Friday, November 1, 2024

Mastering Mainframe Programming with Interskill Learning’s New REXX Curriculum

 

Interskill Learning has launched an exciting addition to its mainframe training lineup: a comprehensive REXX (Restructured Extended Executor) programming curriculum designed to bring flexibility, functionality, and real-world skills to mainframe professionals. This curriculum is a major enhancement for those who need to develop strong scripting capabilities on IBM Z platforms, as REXX is widely used in automation, data processing, and mainframe application support.

Why Learn REXX?

REXX has long been a staple scripting language in mainframe environments, valued for its ease of use, readability, and versatility. It is especially popular for creating scripts that handle complex mainframe tasks, improve workflows, and automate repetitive processes. With the growing need for mainframe efficiency, REXX remains one of the most critical skills for developers and system administrators in IBM Z environments.

What’s Included in the New REXX Curriculum?

Interskill’s REXX training offers a range of modules covering key areas that both beginners and experienced users will find beneficial:

  1. Introduction to REXX and Core Concepts
    Interskill starts with a foundational module that introduces the basics of REXX syntax, structure, and fundamental commands. This module is ideal for those new to the language, allowing them to develop essential skills in REXX scripting quickly.

  2. Advanced Scripting Techniques
    Once the basics are covered, learners move on to advanced scripting concepts. Topics include creating and using REXX functions, handling I/O operations, debugging REXX scripts, and best practices in script optimization. This module is designed to make REXX scripting more efficient and adaptable to complex use cases.

  3. Hands-On Labs and Practical Exercises
    One of the most valuable aspects of Interskill’s curriculum is its interactive lab environment, where learners can apply their new skills. These hands-on labs simulate real-world scenarios, from data manipulation to automation processes. This experience gives learners confidence in their ability to apply REXX knowledge directly in a professional setting.

  4. Mainframe-Specific REXX Integration
    The course also covers REXX’s integration with other mainframe subsystems, such as JES, TSO, and ISPF. By learning how REXX works within these environments, users can more effectively support system operations, perform data analysis, and streamline workflow management on the mainframe.

Benefits of Interskill’s Approach

Interskill’s REXX curriculum combines self-paced learning with structured modules that allow learners to progress at their own speed. Interactive exercises, real-world examples, and targeted skill assessments make learning dynamic and engaging. For companies, this curriculum serves as a scalable solution for upskilling teams in a skillset that is foundational to efficient mainframe management and operations.

Certification and Career Impact

As with other Interskill courses, completion of the REXX curriculum can contribute toward IBM-recognized digital badges that validate the learner's expertise. REXX skills are highly valued in mainframe careers, and this certification can enhance employability for roles in mainframe development, operations, and system programming.

Getting Started

Whether you're a seasoned mainframe developer or a newcomer to IBM Z systems, Interskill Learning’s new REXX curriculum is crafted to elevate your skills in automation, data handling, and system scripting. Dive into the new curriculum today and start mastering one of the most essential tools for mainframe professionals!

For more information on enrolling in Interskill Learning’s REXX curriculum, visit Interskill Learning’s website and check out their latest offerings.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Exciting Developments in IBM z/OS 3.1 - What's New?

We’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates on IBM z/OS 3.1, which continues to raise the bar for reliability, security, and performance in the mainframe ecosystem. Here’s a quick rundown of the latest enhancements and what they mean for your operations:

1. Enhanced AI and Machine Learning Capabilities

IBM z/OS 3.1 has integrated advanced AI features, enabling users to leverage machine learning models directly on the mainframe. This upgrade is a game-changer for real-time analytics, providing powerful tools to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and make predictions faster than ever.

  • Why It Matters: This enhancement allows organizations to perform data-intensive tasks on the mainframe, significantly reducing the need for off-platform processing, thereby streamlining operations and reducing latency.

2. Strengthened Cybersecurity with Quantum-Safe Cryptography

With z/OS 3.1, IBM has taken a proactive step toward the future of cybersecurity by introducing quantum-safe cryptographic capabilities. This new feature will help protect data against future threats posed by quantum computing advancements, ensuring that your organization remains a step ahead in the digital security landscape.

