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Dave Nicolette

This course will teach you the role CICS Transaction Server plays in enterprise computing and business, including the product's history, general architecture, and likely future direction.

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This course will teach you the role CICS Transaction Server plays in enterprise computing and business, including the product's history, general architecture, and likely future direction.

CICS is one of the key components of an enterprise computing environment on IBM z/OS systems. In this course, CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture, you'll experience a high-level introduction and overview of CICS and you'll understand where CICS fits into the context of enterprise computing. First, you'll explore the architecture of CICS, and how it can provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. Next, you'll discover how the internal structure and operation of CICS mirror those of operating systems, managed code environments, and application containers. Finally, you'll discover how CICS plays in contemporary computing systems and what it means to "modernize" legacy CICS applications. When you're finished with this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge of CICS Transaction Server needed to build hands-on skills in CICS application development.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
CICS Introduction and Overview
CICS Architecture and Operation
Common CICS Application Patterns
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides deep overview of CICS Transaction Server, suitable for those curious about or new to the topic
Explores the architecture of CICS, valuable for those interested in the technical workings of the platform
Examines how CICS mirrors operating systems and managed code environments, relevant for those with experience in these areas
Discusses the role of CICS in contemporary computing systems, beneficial for those seeking to understand the platform's relevance in current IT landscapes
Taught by Dave Nicolette, an experienced instructor in the field

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Reviews summary

Cics transaction server: high-level overview

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and clear, concise high-level overview of CICS Transaction Server, proving invaluable for understanding its role in enterprise computing. Many found the instructor's explanations illuminating and accessible, especially for those new to mainframes, project managers, or system architects. However, some students note that while the course successfully delivers the 'big picture', it lacks the practical, hands-on application development depth they sought, feeling more like a lecture series than a skill-building course. It is generally considered a strong foundational piece but not suited for those seeking nitty-gritty coding details or extensive coverage on modernizing legacy applications.
Some aspects felt slightly dated in terms of presentation.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a little dated in terms of presentation, but the core information is still highly relevant."
"I found the pace a bit slow at times, and some of the explanations were a bit too abstract."
Touches on modernization, but some expected more detail.
"I was hoping for a bit more on modernizing legacy applications, as mentioned in the description. It touched upon it, but only briefly."
Valuable for managers, architects, and new mainframe users.
"This course is essential for project managers or system architects who need to grasp CICS without getting bogged down in coding specifics."
"Good course for non-developers or managers who need to understand CICS."
"As someone who inherited legacy CICS applications, this course was invaluable. It helped me connect the dots and understand the underlying principles quickly."
Delivers well on its promise of a foundational overview.
"The course delivers on its promise of a 'big picture' view, laying a solid foundation."
"It's truly a big picture perspective... It explains the 'why' and 'what' very well."
"The focus on the 'big picture' truly helps you grasp the context without getting lost in details. It's a foundational piece for anyone dealing with mainframes."
Provides an easily digestible, high-level understanding.
"This course provided a really good high-level overview of CICS. The instructor was clear and concise, making complex topics digestible."
"Excellent course for understanding where CICS fits into the larger enterprise ecosystem. The explanations of transaction services... were particularly illuminating."
"The instructor made the subject matter very accessible. I'm a seasoned IT professional, but CICS was always a black box for me. This course demystified it completely."
Not suitable for those seeking hands-on coding or deep technical skills.
"I came in hoping for more practical examples or scenarios related to CICS application development... you might find it lacking in depth."
"If you're a developer or want to get into the nitty-gritty of CICS programming, this isn't for you."
"It feels more like a lecture series than a hands-on skill-building course. I would have preferred more concrete examples."
"I agree with other comments that if you're looking for deep technical details or extensive hands-on coding, this isn't the right fit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture with these activities:
Review the fundamentals of enterprise computing
This will help you connect more meaningfully with the business components of CICS Transaction Server.
Show steps
  • Read an overview of enterprise computing
  • Review key concepts like multi-tenancy and scalability
Review CICS architecture
Begin building an internal map of the key components and their relationships.
Show steps
  • Examine one or more diagrams of CICS components
  • List the major components and describe the functions
  • Identify the flows of data
Review CICS Architecture and Operation
Prepare for course by reviewing the architecture and operation of CICS to build a strong understanding of its core features and functions.
Show steps
  • Read CICS documentation and articles
  • Create a diagram of the CICS architecture
  • Discuss CICS with peers or mentors to clarify understanding
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review CICS Reference Guide
Gain a deeper understanding of CICS functionalities and usage by reviewing the CICS Reference Guide.
Show steps
  • Skim through the guide to familiarize yourself with its contents
  • Focus on specific areas relevant to your current CICS projects
  • Make notes and annotations to enhance your understanding
Follow a guided tutorial on CICS architecture and explore how it interacts with operating systems
This will provide a more tangible and technical understanding of how CICS actually operates.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on CICS architecture
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step
  • Try to replicate the tutorial on your own
Create a Simple CICS Application
Solidify understanding of CICS application development by creating a simple application from scratch.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple CICS application as a sample
  • Review the CICS development documentation
  • Write the code, test, and refine your application
  • Share your application with others for feedback
Follow Tutorials on Advanced CICS Concepts
Expand knowledge of CICS by following tutorials on advanced concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials from reputable sources
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing concepts in your CICS applications
  • Practice and experiment with the concepts to reinforce understanding
Attend a CICS Workshop
Gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts by attending a CICS workshop.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable CICS workshop
  • Register and prepare for the workshop
  • Actively participate in the workshop
  • Follow up after the workshop to solidify learning
Present CICS Concepts to Peers
Deepen understanding by explaining CICS concepts to others, clarifying and reinforcing your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific CICS topic to present
  • Prepare your presentation with clear examples and explanations
  • Deliver your presentation to peers and receive feedback
Mentor Junior CICS Developers
Solidify your knowledge by mentoring others, answering their questions, and guiding their learning.
Show steps
  • Identify junior CICS developers who need guidance
  • Share your knowledge and experience with them
  • Provide feedback and support

