage lab development and coordinate with TechZone.
Q: Does the TechXchange team assign reviewers?
A: No, reviews are peer-based. You choose your own reviewers and share the Reviewer Checklist from the Labs Publisher page.
Q: Will lab rooms have dual monitors (lab + instructions)?
A: Yes, each lab space will include two monitors.
Q: What ports are open for on-prem IBM i environments?
A: It varies by setup (cloud, on-prem, data center). Please consult your focal or track lead.
Q: Is IBM i Access Client Solutions included in the standard image?
A: Yes, ACS is included.
Q: Will each student get their own bastion in OCP?
A: Yes, each student will have a dedicated bastion.
Q: Will TechZone environments expire after the event?
A: No, labs will be saved and can be reused for future events, workshops, or paid training.
Q: Can I use an existing TechZone lab?
A: Yes, provide the Reservation ID and ensure it’s saved during the Development task. Labs must use certified images from the TX Developer collection.
Q: What if my lab includes time-limited software or rapidly evolving tools?
A: You’re responsible for maintaining your lab, including license updates and keeping content current for future use.
Q: Is there a lab guide template for TXC labs?
A: Yes! The 2025 lab guide template and requirements are available on the TechXchange Labs Publisher page.
Q: How do I complete the Lab Development task?
A: Visit the Labs Publisher page and follow the step-by-step instructions under the Lab Development task to build your lab environment.
Q: The Certified Developer Collection doesn’t have what I need. What should I do?
A: First, confirm your custom environment request was approved. If approved but not visible, contact support to have it added. Also, review the TX Content Development Guide for environment requirements and flow.
Q: Will our environment be templated after setup?
A: If the platform supports “Template to Collection,” your environment can be saved for reuse. For others, we recommend using the Deployer tool to automate software installation and ensure consistency.
Q: Do I need multiple reservations for multiple sessions?
A: Yes, each session requires a separate environment reservation. Contact support to request additional reservations beyond the default quota.
Q: Can we increase memory on OCPv master nodes (e.g., to 32GB)?
A: Yes, if needed for specific CloudPaks. Work with the TechZone team to review and re-catalog the environment for a new reservation.
Q: I submitted proposals but haven’t received feedback. What’s the status?
A: If you completed the Requirements Gathering task in the Speaker Portal, we’ll notify you once your lab moves from Pre-Accepted to Accepted. Labs are initially marked Pre-Accepted while under TechZone review. Once Accepted, your lab is officially confirmed for the event.
Q: Is extra testing documentation required for VMware on IBM Cloud with no custom add-ons?
A: No additional testing is needed beyond documenting your template, as long as no customizations are added.
Q: Can OpenShift clusters be templated this year like last year?
A: Not this year. Templating is not supported—please use deployer scripts instead.
Q: How should we handle a shared OpenShift cluster with separate Windows VMs for users?
A: This is a valid setup. Keep the cluster running and use either a base or custom Windows VM for each user.
Q: Can I update my reservation after a new software release (e.g., IBM Storage SEF)?
A: Yes, the team supports upgrades. Please follow up using your reservation link for assistance.
Q: Can I use jump boxes instead of user VPNs? How do I reserve and manage them?
A: Yes, use the standard jump box template. Test one first, then share the reservation ID for deployment.
Q: How do users access SaaS labs that require browser client certificates?
A: Automate the certificate installation using post-install scripts. Verify through your test documentation. MDM support is still being determined—follow-up will be needed.
Q: Can I keep my Watson Code Assist reservation active during the event?
A: Yes, your reservation will remain active. You only need to test new VM connections.
Q: When will all event environments be ready for dry runs?
A: The target date for all clusters and labs to be deployed is September 15.
Q: Can I reuse last year’s SEF storage collection for new labs?
A: Yes, that’s approved. The storage team will validate capacity.
Q. What are the key lab tasks and deadlines?
A. Answer shown below:
- June 5: Lab environment confirmation
- June 27: Final conference environment + Lab guide upload
- July 15: Test Coverage Template
- End of July: Open Source & 3rd Party Software Audit
- End of August: Automated Test Cases
- September 15: Final feedback implementation
Q. What if I update my lab image after submitting the reservation ID?
A. You’ll need to re-reserve the environment with the updated image and submit the new reservation ID in the speaker portal task.
Q. Can I update my lab guide after submission?
A. Yes. Minor updates (e.g., typos, small steps) are allowed via the Event Manager interface. Major changes should be avoided after QA review.
