Submit CICS Questions Knowledge Base CICS Training Services SYS-ED SYSED

	CICS Technology Update
CICS Training Services		CICS Transaction Server Sitemap

Submit CICS Questions

Knowledge Base

CICS Skillset Assessment

Mainframe Courseware for Teaching

Enrollment

Contact You

CICS Transaction Server Performance Design

Web Enablement and Service Oriented Architecture

Better than IBM!

Value Added Mainframe Training

CICS Schedule

Cost Analysis

Web Enablement and Service Oriented Architecture	CICS Transaction Server and Internet Connectivity	CICS Application Program Interfaces
WebSphere MQ and CICS Transaction Server	CICS Transaction Server Training by SYS-ED	NYS Dept of Education Standards
Learning Paths	Courseware for Teaching	Grow Your Own CICS Programmers
Portfolio of CICS Clients	Industry Standard CICS Courses	CICS Transaction Server - Core Curriculum
Professional Distance-learning Service	Why SYS-ED for CICS Training Services	Mainframe Training Services
Mainframe Catalog	CICS Training in New York	Technology Exchange Websites
Technology Driven IT Training	Delivery Medium	Web-based Training Services

CICS SOA Integration and Coding with WebSphere MQ

Web Enablement and Service Oriented Architecture

IBM has been developing CICS to promote the mainframe as a SOA: Service Oriented Architecture hub in order that new workloads can be moved to the mainframe. SOA is the implementation and expedient management of components in memory. CICS Transaction Server for z/OS has been upgraded to allow broader access to legacy mainframe applications through web services and SOA. As mainframe shops expand their channel capability there is considerable potential in realizing improvements in productivity by implementing Service Oriented Architecture. SOA is being used for providing access to legacy applications for presentation to end users. This trend has been further enhanced by 64-bit storage capabilities and improvements to the Enterprise Workload Manager for CICS for adjusting the resources of the mainframe to the needs of the application.

CICS Transaction Server and Internet Connectivity

IBM’s initial CICS Internet connection option was provided in CICS/ESA 3.3. With each subsequent release, the featureset has been expanded.

Internet Connection Option Extended Featureset

3270 Bridge Supported the creation of an HTML front-end for 3270-based BMS: Basic Mapping Support applications without requiring application code changes. The bridge provided a one-to-one mapping of a 3270 screen to an HTML web page. Additional functionality can be built into the HTML.

CICS Web Support The subset of CICS-provided services for facilitating communication between CICS application programs and the Internet. Shared components are required for CICS to communicate with the Internet. TCP/IP support provided by the sockets domain and UNIX Systems Services support are a part of CICS support.

CICS Socket Interface The CSI: CICS Socket Interface is provided by the z/OS Communication Manager for connecting CICS to the Internet. CSI is not part of CICS and does not use the CICS Sockets Domain.

CICS Web Services CICS Web Services is the CICS implementation of the functionality of Web services as defined by the Web Services Interoperability Organization Basic Profile 1.1 Web Services Statement.

CICS Application Program Interfaces

Application programs use the EXEC CICS WEB and EXEC CICS DOCUMENT commands to interface with the Internet via HTTP. A CICS program uses the WEB commands to analyze the incoming HTTP and identify the request. After processing the request normally, the program then builds an output HTTP stream with WEB and DOCUMENT commands for presenting request results to the user.

For existing CICS programs that return data to a calling program via Commareas, CICS Web support provides for a user-written converter program that intercepts the transmission from the Web, converts it into an acceptable Commarea format, LINKs to the application processing program, and then converts the returned Commarea back into an HTTP stream for transmission to the original requester.

For existing CICS applications using 3270 displays, CICS Web support provides several alternatives that allow the programmer to convert incoming HTTP to a 3270 data stream, pass that data stream to the application program, receive the outgoing 3270 data stream and convert it to HTTP, and return the HTTP to the caller.

WebSphere MQ and CICS Transaction Server

The successful implementation of service oriented architecture requires infrastructure which can support the SOA principles. IBM WebSphere MQ is an established and reliable message queuing middleware platform. Applications can be enabled by creating service interfaces to existing or new functions hosted by the applications.