Career center

Learners who complete CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture covers the architecture and operation of CICS, which is a key component of enterprise computing environments on IBM z/OS systems. This course can help Systems Analysts gain a better understanding of how CICS fits into the context of enterprise computing, and how to use it to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. The course may help Systems Analysts learn how to design and implement more efficient and effective computer systems.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Software Architects gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Software Architects design and develop more efficient and effective software systems.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and test code for computer systems. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Computer Programmers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Computer Programmers write and test more efficient and effective code.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and manage information technology systems for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Information Technology Managers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Information Technology Managers make better decisions about how to plan, implement, and manage information technology systems.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Database Administrators gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Database Administrators manage and maintain databases more efficiently and effectively.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain networks for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Network Administrators gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Network Administrators manage and maintain networks more efficiently and effectively.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts identify and mitigate security risks for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Security Analysts gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Security Analysts identify and mitigate security risks more effectively.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture can help Systems Engineers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course can help Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems more efficiently and effectively.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Web Developers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Web Developers design and develop more efficient and effective websites.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile App Developers design and develop mobile apps for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Mobile App Developers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Mobile App Developers design and develop more efficient and effective mobile apps.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Data Analysts gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data more efficiently and effectively.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Business Analysts gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Business Analysts develop more efficient and effective solutions for organizations.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Project Managers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects more efficiently and effectively.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Technical Writers gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Technical Writers create and edit more accurate and effective technical documentation.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software for organizations. CICS Transaction Server: The Big Picture may help Quality Assurance Analysts gain a better understanding of the architecture and operation of CICS, and how it can be used to provide transaction services on top of an operating system designed for batch processing. This course may help Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software more efficiently and effectively.

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