Q. What is the Test Coverage Template and what should it include?
A. Answer below:
- Step 1: Local ports to check (e.g., 9001 if using 9000–9200 range)
- Step 2: External resources (e.g., URLs, APIs)
- Step 3: Additional software installed (e.g., Liberty, Python)
Note: You don’t need to list every port just representative ones.
Q. What is the Contribute Content Test Automation task?
A. You’ll input ports and endpoints from your test template into your lab profile. These will be validated during environment deployment. A video walkthrough is planned but not yet available.
Q. What about Windows-based testing scripts?
A. Currently, automation does not support Windows-based scripts. You can document PowerShell scripts in the test template. Manual validation will be used for now.
Q. What is the Open Source & 3rd Party Software task?
A. Audit your lab for any open source or third-party software. Ensure compliance with IBM policies. Non-compliant software will require legal review.
Q. What is the Lab Concierge service?
A. Each lab developer is assigned a concierge for:
- General inquiries
- Escalations (via support ticket)
- QA reviews
- On-site support
Use the Labs Tech Exchange 2025 Slack channel and @mention your concierge. Do not contact them directly via Slack or email.
Q. How do I escalate an environment issue?
- Log a support ticket.
- Post in the Slack channel with the ticket number and @mention your concierge.
No escalation will be processed without a ticket.
Q. Will labs be recorded at the event?
A. No, on-site sessions will not be recorded.
Q. Is there a required feedback form for students?
A. No standard form is required. You may include one in your lab guide if desired.
Q. Do I need to attend weekend learning?
A. Attendance is invite-only. If you didn’t receive an invite, you’re not required to attend.
Q. What if my lab is selected for paid training post-event?
A. A review and cleanup process will be initiated. More details will be shared soon.
Q. Will there be more webinars?
A. Yes. A “Know Before You Go” webinar is planned for September. Office hours and Slack announcements will continue.
Q: Can we continue building labs using our current TechZone reservation IDs?
A: Yes. You can continue developing in your existing reservation environments. These environments will later be deployed on dedicated infrastructure closer to the event.
Q: I had a Windows licensing issue that’s now resolved. Do I need to re-template my image?
A: Yes. Even if the issue is resolved, you should re-template the VM using the “Template to Collection” option to ensure the updated image is saved properly.
Q: Will students in multi-VM labs receive the same private IP addresses across environments?
A: Yes. The private overlay network (e.g., 10.0.0.x) defined in your environment will remain consistent across all student environments unless explicitly configured otherwise.
Q: Can we use a 192.168.x.x subnet instead of 10.x.x.x?
A: Yes. While 10.x.x.x is the default, you can change the subnet in the environment definition file to suit your needs.
Q: Where should I upload the lab guide and scripts this year?
A: Upload all materials using the “Lab Guide Upload” task in the Speaker Portal. These files will be used for both student and instructor pages during the event.
Q: I can’t find the “Lab Guide Upload” task in the portal.
A: It may not be visible yet. Try searching under current portal tasks—it will appear under the standard naming convention once it goes live.
Q: What is required for the Automation Test Coverage Template task?
A: This task involves documenting the automation steps used to validate lab functionality. Detailed guidance and UI elements will be provided once finalized.
Q: What are the next steps in the lab development timeline?
A:
- Mid-August: Lab guides and environments will be reviewed by your concierge.
- End of August: Automation testing tasks will begin (pending UI updates).
Make sure all open source and third-party software tasks are completed by then.
Q: Can I install third-party software that requires elevated permissions on Bastion hosts?
A: Yes. If you're using the standard Bastion provided in OpenShift clusters, you should have sudo access and can elevate permissions as needed.
Q: What’s the purpose of Office Hours compared to other communications?
A: Office Hours are for live Q&A and clarifications, especially for evolving topics. Formal task tracking and updates will continue through the Speaker Portal.
Q: What tasks remain if I’ve completed development and uploaded instructions?
A: If you're up to date, your next steps are:
- Review feedback in mid-August
- Complete the Automation Test task in late August
Q: What is the role of the lab concierge?
A: Lab concierges ensure you have what you need to complete your lab. They act as your main point of contact, report your readiness to the war room, and can help escalate issues. Keep them informed throughout the process.
Q: How do I reach out to my lab concierge?
A: Ideally, use the developer Slack channel to ensure visibility and tracking. If you're not getting a response, Slack your contact or Kully directly with the concierge's name.
