ABIS Training & Consulting

Introducing domain 'DB2 for z/OS'

Definition

DB2 (Database 2)

DB2 UDB for z/OS

IBM's DB2 product is an RDBMS. It has a long history and is what some consider to be the first database product to use SQL. DB2 started out on the mainframe (DB2 UDB for z/OS). Currently, it is positioned as a member of the DB2 UDB family.

(Source: Webster's Dictionary of Computing)

Importance

Mainframes outdated? No-way! A major part of existing corporate data and applications still runs smoothly on a trusted, good old mainframe!

And of course, data on this mainframe platform is stored in IMS or DB2 data bases! The amount of data stored is extensive. Performance, scalability, manageability, maintenance, security, integrity are therefore also very important indeed! Each of these characteristics make a DB2 for z/OS system profoundly unique. And with every new release, new features are added to DB2 for z/OS thus further providing for DB2s openness to other subsystems, and to the internet.

So you don't need just basic DB2 knowledge - you also need sound expertise required for DB2 systems optimization. You need a thorough understanding of possible surrounding subsystems, and of the new application development paradigms in relationship to DB2. Our added value!

Core competencies

Based on the evolution of the current use of DB2 for z/OS platform, ABIS has developed a number of specific points of interest. We consider these are core competencies.

DB2 as a platform

Given the importance of DB2 for z/OS, ABIS offers extensive expertise required for an efficient handling of relevant DB2 issues. End user, developer, architect, systems manager, administrator - you will find all required - even conceptual - knowledge you desire and need.

DB2 and SQL applications

Application performance remains one of the key issues when confronted with unacceptable performance. A thorough knowledge of SQL and SQL optimization is the only means to tackle this issue. Obviously, we also need to consider application programming issues as well - covering all aspects of application development and 'Best Practices', from COBOL to Java! And all of this based on a sound application and database design.

Managing DB2 for z/OS

Managing DB2 for z/OS requires expert knowledge - we focus on DBA and system management duties: installation, configurations, migration, system tuning, and operations and recovery.

DB2 and its surroundings

DB2 and its relationship with DB2 UDB, MQ WebSphere, WebSphere Application Server, XML, Java and/or .Net... All subjects of interest to ABIS! Knowledge on the set-up, the configuration and the use of a link between DB2 systems on different platforms is available as well as knowledge on the differences between DB2 and other relational databases see In focus - DB2 UDB for z/OS and related RDBMs. Upgrades? See In focus - DB2 UDB version 8 upgrade.

Certification

By means of the ABIS course hand-outs and based on practical experience, our participants and course leaders have already taking the following certificates (details - see Certification matrix 'DB2 for z/OS'):

IBM Certified Solutions Expert - DB2 UDB V7.1 Database Administration for OS/390
IBM Certified Solutions Expert - DB2 UDB V8.1 Database Administration for OS/390

Course leaders

Peter Vanroose, Responsible for the DB2 domain.

Training methods

Training	Classroom instruction	Cases Exercises	Indivodual training	Coaching
Training	Please find an overview of the standard trainings in this brochure. On-site trainings are availble.	Available as individual trainings.	Available.	DB2 application development and application design.
Consulting Projects	Several projects/consulting taks can be offered by ABIS: °) tuning of DB2 for z/OS applications - SQL tuning °) set-up of distributed connections DB2 UDB - DB2 z/OS °) logic database design.