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DB2, WebSphere MQ, WebSphere, and Rational are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation.
IBM DB2 - Infrastructure and Multi-platform Extensions
Role of the DB2 Database - Moving Forward
Brought to market in 1983 by IBM for utilization on its mainframe operating systems, DB2 is
now a multi-platform object-SQL database management system: 1- mainframe
z/OS, z/VSE, z/VM, 2- client/server UNIX, Linux, and Windows servers, 3- iSeries, and
4- IBM InfoSphere Warehouse
editions. IBM's DB2 databases have broad utilization by Fortune 1000 companies and the government public sector.

There are efficiencies in storage and productivity associated with DB2
Version 10 as it scales to increased volume.
Significant advantages associated with the IBM relational DB2 database
include:
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Deep compression |
Provides for improved response time, savings in storage capacity,
and increases the amount of data in the data buffer pool, improved
query performance |
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HADR: High-availability Disaster
Recovery |
Significant savings in time for recovery from partial and complete
site failures. |
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STMM: Self-tuning Memory Manager |
Automates the configuration, monitoring, and tuning of the system
memory in relation to workloads. |
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Multidimensional clustering |
Provides improved for third party enterprise resource planning
applications. |
The versions of DB2 in use and being upgraded are:
IBM is promoting its SOA: Service Oriented Architecture for updating and integrating existing investments in legacy programming languages and mainframe system software. The SOA and DB2 also will accommodate open source
software and third party databases.
DB2 Version 10
IBM has made enhancements in DB2 Version 10 which improves systems performance, provides better information to the optimizer for query types, and processing of INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE
statements. The DB2 Utilities Suite is comprised of DB2 Administration Tool for z/OS, DB2 Object Comparison Tool for z/OS, DB2 Recovery Expert for z/OS, and DB2 High Performance Unload for z/OS. Database management capabilities
have been added. The online schema can be used for adding partitions and changing data definitions with ALTER statements and online unload and replace. There are database design options for indexes, clustering, and
materialized query tables to rotate partitions which support data warehouses.
SYS-ED staff and CETi Technology Partners have been
evaluating the IBM DB2 product announcements: 1- Standards-based capabilities for SOA: Service Oriented Architecture requirements. 2- Improved SQLJ and JDBC support. 3- Enhanced UNICODE support. 4- WebSphere
integration.
IBM SOA: Service Oriented Architecture
SOA: Service Oriented Architecture functions both as a software development environment and a delivery framework. It provides a mechanism for defining business services and operating models as an information technology infrastructure that can be used to meet enterprise business requirements and modernize legacy
environments.
In a SOA environment, network nodes make resources available to other network participants as independent services, which participants can access in a standardized way
through well-defined service interfaces. SOA is constructed as a shared network of web services linked by distributed intermediaries. Incremental SOA for a mainframe environment will result in a
services network. Successful execution of an SOA strategy, combined with the release of the business value contained in legacy systems, DB2 databases, and WebSphere MQ middleware can produce significant
value and return on investment by leveraging existing software assets to create new applications and provide interoperability with modern web-based systems.
The principles underlying a SOA:
Service Oriented Architecture in an IBM mainframe environment include:
1- Reducing implementation costs with a more flexible infrastructure. 2- Reusing applications to reduce development costs. 3- Quality assurance. 4- Simplifying data sharing and
information access. 5- Streamlining and modernizing internal operations.
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DB2 and Oracle SQL and PL/SQL
Starting with DB2 version 9.7, IBM supports Oracle SQL and PL/SQL. IBM has aligned the syntax and semantics with the locking mechanisms, data types, SQL, procedural language residing on the server, and the client interfaces
used by the applications.
IBM has resolved the concurrency control with Oracle by reading the currently committed version of the changed row and retrieving the locked row from the log. In most cases, since the change has not been
committed, the row will still be in the log buffer. However, even if the row has been written out and overwritten in the log buffer, DB2 will know exactly where to find it. The single I/O will bring the required version
into the bufferpool. Additional lock avoidance techniques have been added which eliminate a reader holding a lock under CS isolation.
DB2 supports a library of functions compatible with Oracle for operating on data. Mismatched types or mismatched semantics of the types can seriously impact the ability to enable an application to
another RDBMS. In order to allow Oracle applications to run on DB2, a number of data types commonly used in Oracle's PL/SQL have been added in DB2 9.7. When an application is ported from one product to another, the SQL and
procedural language is translated from one SQL dialect to the other. The DB2 engine includes a PL/SQL compiler along with the SQL PL compiler. Both compilers produce virtual machine code for DB2's SQL Unified Runtime Engine.
DB2 Training by SYS-ED
Few software or consulting companies know DB2 and teach DB2 courses better than SYS-ED. Our collective experience with DB2 reflects our knowledge with the underlying design of IBM DB2 Enterprise Server Edition and the
foundation development languages that DB2 was written in: PL/S for the mainframe, C++ for the server, and Starburst Optimizer for cross platform SQL optimization and query rewrites. SYS-ED's system consultant instructors have included some
of the best authors and practitioners in the field:
Shaku Atre,
Pacifico Lim,
David Silverberg, and Jonathan Clarke. It is their diagramming of DB2 architecture,
component software, program logic, superb coding, and precise explanations which served as the foundation for our DB2 courses and training programs.

