Professional Services
Accelerating the Value of Mainframe Modernization
Regardless of the platform, application or database, Shadow Professional Services personnel are experts at integrating mainframe systems with SOA, data-centric and packaged applications.
Shadow's skilled integration engineers employ a systematic approach to help organizations exploit the full benefit of their legacy investments – from direct SQL connectivity deployments to event-driven integration to advanced Web Services or Web enablement implementations.
With the proper product knowledge and training, plus hands-on support, client organizations exploit Shadow’s full potential for cost-effective mainframe interoperability. Plus, when integration initiatives are completed faster and integration processing is diverted to the zIIP specialty engine, overall mainframe TCO is dramatically reduced.
- Design and Scope
- Install and Deployment
- System Tuning/Testing
- Application Development
- Deployment Support
- Ongoing Project Management
Shadow Professional Services consultants work to build close, mentoring relationships with clients, offering years of experience and delivering valuable guiding principles, best practices and procedures for sound development and successful implementation.
Shadow Professional Services supports engagements of any size, offering the full range of consulting services to ensure mainframe integration projects enjoy smooth, efficient development and deployment cycles.
Within DataDirect’s Shadow Professional Services are value-add programs that help your organization get more value out of your System z hardware and software investments.
- QuickStart Program – The QuickStart Program instructs new client administrators in the use of DataDirect Shadow mainframe integration technology via hands-on knowledge transfer from Shadow consultants. The QuickStart program consists of 10 days of onsite support and can include features, such as knowledge transfer/skills mentoring, architectural design review, implementation support, configuration support, application design review, application development, testing and application roll-out.
- JumpStart Program – Hands-on training provides increased value when exploring the latest version of Shadow. The JumpStart Program improves a clients’ ability to leverage existing investments in mainframe technology for new business value. The JumpStart Program consists of 5 days of onsite support and can include features such as software upgrade assistance, system tuning and testing, staff cross-training, as well as product documentation and certification.
As a compliment to the Shadow mainframe integration product suite and our onsite consulting engagements, DataDirect offers a comprehensive training program for both end-users and developers. DataDirect’s training consultants have accumulated years of legacy extension and integration experience.
Unlike traditional training delivery methods, DataDirect Shadow's programs focus on learner-centered education, where the student's learning experience is recognized as a priority. Therefore, material revolves around what is important for the student. As a result, classes incorporate various delivery techniques to address the needs of the learner. This leads to optimum retention of the knowledge and skills presented in the classes. Consequently, students return to their organizations with:
- The confidence to fully exploit Shadow functionality
- The skills to rapidly deploy new integration techniques such as Web services or real-time event integration
- The knowledge to accelerate new projects that rely on mainframe data sources
- The ability to be more productive and self- sufficient
DataDirect Shadow's training classes offer a standardized curriculum that provides an organized, step-by-step introduction to the Shadow product suite. We routinely update course material to reflect the most current information and to incorporate customer feedback. By placing significant emphasis on customer feedback and participation, Shadow Professional Services helps clients accelerate the value of Shadow mainframe integration technology and make new or existing mainframe integration projects a resounding success.
Shadow SkillSets
To augment the training experience even further, Shadow SkillSets are a series of training programs geared to the roles that a customer's IT and management team play in planning, developing and implementing Shadow's technology. Additionally, if more than training is required to ensure project success DataDirect offers a seasoned professional services team that provides customers with ongoing project management, development, testing, and implementation services.
In short, the DataDirect training approach helps both the student and the DataDirect trainers to understand the intricacies of planned projects and recognize how best to apply the Shadow technology in client organizations.