Q: What is the difference between my development instances and the reservation?
A: Your current Linux on Z and USS instances are for development. The reservation (6 REL instances on Z in IBM Cloud) is what students will use during Tech Exchange.
Q: Can I allow students to SSH into my existing dev instances using namespaces?
A: Yes, if you are managing a shared environment and onboarding users yourself. Confirm that’s acceptable with your lab concierge and David Stacy.
Q: Can I offer both a Windows and Linux jump box for my lab?
A: Possibly. You need to confirm whether mixed environments are allowed. Reach out to TechZone support and check with your concierge.
Q: Do I need to update my reservation in the speaker portal if I make changes?
A: Yes. If you’re switching environments (e.g., adding Linux), update the reservation and inform your concierge.
IBM Cloud / Access Issues
Q: I'm unable to access the shared IBM Cloud reservation. What should I do?
A: Ensure you've accepted the invite to the IBM Cloud account. If not received, the sharing may have failed. Contact TechZone Support and share your ticket ID with your lab concierge.
Q: When will we receive testing environments for validation?
A: VMware pods are almost ready, and testing environments will be available soon. Cloud accounts for production will be finalized by mid-September.
Q: Do all students need separate cloud accounts for my lab?
A: Yes, if that’s how your lab is scoped. For some labs, it was updated to reflect that 30 separate accounts are required.
Q: How many environments are students getting?
A: One Watson Orchestrate instance will be shared across 30 students. Each student will have access via their own VM.
Q: Can I test Orchestrate before the event?
A: Yes. If your current reservation has expired, re-reserve from the lab developer collection. Inform your concierge of the new ID.
Q: Will students log in using IBM IDs or generic accounts?
A: Depends on the product. For Orchestrate, they must use IBM IDs. For other labs, TechZone may generate generic credentials.
Q: Do I bring my own laptop to the event?
A: Yes. You'll be provided a monitor or TV to connect your device.
Q: What happens when my Orchestrate trial license expires?
A: Re-provision a new environment closer to the event (within 30 days) to ensure the license remains active through October.
Q: Can I use multiple reservations during lab guide development?
A: Yes. Just ensure your final reservation is updated in the speaker portal and shared with your concierge.
Q: Can I group 5 students to one OpenShift cluster instead of assigning 1:1?
A: Yes. Your capacity plan should reflect that. If it's not correctly recorded, let David Stacy know.
Q: Can I use the same jump box for two labs?
A: Yes. If both labs use the same tools (e.g., ACS, VS Code), one jump box can support both.
BYOD Workshops
Q: Do BYOD workshops require a lab guide upload in the portal?
A: No. You can host your guide externally (e.g., GitHub) and link to it via the event experience page.
Q: Will students have a reservation experience like labs?
A: Yes. Even for workshops, students will log into TechZone to claim their environment. You’ll have an instructor view with all reservations.
Q: What is the role of the lab concierge?
A: Lab concierges ensure you have what you need to complete your lab. They act as your main point of contact, report your readiness to the war room, and can help escalate issues. Keep them informed throughout the process.
Q: How do I reach out to my lab concierge?
A: Ideally, use the developer Slack channel to ensure visibility and tracking. If you're not getting a response, Slack your contact or Kully directly with the concierge's name.
Q: What is the difference between my development instances and the reservation?
A: Your current Linux on Z and USS instances are for development. The reservation (6 REL instances on Z in IBM Cloud) is what students will use during Tech Exchange.
Q: Can I allow students to SSH into my existing dev instances using namespaces?
A: Yes, if you are managing a shared environment and onboarding users yourself. Confirm that’s acceptable with your lab concierge and David Stacy.
Q: Can I offer both a Windows and Linux jump box for my lab?
A: Possibly. You need to confirm whether mixed environments are allowed. Reach out to TechZone support and check with your concierge.
Q: Do I need to update my reservation in the speaker portal if I make changes?
A: Yes. If you’re switching environments (e.g., adding Linux), update the reservation and inform your concierge.
Q: I'm unable to access the shared IBM Cloud reservation. What should I do?
A: Ensure you've accepted the invite to the IBM Cloud account. If not received, the sharing may have failed. Contact TechZone Support and share your ticket ID with your lab concierge.
Q: When will we receive testing environments for validation?
A: VMware pods are almost ready, and testing environments will be available soon. Cloud accounts for production will be finalized by mid-September.
Q: Do all students need separate cloud accounts for my lab?