Subject matter has been updated to provide teach the
DB2 architecture and components used to implement data integrity and develop
systems which are scalable, run in the cloud, an support mobile devices.
SYS-ED courses reflect the insights and examples created by experienced systems consultants which understand DB2
and have applied its evolutionary enhancements. When information technology
professionals leave a SYS-ED DB2 course, they have the documentation, training aids, walkthroughs, examples, and skeleton programs to code and debug DB2 programs, perform administrative tasks, and optimize system
performance. Case and point, if your organization outsourced its DB2 coding and program maintenance to consulting companies in the 1980’s, it more than likely was SYS-ED which trained many of the consultants who did the actual
design and coding!
In addition to the DB2 design, application
development, and database administration courses for mainframe operating
systems, SYS-ED offers a comprehensive multi-platform DB2 curriculum and
specialized courses which teach the DB2 APIs.
Qualifying a Training Assignment
SYS-ED will not accept a DB2 assignment without a consultation with the prospective client organization. We review the background of the employees to be trained, operating environment,
documented standards, and project specifications and use that information to select the code snippets, examples, skeleton programs, and hands-on exercises. We then prepare a training strategy: lesson plan, modular
courseware, training aids, and validation assessment. The pre course consultation allows us to identify and differentiate between teaching an industry standard course as compared to the client’s true need for
educational consultancy: 1- DB2 database administration on
z/OS - mainframe or a specific UNIX-variant -
Solaris,
Linux-variant, or
MS Windows platform. 2- Integration with WAS: WebSphere Application Server or alternative third party commercial and open source web server platform. 3- Evaluation for migration to IBM SOA: Service Oriented
Architecture standards 4- Composite application development and repurposing with Rational Developer for System z. And when are not confident that we can provide a superior training outcome, will politely turn down an assignment.
DB2 Release 10 Workshops
SYS-ED workshops demonstrate and explain:
- data types for decimal floating point and spatial data.
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- built-in function compatibility within the DB2 family and for third party and open source databases.
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- XML functions for Java and web applications.
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- How to use REORG for improved performance and availability.
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- New partitioning, clustering, and index options.
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- Dataset level Flashcopy support for multiple utilities for improved CPU utilization and reductions in elapsed time.
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- zIIP-enabled RUNSTATS to perform page-level and auto-sampling rates.
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The DB2 courseware provided in SYS-ED instructor-led and distance-learning training services are highly respected. The sample programs and exercises were developed, updated, and tailored to teach
DB2 on multiple platforms. SYS-ED's DB2 courseware is updated with information from the CETi knowledge base, and FAQ's frequently
asked questions. The principles of adult learning have been applied to the subject matter: interpreting and translating content into performance objectives, narrative descriptions, and diagrams which explain. The full complement of
training medium is used to help business and information technology professionals learn. As part of presenting an instructor-led DB2 course at the client location, courseware is evaluated and organized for
subsequent use in a web-based infrastructure and delivery medium. This service is provided free of charge. |

Information Technology in Transition

Alternative to the Information Technology Training
Offered by the Software Companies

Longstanding Consultancy Experience
in Information Technology
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Learning Paths |
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In order to review and print course topics,
prices, and dates, invoke the search button. |
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Courseware for Teaching
The Computer Education Techniques courseware used in SYS-ED courses consists of student hand-outs, training aids, and industry-specific examples and exercises.
The CETi knowledge base aggregates and analyzes information in the public domain. It also is a service for reviewing and answering questions. Content is selectively added to courseware. Our long-term strategy is to have our courseware recognized as a
NRV: Nationally Recognized Vendor.
Grow Your Own DB2 Staff
| Over the past year, we have had a number of inquiries regarding whether SYS-ED still offered DB2 courses for information technology professionals. |
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The typical comments were: |
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That it is extremely difficult to find DB2 courses which provides the foundation and develops the specialized skills needed for database administration, maintenance programming, SOA web programming, and system programming. |
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That there is a scarcity of quality fast-track DB2 courses, 5 or fewer days in duration, geared to corporate employees and their specific work
environments and operational objectives. |
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That a high percentage of DB2 courses are cancelled. |
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That travel costs and living expenses in a majority of situations are a significant constraint when it comes to attending a DB2 course. |
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That it is important to have a resource for asking DB2 questions once the
DB2 course is complete. |
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In response to these questions: |
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Yes, SYS-ED offers integrated DB2 training -
fundamentals,
SQL coding,
administration,
web enablement,
operations, and
system programming. |
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Yes,
since 1984, SYS-ED has taught fast-track DB2 courses. |
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Yes, we have the flexibility and resources to conduct personalized sessions upon request. |
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DB2 courses are available in multiple formats:
classroom, distance-learning and
blended web-based delivery. |
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Upon completion of a SYS-ED course, our staff is available to answer
DB2 questions. |
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Portfolio of Clients

