iSeries training need in the Michigan area
Alan wrote in with this question recently:
I have been assigned to a new position supporting an iSeries. I have 30+ years of mainframe COBOL experience. I also have DB2 experience. However, I have very little iSeries experience. I have been searching the Web and looking at the IBM training Web site. I have a one time shot at coming up to speed on the iSeries -- COBOL not RPG. I also have two or three co-workers that will need to be trained, as well. We can not waste the education money that we have. Do you have any suggestions in reference to iSeries training from the ground up? We are in Howell, Michigan (1/2 hr west of Detroit). It is very important that we obtain quality training for all of us.
Can you send Alan in the right direction?
-- Debra Tart, associate editor
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
February 1, 2006 12:30 PM
UPDATED:
May 8, 2012 5:18 PM
Answer Wiki:
Technology Solutions Inc. - http://training.teksol.com
I can't speak to any new-fangled ILE changes but I had to do the opposite awhile ago. I went from COBOL on the iSeries to Mainframe and found that the only 'real' difference was the file description sections. So I would download (or order) the COBOL manuals from IBM and concentrate on those sections.
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You can always start with a few good books. There are some AS/400 “user manual” and “primer” books out there. Most have not been updated to the latest release, but there is lots of stuff about how the as400 does things, basic operation stuff.
Heck, you can probably find them used.
But you should look at http://www.common.org. This is the IBM sponsored midrange user group like Guide or Share. In March, the conference is in Minneapolis. There may not be too much COBOL stuff there, but everything and anything concerning the as400, iseries and i5 will be there, including knowlegeable IBM’ers. Hint: get an email address from an IBM’er and you will often have a direct track to a subject expert.
All of this is general as400 stuff. If you are looking for cobol specific, you may be limited to what IBM can give you. At the common conference, you will have the opportunity to seek out other cobol users and talk to them. Ask for a Birds of a Feather session.
you are not really explaining what education you need ! looking at the possibilities on an iSeries/i5, there is a long list of things you may need to know. what will your team be doing ? if you know COBOL and DB2, manuals might be enough.
Beni
Regarding the folks needing to get up to speed on the iSeries I too went through the same thing. I would recommend the following books to help them in their transition. I believe time well spent on these books would be of great benefit as it would also help them in the manipulation of files that will aid them in testing their applications. I would gladly chat with these folks with the hopes of providing some additional encouragement. Perhaps you will pass this on them. As we all know, everyday is a growing and learning experience on the iSeries. The Best to these folks and all the success in their new endeavors.
Please take care and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Carlos Rodriguez
Senior Systems Analyst
Ingram Book Co.
Nashville, Tn.
615-213-6930
Suggested reading follows:
Mastering The AS/400 – by Jerry Fottral – ISBN – 1882419103
Programming In Cobol / 400 – by James Cooper, Nancy Stern, Robert A. Stern – ISBN – 0471127221
The AS/400 Programmer’s Handbook – A Toolbox of Examples for Every AS/400 Programmer – by Mark McCall – ISBN – 18833884489
MCPRESSONLINE.COM is also a good source of book.
You might also consider looking into books written by Mr. George Farr. Mr. Farr is an IBMer that has written numerous books for the iSeries and other IBM products.
You Might also consider contacting the following for some excellent and non-intimidating training on site. Believe me money spent by your higher ups on this would be a priceless investment.
Harrell Professional Resources International, INC.
P.O. Box 2938 – Alpharetta, Georgia 30023
Office (678) 455-5261
http://www.hprtraining.com
e-mail: larryharrell@msn.com
Check out for computer-based training options.
Sorry. Don’t know why the URL’s I type do not make it into the final version.
Try http://www.lab400.com