  • Why It Matters: This update reinforces IBM’s commitment to long-term data security, safeguarding sensitive information in a future-proof manner.

3. Expanded DevOps Tools Integration

z/OS 3.1 offers even deeper integration with popular DevOps tools, such as Git, Jenkins, and Ansible. This enables developers to seamlessly build, test, and deploy applications on z/OS, aligning mainframe processes with broader organizational DevOps strategies.

  • Why It Matters: Enhanced DevOps support brings more agility to mainframe development, helping teams innovate quickly, reduce errors, and keep up with evolving business needs.

4. Modernized User Experience with z/OSMF Updates

The z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) has seen a major overhaul in this release, with an updated user interface and improved workflow tools that streamline system management tasks. The new z/OSMF updates reduce complexity for system administrators and help speed up common tasks.

  • Why It Matters: This updated experience enhances usability, making it easier for new and experienced administrators alike to navigate and manage system configurations efficiently.

5. Enhanced Workload Optimization

The z/OS 3.1 update includes workload management improvements that enhance overall system performance, even under heavy and complex workloads. By optimizing how resources are allocated, this upgrade ensures that mission-critical tasks receive the resources they need, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

  • Why It Matters: For organizations that rely on consistently high-performance mainframe environments, these enhancements will ensure that workloads run smoothly even during peak operational periods.

These enhancements in IBM z/OS 3.1 show IBM’s dedication to evolving the mainframe environment to meet modern demands, whether it’s data security, workload management, or seamless development integration.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore these updates in greater depth! If you have questions or would like to learn more about how these features can benefit your operations, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Interskill wins 2nd Training Industry Award for 2021!

 29 November 2021 | Written by: ,

To have a niche, IBM Z specialist training organization listed among the global Training Industry’s elite companies in multiple categories is a massive recognition, both for Interskill and for IBM Z mainframe training! Thanks to IBM and to the IBM Digital Badge Program team for all they do to help Interskill make such a global impact in this critical industry! This is a remarkable partnership!

Training Industry prepares the Training Industry Top 20 and Watch List report on critical sectors of the corporate training marketplace to better inform professionals about the best and most innovative providers of training services and technologies.

Selection to the 2021 Training Industry Top 20 and Watch List Online Learning Library Companies List was based on the following criteria:

  • Breadth and quality of courses and content.
  • Quality of features and capabilities.
  • Industry visibility, innovation, and impact.
  • Strength of clients and geographic reach.
  • Company size and growth potential.
  • Breadth and quality of programs/services.
  • Ability to deliver training in various modalities.
  • Industry visibility, innovation and impact.
  • Strength of clients and geographic reach.
  • Company size and growth potential.

Selection to the 2021 Training Industry Top 20 and Watch List IT Training Companies List was based on the following criteria:

Interskill is the world’s most delivered IBM Z Mainframe training (i) with over 700,000 hours of IBM Z training delivered in 2020! This extensive, on-demand, online mainframe training resource empowers the industry’s mainframe computing workforces and lifts the global mainframe computing industry! Our learning designs are informed by contemporary learning theory and are interactive, contextualized, and responsive to diverse learning styles. We immerse learners in relevant authentic activities designed to motivate, engage, and produce quantifiable change! Over 1 million mainframers trained and counting!

https://interskill.com/

Author

Darren Surch, COO, Americas – Interskill Learning

Lifetime IBM Champion

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

 

New and Updated Courses Released This Quarter


We have many new courses this quarter! Come check it out. For students with existing account, new courses are always included at no extra charge. So enroll in these as soon as you can.

CICS v5.6 Curriculum

We have updated all the CICS v5.3 to CICS v5.6 courses


DevOps Curriculum

We have 1 new course!


New VSAM Curriculum

Two new courses

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

IBM Training & Skills Blog post: "The Critical Need for Mainframe Skills"

In this IBM Training & Skills Blog post, IBM's Heather Allen interviews Interskill COO Darren Surch about Interskill's key role in global IBMZ mainframe workforce training & the IBM Digital Credentialing program, plus they cover Interskill's innovative partnership with IBM's TechU Conferences worldwide.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/ibm-training/the-critical-need-for-mainframe-skills/