Learn the tools, strategy and methodology for modernizing your IBM i database objects. Explore the reasons for why you might want to modernize the database aspects of your application and use SQL. Learn the concepts and details of the five stages of database modernization strategy consisting of migration, isolation, correction, protection and enhancement. Get hand on experience of modernizing databases at each stage of modernization strategy. Learn tools and methodology for identification of database objects needing modernization. Learn how to reengineer these database objects and their definitions (e.g. moving from DDS to SQL, applying Identity columns etc.), and still be able to use existing applications without making changes to the legacy programs. This workshop will also introduce you to the relational database concepts such as normalization, views, constraints, triggers, etc.

Training Paths that reference this course are:
Application Developer (DB2, WDSc, Rational Data Architecture, Rational Development for i, RPG, COBOL, CL, SQL)

This is an intermediate course for i5/OS application developers, database designers, database administrators, database architects and performance analysts. This workshop will benefit all ISVs who would like to migrate their applications developed on other platforms to IBM i. This workshop will also benefit the IBM i customers who are meeting roadblocks for not being able to run new applications against their existing DDS databases, or those who are concerned about the slow application performance.

You should have:

• Intermediate knowledge of SQL and relational database concepts
• Basic understanding of DB2 for i
• Basic understanding of IBM I legacy programming languages
• Basic understanding of System i and i5/OS architecture and application concepts
• Basic understanding of IBM i Navigator tool
• Basic understanding of IBM i Integrated Language Environment (ILE)

• Understand the reasons for database modernization. Understand the benefits of using SQL.
• Understand relational database concepts such as normalization, referential integrity, etc.
• Learn the methodology and steps involved for reengineering legacy databases without impacting the legacy programs.
• Understand the methodology and tools required for identifying high usage files.
• Learn conversion of Record level access to SQL access through the use of embedded SQL and external SQL Views.
• Understand the concepts of using bridge and wrapper programs as productivity tools for accessing SQL IO modules.
• Understand the concepts and tools for SQL query optimization.
• Understand the SQL data access methods and indexing.
• Understand the use of Triggers, Instead of Triggers, User Defined Functions, MQTs and Stored Procedures as database modernization techniques.

• Overview of database modernization strategy
• Reengineering existing or legacy databases
  • Minimizing the impact of change
• Database Isolation
  • The foundation for moving forward
• Forward Engineering
  • Building towards the future
• Enhancing the Database
  • Best practices for Data Centric development