The CICS-WebSphere MQ adapter connects a CICS subsystem to a WebSphere MQ queue manager, enabling CICS application programs to use the WebSphere MQI: MQ Interface. The term CICS-MQ adapter refers to the CICS-WebSphere MQ adapter. CICS and WebSphere MQ independently can be started or stopped independently and can used to establish or terminate a connection between them at any time. CICS also can be allowed to connect WebSphere MQ automatically. The CICS-MQ adapter provides a set of control functions for use by system programmers and administrators to manage the adapter and MQI support for CICS applications. In a CICS multi-region operation or ISC: Intersystem Communication environment, each CICS address space can have its own attachment to the queue manager subsystem. A single CICS address space can connect to only one queue manager at a time.

CICS Transaction Server Training by SYS-ED

SYS-ED offers challenging, hands-on CICS training for motivated programmers who are willing to work. Our 30+ years as CICS consultants provides a privileged perspective and the IBM mainframe systems software skillset from which to teach a new generation of IT personnel. We worked on several first generation CICS projects, when the source code and program logic was available; it no longer is. This knowledge provides us with a unique insight to explain and draw diagrams which teach why the software works or in some case doesn’t work as it should. That is why IBM, Fortune 1000 companies, multinational companies, government municipalities, and healthcare providers have used SYS-ED staff to teach their software developers.

Our staff specializes in using real-life programs and design problems. We teach industry standard Command Level Programming, Application Design, Advanced Techniques, Debugging, Performance Design, Transaction Server, CICS Web Programming, Web Enablement, Operations, DB2 Integration, and third party CICS utilities - InterTest or Xpediter courses. It is our standard policy to encourage students to bring project specifications from their home installation to enhance the workshop sessions. Few consulting or training companies have been providing CICS training services longer or conducting better CICS courses and CICS training programs than SYS-ED.

SYS-ED staff and CETi Technology Partners have been examining the CICS Transaction Server, WebSphere MQ, and Rational documentation and white papers and evaluating its assumptions. Tailored courses have been developed for maintenance programming, retrofitting utilities, and migration to web enablement technologies.

CICS Transaction Server

CICS Transaction Server
and WebSphere MQ

WebSphere MQ

SYS-ED has extended its instructor-led CICS training service to include distance-learning. Client organizations are presented with a palette of medium to select from in order to address operational, time compression, and validation assessment requirements. CICS web-based delivery can be interactive with a subject matter expert, self-paced, or podcast. In both classroom instruction and distance-learning, one-third of a student’s class time is spent hands-on coding, testing, and debugging CICS applications.

The interrelationships among technology, productivity, and training are complex. The selection of the delivery medium requires a clear distinction between industry standard CICS content and addressing the operational requirements unique to the client organization. This service is offered selectively; no one is allowed to enroll in a distance-learning course without an interview with our Director of Education or Curriculum Manager.

The courseware, training aids, and exercises provided in our CICS training are highly respected. They extend the source software company with subject matter and diagrams with an analysis of program logic and sample programs which have been validated on consulting projects. And in this day and age with inter mixing and hybrid implementations of open standards and IBM systems software, reference material which “demonstrates and explains” is fundamental to an effective learning experience.

Upon completion of a SYS-ED instructor-led course at the client location, it is standard policy to organize content for future utilization in a web-based training infrastructure. After the class is over, students are encouraged to submit their CICS questions.

Information Technology in Transition - CICS Training Services

Information Technology in Transition

Longstanding Consultancy Experience
in Information Technology

Alternative to the Information Technology
Offered by the Software Companies

Learning Paths

CICS	COBOL
DB2	Java
Mainframe	VSAM
XML	WebSphere MQ

In order to review and print course topics, prices, and dates, invoke the Search button.

Courseware for Teaching

The Computer Education Techniques courseware used in SYS-ED courses consists of student hand-outs, training aids, and industry-specific 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. The long-term strategy is to have our courseware recognized as a NRV: Nationally Recognized Vendor.

