Edit: Some links no longer work.
Originally posted August 28, 2012 on AIXchange
In February I discussed some great PowerHA V7.1 resources, including virtual user group training and an IBM Redbook. In a follow-on post, I pointed to this training session replay (“Configuring PowerHA SystemMirror V7.1 for AIX Cluster”). This video covers some of the new features in the latest version and also includes a live demo of the instructor setting up a cluster.
You may be unaware that IBM has actually posted several other training session replays on YouTube. They cover topics like IBM Systems Director 6.2 for Power Systems, IBM XIV, BRMS on System i, IBM Storwize V7000, AIX CPU performance management and advanced PowerVM and performance. The full list is available here.
These freely available videos are set up much as an actual IBM training course would be, and I imagine that IBM hopes you like what you see and will then be interested in signing up for a course of a longer
duration. Here’s how IBM puts it:
“Test drive classes do not replace a fee-based class, which is typically 3-5 days in length, provides extensive technical depth and includes hands-on labs. Instead, test drives give you a snapshot of key technical fundamentals using the very popular ILO format.
“Instructor-led online courses (ILO) are taught by a live instructor on a specific day and time. Most courses are exactly the same as their classroom equivalent, including the course duration, content and
student materials. Here is what you need to know:
•   You receive the course materials in advance.
•   To participate on the day of the class, all you need is a broadband Internet connection. This allows you to connect to a virtual classroom where you can interact directly with the instructor and your peers.”
Obviously, many employers are reluctant to budget for IT training and the travel and expenses that go with it. Internet-delivered education like IBM’s ILO is a less-costly alternative, though even then some of us can find it tough to break away from our jobs and remain focused on a class while in the day-to-day office environment. On the other hand, I do know of people who’ve successfully dealt with these potential distractions by taking the classes in office conference rooms or even from home.
Have you taken IBM’s ILO courses or other Internet-delivered education? Please share your experiences in Comments.