A: Yes, if that’s how your lab is scoped. For Lab 2038, it was updated to reflect that 30 separate accounts are required.
Q: How many environments are students getting?
A: One Watson Orchestrate instance will be shared across 30 students. Each student will have access via their own VM.
Q: Can I test Orchestrate before the event?
A: Yes. If your current reservation has expired, re-reserve from the lab developer collection. Inform your concierge of the new ID.
Q: Will students log in using IBM IDs or generic accounts?
A: Depends on the product. For Orchestrate, they must use IBM IDs. For other labs, TechZone may generate generic credentials.
Q: Do I bring my own laptop to the event?
A: Yes. You'll be provided a monitor or TV to connect your device.
Q: What happens when my Orchestrate trial license expires?
A: Re-provision a new environment closer to the event (within 30 days) to ensure the license remains active through October.
Q: Can I use multiple reservations during lab guide development?
A: Yes. Just ensure your final reservation is updated in the speaker portal and shared with your concierge.
Q: Can I group 5 students to one OpenShift cluster instead of assigning 1:1?
A: Yes. Your capacity plan should reflect that. If it's not correctly recorded, let David Stacy know.
Q: Can I use the same jump box for two labs?
A: Yes. If both labs use the same tools (e.g., ACS, VS Code), one jump box can support both.
Q: Do BYOD workshops require a lab guide upload in the portal?
A: No. You can host your guide externally (e.g., GitHub) and link to it via the event experience page.
Q: Will students have a reservation experience like labs?
A: Yes. Even for workshops, students will log into TechZone to claim their environment. You’ll have an instructor view with all reservations.
Q: How should Watson X Orchestrate Reservation IDs be managed if the trial license expires before the conference?
A: Reserve within the 30-day trial window. Re-reserve closer to the event so the license covers the full conference. The TechZone team will deploy student VMs against the updated reservation ID.
Q: For SAS showcase labs, current reservations will expire before the event. What happens then?
A: Even if reservations expire, the environment data (sizing, configuration, accounts) is captured and redeployed for validation and production.
Q: Will reservations and configuration be copied exactly, including API keys and user accounts?
A: Only base reservations are replicated. To preserve custom configurations, either build them into the reservation image or request the concierge team to keep your configured instance running.
Q: Who provides VPN profiles for students connecting via jump boxes?
A: VPN profiles are provided by the TechZone team (e.g., AnyConnect or OpenVPN). Profiles will be supplied for each student.
Q: For on-prem systems (Lab 2608), what scripts should be uploaded to the Speaker Portal?
A: Note in the template that the lab is on-prem, then submit. The lab concierge will review and confirm validation steps.
Q: For OpenShift labs, how can unique student logins be configured without Argo CD reverting changes?
A: Issue taken offline to discuss with the TechZone engineering team.
Q: Do we need a 5–10 min intro presentation in addition to the lab guide?
A: Yes. The intro template is separate from the lab guide and should be used to introduce the lab and helpers, outline systems, and provide high-level flow. Students will see both documents.
Q: Where do students complete labs if they don’t finish within 90 minutes?
A: No additional “completion rooms” will be available this year. Labs must be completed within the session.
Q: Will screenshots differ from what students see, and can we update lab guides before the event?
A: Yes, screenshots may differ. Instructors will have time during validation to update guides with student-view screenshots.
Q: If a lab appears twice on the roster, will TechZone provision two sets of environments?
A: Needs confirmation. The schedule may list only one session. Instructors should follow up with the events team.
Q: Will environments be replicated 30 times for student use?
A: Yes, final platform IDs are copied and replicated per student as required (case-by-case: one per student vs. shared).
Q: Will the existing SAS instance remain active through the event?
A: Yes, extended until Oct 17. Only one SAS instance is needed alongside 30 student VMs.
Q: Terraform deployment is failing due to GitOps pattern not recognized. What should be done?
A: Issue will be taken offline with the lab concierge team.
A: Security review flagged certain OS versions as non-compliant. Instructors should confirm with TechZone security leads.
Q: Will late arrivals be allowed into labs?
A: Entry cutoff is typically 5 minutes after start, at instructor’s discretion.
Q: Will there be standby seating for no-shows?
A: Yes, standby will be managed at the lab door.
Q: Where will labs be located?
A: In Hall B “sandbox” area, not enclosed rooms. Headphones will be provided for focus.
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Modified date:
19 August 2025
UID
ibm17183087