Training can prepare you for a greener future

What does “going green”mean? “Going green”is shorthand for taking steps to reduce energy use —and, importantly, energy expenses —across the IT function.

In practice, this includes building energy efficient data centers, simplifying IT infrastructure through server consolidation and virtualization solutions, and using power management software and supplemental cooling technologies in existing data centers.

Each one of these steps involves the type of rigorous analysis, planning and implementation required of any IT project and should include the technical training needed to optimize the IT environment.

Since the launch of Project Big Green last year, our hardware and software product lines have new offerings that showcase our commitment to creating a greener future. Research shows that the most effective way to facilitate smooth system upgrades, server consolidations and software implementations is to provide appropriate training on the new technology.

You can reduce your carbon footprint when you save on travel with e-learning courses. They offer opportunities for self-driven education and the flexibility to set one's own pace of learning. Learn more about our e-learning offerings based on curriculum area.

Our onsite courses are another green alternative to traveling to an IBM classroom. We'll work with you so courses can be customized for your unique environments and delivered onsite. We can:

• run a class at one or multiple sites within your company or an outside training facility
• fine-tune a course by eliminating topics or combining topics from multiple courses
• design a class that meets the varying skills levels on your team
• enhance your training experience with on-the-job instructor mentoring

IBM Training for Systems

System z

System Storage and Storage Networking

System P/AIX/Linux

IBM i

VMware

IBM Training for Software

Learn how to model and monitor processes so they run efficiently

WebSphere Business Modeler

WebSphere Business Monitor

WebSphere Process Server

Learn how to increase performance utilization of servers

WebSphere Extended Deployment

Learn how to take advantage of SOA to dynamically allocate and optimize workloads across servers and applications

Service Oriented Architecture

Data Management

Reduce network traffic and improve efficiency of system resources with stored procedures

To reduce system requirements, combine data from different languages and countries into a single DB2 subsystem using Unicode

Optimize DB2 queries to reduce server needs and save energy

Tune the DB2 z/OS subsystem to reduce server needs

Make better use of system and data resources with Workload Manager

IBM Informix Dynamic Server with extremely fast OnLine Transaction Performance (OLTP) means fewer servers, less power, and reduced space requirements

Develop your database design online and save paper

IBM Information Platform & Solutions

Transitioning to a green data center is more than just an altruistic gesture – it's now clear that going green is a necessity companies will need to embrace to reduce infrastructure costs and remain competitive economically. Incorporating IT training into the process will be instrumental in maximizing the return on investment in the hardware and software needed to operate these new, energy-efficient data centers.

To learn more about the technical training offerings available to help IBM clients to plan for and achieve a green enterprise, visit ibm.com/training/us

IDG's Computerworld has selected IBM as the top Green IT Company for 2008. This honor is part of Computerworld’s very first Top Green IT Companies feature, which was published in the February 18 issue. The Project Big Green initiative and client success propelled IBM to top ranking. To learn more, click here.

Related links:

IBM Systems

• IBM Systems - The virtues of virtualization
• IBM white paper titled - "IBM solutions for energy efficient and environmentally responsible green initiatives", January 2008
• Green: Webcast event - Creating Eco-responsibility in Your Business
• IBM white paper titled - The green data center : "More than social responsibility: a foundation for growth, economic gain and operating stability"
• Data energy costs and improvements

IBM Software

• IBM Software for a Greener World
• IBM white paper titled - "IBM Software: A green strategy for your entire organization", May 2008
• IBM Worldwide Study - Find out how your business compares and what others are doing in the full IT energy efficiency report (590KB)

Small and Medium Business

• Green IT - Becoming more energy efficient. Solutions for small and medium businesses
• A CIO’s guide to going green