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Industry Standard Courses
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SYS-ED’s DB2 courses and integrated training programs have been developed based upon classic adult learning theory and the application of the standards of
the New York State Department of Education.
- Transitioning from older versions of DB2.
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- Explanation of the protocols serving as the foundation of web services and utilizing XML and Java with DB2.
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- Provide guidelines for DB2 Administration on base operating system platforms: Linux, Solaris, and MS Windows.
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- Enhancements in autonomics, deep compression, and cross platform SQL compatibility.
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- Upgrading applications to utilize the emerging service oriented architecture standard.
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- Guidelines for Java application development with DB2.
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New York State Department
of Education Standards
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SYS-ED is
software company independent. Our mission is to provide the expertise for developing skilled employees
that will be responsible for administering, coding applications,
updating, and optimizing DB2 databases. SYS-ED has been conducting courses in the public domain since 1980; however, there have been changes in the laws and regulations governing computer training in the state of New York. The schedule on our websites reflects a projected time frame for licensure with the New York State Department of
Education - Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision and submission and approval of curriculum. It will be updated quarterly.
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News for Immediate Release
Consulting companies recommend SYS-ED in conjunction with distance-learning for DB2 programming, database administration, and web enablement training.
DB2 Application Development and Web Enablement Training Program
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All IT personnel will need to learn new skills for the z/OS environment in order to implement the next generation of technologies - DB2, WebSphere MQ, WAS, and Rational. Training will cut across generations - some very experienced people will be
learning web enablement technologies; while first generation IT staff will be using ISPF, JCL, and “tried and tested” mainframe programming languages, such as COBOL for the first time. Training programs based upon the use of various training techniques have been chosen for suitability to the particular course
material and audience as well as scheduling and class size requirements.
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The following methods will be used for introductory material for personnel, most operator training, and programmer training on selected topics.
Program for Client A
The plan is to have the entire programming staff and four or five people from operations complete the distance-learning training and then take the SYS-ED instructor-led courses. Based upon feedback from this
group, we will either confirm this mix or make adjustments as needed.
On a long range basis, we plan that all of the programmers and operators will be trained in both z/OS and the new web technologies. The exact schedule
will depend on the other workloads of the staff. System programmer education would be mostly completed during this period, although specialized courses may be taken later in the year.
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Content
Delivery Selection |
Evolving IT - Interrelated Technologies
Information technology training for organizations is more complex and challenging than ever before. There is a
substantial investment in infrastructure and applications specific to their operations. New industry standard protocols, web server and web enabled technologies require development from scratch or integration with the existing system software and enterprise databases. There will be long term implications
regarding the strategic mix of commercial and open source software which is selected, along with decisions on whether to maintain and upgrade the existing legacy applications, while retrofitting and transitioning to the new technologies. SYS-ED trained a significant portion of the first generation of DP personnel. And looks forward to training their IT successors in the
21st century.
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DB2 Training in New York
DB2 Courses in New York
SYS-ED's DB2 courses are tough, but they're worth it. Our challenging hands-on
DB2 training provides a foundation and framework for Fortune 1000 companies, government municipalities, healthcare providers, software houses, and consulting companies to meet their DB2 staffing requirements and
acquire specialized DB2 skillsets.1
Courseware
SYS-ED's DB2 courseware is highly respected. We draw upon our extensive library of courseware, sample programs, and case studies to explain, demonstrate, and teach the real-world DB2. Our DB2 curriculum
include industry standard and consultancy derived content. We have the capability to provide tailored workshops and integrated training programs on
z/OS, z/VSE, z/VM, and third party emulation workbench/platforms.
Teaching is Our Business
Most computer training companies are divisions of large software companies or consulting companies. Not SYS-ED. Our only goal is to provide world class DB2 training for highly motivated IT professionals - no more and no
less. Because
we're independent, we're free to concentrate on teaching - and since 1980 we have been doing it very well.
Our Teachers Know How to Teach
SYS-ED instructors
combine teaching skills with broad practical experience as
consultants. Our instructors average 25 years of experience with DB2 - operating systems, programming languages,
third party utilities and development tools, and system software.
And they know how to teach it. We teach not only "how to", but "why", building a solid foundation in fundamentals and insights into advanced materials. After a course, they are available to
answer questions.
Enrollment - SYS-ED DB2 Courses are NOT for Everyone
No one is allowed to enroll in a SYS-ED mainframe course, without a consultation with our Director of Education. We review the
operational objectives and project specifications for the organization evaluating whether to send its employee for the training. The employee is only allowed to register if they have the background
corresponding to the
appropriate learning path.
DB2 Training in New York, at Your Office,
or
via the Web
SYS-ED DB2 courses are held at our training center in Manhattan and in conjunction with CETi Technology Partners in North America
and Europe. If you prefer, we'll arrange
tailored mainframe training on-site at your organization’s facilities inclusive of mobile computer classroom set-up. On-site mainframe courses can include the identical workshops, case studies, and hands-on approach as the
mainframe training we offer in New York.
For additional information including outlines, availability of private courses, references, and course customization, contact David Shapiro at our New York office at 212-564-9147 or register online.
Footnote 1:
SYS-ED’s core DB2 and mainframe curriculum have been submitted to the New York State Department of Education - Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision for review and licensing.
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