Introduction to IBM z/OS

Welcome to "Introduction to IBM z/OS," an exciting and comprehensive course that delves into the world of large-scale enterprise computing and mainframes. This introductory-level course, offered by IBM, is designed to give you a solid foundation in mainframe technology, with a specific focus on the IBM z/OS operating system.

Mainframes are the backbone of modern business transactions, powering 87% of all credit card transactions and supporting 71% of Fortune 500 companies. As the only production mainframe sold today, IBM Z is at the forefront of this technology, making it an essential skill for anyone interested in enterprise computing.

What students will learn from the course:

1. Introduction to Mainframes: You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of mainframe technology, including:
   • Hardware components and architecture
   • Operating systems, with a focus on IBM z/OS
   • Programming languages used in mainframe environments
   • Design principles and unique features of mainframe systems
2. Fundamentals of IBM z/OS: You'll explore the intricacies of this powerful operating system, understanding its role in enterprise computing.
3. Large-scale Enterprise Computing: You'll learn how mainframes support critical business operations and transactions on a massive scale.
4. Industry relevance: Gain insights into how mainframes are used across various industries and their importance in today's digital landscape.

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course:

This course is designed for beginners, and there are no specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of computer systems and an interest in enterprise computing would be beneficial.

What the course will cover:

• Introduction to mainframe hardware and architecture
• Overview of mainframe operating systems, focusing on IBM z/OS
• Programming languages used in mainframe environments
• Design principles and features unique to mainframes
• The role of mainframes in modern business transactions
• Industry applications and use cases for mainframe technology
• Basics of large-scale enterprise computing
• Introduction to IBM Z and its capabilities

Who this course is for:

• Students interested in computer science and enterprise computing
• IT professionals looking to expand their knowledge into mainframe technology
• Business professionals seeking to understand the technology behind large-scale transactions
• Anyone curious about the role of mainframes in today's digital world

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

The skills acquired in this course are highly valuable in today's job market. With mainframes powering critical operations in finance, healthcare, government, and many other sectors, professionals with mainframe knowledge are in high demand. You'll be able to:

1. Contribute to projects involving large-scale data processing and transaction management
2. Understand and work with legacy systems that many large organizations still rely on
3. Participate in modernization efforts that bridge mainframe systems with newer technologies
4. Pursue career opportunities in fields such as financial services, healthcare IT, and government technology services

Upon completion of this course, you'll earn a skill badge - a detailed, verifiable, and digital credential that showcases your newly acquired knowledge in mainframe technology and IBM z/OS. This badge can be a valuable addition to your professional profile, demonstrating your expertise to potential employers.

As this course is part of the IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner Professional Certificate program, it also serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to specialize in this field and gain a comprehensive set of mainframe-related skills.