CICS Overview	CICS for Operators	CICS Application Design	CICS TS Command Level Programming	CICS TS Command Level Programming - Advanced
Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents
Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement
Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives
Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1
Chapter 2	Chapter 2	Chapter 2	Chapter 2	Chapter 2
Index	Index	Index	Index	Index

CICS: Debugging with CA-InterTest	CICS Transaction Server for Programmers	CICS BMS/GT	CICS Xpediter	SDF II
Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents
Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement	Copyright Acknowledgement
Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives	Performance Objectives
Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1	Chapter 1
Chapter 2	Chapter 3	Chapter 3	Chapter 2	Chapter 2
Index	Index	Index	Index	Index

Grow Your Own CICS Programmers

Over the past year, we have had a number of inquiries regarding whether SYS-ED still offered CICS courses for IT professionals.
The typical comments were:
1.	That it is extremely difficult to find CICS training which develops the specialized skills needed for application development and maintenance tasks.
2.	That there is a scarcity of fast-track CICS courses, 5 or fewer days in duration, geared to Fortune 1000 corporations and their employees.
3.	That a high percentage of restricted enrollment CICS courses are cancelled.
4.	That travel costs and living expenses in a majority of situations are a significant constraint when it comes to attending a CICS course.
5.	That it is important to have a resource for asking CICS questions once the programming language course is complete.

In response to these questions:
	Yes, SYS-ED offers multiple levels of CICS training: basic, advanced, and tailored modules.
	Yes, since 1980, SYS-ED has taught CICS programming and we offer the most comprehensive CICS courses and integrated programs anywhere.
	Yes, we have the flexibility and resources to conduct personalized mentoring sessions upon request.
	CICS courses are available in multiple formats: classroom, distance-learning and blended web-based delivery.
	Upon completion of a SYS-ED course, our staff is available to answer CICS questions.

Portfolio of CICS Clients

Industry Standard CICS Courses

SYS-ED’s CICS Transaction Server courses have been developed based upon the application of adult learning theory and the standards of the New York State Department of Education.

SYS-ED's training extends the IBM source documentation and provides value added information in the form of:

Utilizing CICS as a transaction server instead of a web server and database.	Explanations of the protocols serving as the foundation of web services and utilizing XML and Java with CICS.
Upgrading applications to utilize the emerging service oriented architecture.	Integration with the WebSphere and Rational family of software.

When SYS-ED can not warranty a superior training outcome, then we will politely turn down an assignment.

CICS Transaction Server - Content Delivery Selection

CICS Transaction Server - Core Curriculum

CICS Transaction Server: Fundamentals	CICS TS: Command Level Programming	CICS TS: Command Level Programming - Advanced
You will learn: CICS as an on-line system. CICS structure and components. how to use CICS facilities and functions. working with CICS application programs. CICS web support capabilities. the CICS interface to DB2.	You will learn: how to design a CICS program. temporary storage control. creating a BMS MAPSET. implementing menus. coding CICS programs. maintaining CICS programs. testing CICS programs. processing files sequentially.	You will learn: VSAM alternate indexes. file processing features. CICS control features. CICS intercommunication features. how to design, code, and test modular CICS programs. how to work with DB2 databases. CICS web enablement capabilities.
CICS TS: Application Design	CICS TS: Web Enablement	CICS TS: Performance and Tuning
You will learn: how to implement CICS design and coding techniques. factors which effect locking. identifying system parameters which impact on application performance. how to design a system which takes into account tradeoffs in performance. WebSphere facilities and how they can be used in a CICS system.	You will learn: the functions of CWS: CICS WEB SUPPORT and its components. how to develop web aware applications using CWS API commands. deployment of CICS applications on the web. using FORM to parse incoming data. how to use incoming HTTP request information. how to build HTTP responses. modifying existing 3270-based applications for running under the 3270 Bridge. specifying the Resource Definition On-line definitions required by the CWS. enabling CICS for delivering media types - PDF and XML. coding other web components including JavaScript and HTML.	You will learn: developing measurement and evaluation plans for monitoring a CICS system. techniques for measuring and tuning a CICS system. methods for minimizing resource consumption. how to obtain information about CICS resource utilization. how to capture task activity. identifying resource contention and using tuning parameters for managing contention.

Professional Distance-learning Service
Definition of Service

SYS-ED's distance-learning training service is 65% lecture with the remaining 35% of the service provided in the form of scheduled interactive question and answer sessions with a subject matter expert, hands-on exercises, optional validation assessment, and submission of questions through our technology exchange websites.
Enrollment is contingent upon the prospective trainee's having been qualified by our Director of Education to have the appropriate background for the training and review of a checklist of items required for transmission of the service to the client location: bandwidth, firewall, base operating system, software requirements, web browser, and set-up of hands-on machine exercises.

Alternative web-based and e-learning training is available: self-paced, presentation through the client's authoring system, or podcast. These tailored services are offered selectively.

Delivery Medium
Web-based Training Services

Why SYS-ED for CICS Training

Get on the Fast Track .......

	Hands-on training	Web-based Training
	Superb courseware and training aids
	CICS New York Schedule
	Resources to accommodate small groups
	Tailored private courses - North America and Europe
	Warranty of Service
	Satisfied customers and industry testimonials
	Qualified training consultant for needs analysis and skills inventory
	Distance and e-learning

Mainframe Catalog

Select a CICS Course.

Invoking the "CICS Course" title will provide the duration, audience, and content for the course. Invoking a "Skillset" or "System Software" category will provide courses that will be useful for functioning efficiently as a CICS application developer in a IBM mainframe environment. Invoking a "Language" or "Development Platform" will provide the programming language courses for that category or a SYS-ED website with more comprehensive information.
Application Development	CICS Web Enablement
CICS TS Fundamentals	CICS TS Web Enablement: Introduction
CICS TS Command Level Programming	CICS TS Web Support Programming
CICS TS Command Level Programming - Advanced	CICS TS Transaction Server Web Enablement
CICS TS Application Design	Language and Development Platform
CICS TS Administration and Tailoring	Programming Languages
CICS TS Performance and Tuning	COBOL
CICS TS Recovery and Restart	Java
CICS TS for Operators	MS .NET
Utilities and Development Tools	Skillset and System Software
CICS TS Debugging with CA-InterTest	Programming Skills
CICS TS SDF-II	Mainframe Utilities & Development Tools
	VSAM

CICS Training in New York

CICS Courses in New York
SYS-ED's CICS courses are tough, but they're worth it. Our challenging hands-on CICS training provides a foundation and framework for Fortune 1000 companies, government municipalities, healthcare providers, software houses, and consulting companies to meet their CICS staffing requirements and acquire specialized CICS skillsets.¹

Courseware
SYS-ED's CICS courseware is highly respected. We draw upon our extensive library of extensible modular content, sample programs, and case studies to explain, demonstrate, and teach real-world CICS. Our CICS curricula includes 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 quality CICS 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 30 years of experience with CICS in the mainframe environment - operating systems, programming languages, 3rd party utilities/development aids, and system software. And they know how to teach it. We teach not only "how to", but "why", providing insights into advanced subject matter. After a course, our staff is available to answer questions.

Enrollment - SYS-ED CICS 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.

CICS Training in New York, at Your Office or Web-based
SYS-ED's CICS courses are held at our training center in New York City and in conjunction with CETi Technology Partners in North America and Europe. If you prefer, we'll arrange tailored CICS training on-site at your organization’s facilities inclusive of hands-on exercises. On-site CICS courses can include the identical workshops, case studies, and hands-on approach as the CICS training we offer in New York city.

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.

Technology Exchange Websites
SYS-ED's websites compile, organize, and present software specific and established operational categorizations of information technology. They provide a framework for assessing knowledge transfer: web-based training, classroom instruction, courseware, learning paths, and validation assessment.
http://www.cicstrainingbysysed.us/commquests.htm
www.coboltrainingbysysed.us	www.db2trainingbysysed.us	www.imstrainingbysysed.us
www.javatrainingbysysed.us	www.mainframetrainingbysysed.us	www.mfutilitiesandtoolsbysysed.us
www.mqseriestrainingbysysed.us	www.programmingbysysed.us	www.rexxtrainingbysysed.us
www.sastrainingbysysed.us	www.vsamtrainingbysysed.us	www.xmltrainingbysysed.us

Footnote 1:

SYS-ED’s core mainframe curriculum have been submitted to the New York State Department of Education - Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision for technical review and licensing.