IMS Essentials Training

  • Learn via: Online Instructor-Led / Classroom Based / Onsite
  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Price: From €2,900 +TAX
  • Upcoming Date:
  • UK Based Global Training Provider

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to IMS for professionals who are new to the IMS environment. It is also well suited as cross-training for application support specialists coming from areas such as CICS, COBOL, Java, or DB2.

The programme explores IMS databases in both Batch and Online environments. Participants learn how data is accessed through the DL/I Language Interface, how IMS database structures are implemented, and how Database Recovery Control (DBRC) supports data integrity and recovery.

Theory is reinforced through written exercises and practical scenarios. Learners analyse sample applications and review the procedures and utilities used to recover from different application and system failure situations.

The course also introduces IMS transaction processing, Message Format Services, Fast Path, HALDB, data sharing, system restart, operational management, and performance considerations.

We can organize this training at your preferred date and location. Contact Us!

Prerequisites

Participants should have:

  • A general understanding of the IBM enterprise server / mainframe environment,
  • Familiarity with basic application development concepts.

Previous IMS experience is not required.

Who Should Attend

This course is particularly suitable for:

  • Technical professionals who are new to IMS,
  • Application support specialists moving from CICS, COBOL, Java, or DB2,
  • Mainframe application support teams,
  • Developers who need a foundation in IMS database and transaction processing,
  • Learners preparing to work with IMS operations, recovery, or performance management.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the architecture of IMS batch and online systems,
  • Analyse database and communication calls,
  • Identify suitable logical and physical database design features,
  • Explain the structure of secondary indexes and logical relationships,
  • Understand how IMS utilities are used to back up, restore, and reorganise databases,
  • Explain how IMS supports data integrity and system availability,
  • Trace the flow of a transaction through an IMS environment,
  • Understand the role of DBRC, logging, recovery, and restart facilities.

Training Outline

Introduction to IMS

  • Why organisations use databases
  • Common database types
  • Hierarchical database terminology
  • Understanding the Processing Path
  • Accessing data in IMS
  • Database implementation
  • The IMS Online Environment
  • Message Format Services (MFS)
  • IMS Utilities
  • Logging
  • Operational responsibilities

Introduction to Batch Programming

  • DL/I Language Interface
  • Program Specification Block (PSB)
  • IMS Call Format
  • Function Codes
  • Record Retrieval
  • Fundamentals of batch processing
  • Workshop

Advanced Database Programming

  • Update Processing
  • Command Codes
  • PCB Addressing
  • Boolean SSAs
  • Advanced DL/I usage
  • Workshop

Database Environment

  • Program Specification Block (PSB)
  • PSB Statements
  • Program Communication Block (PCB)
  • PROCOPTs
  • PSB Generation
  • ACB Generation
  • Relationships between PSBs and programs
  • Batch JCL
  • Workshop

Database Implementation – 1

  • Database Description (DBD)
  • Database Organisation
  • Access Methods
  • Building the physical database structure
  • Selecting an appropriate organisation method

Database Implementation – 2

  • Secondary Indexing
  • Secondary Data Structures
  • Stand-Alone Processing
  • Design considerations
  • Logical Relationships
  • Alternative database access paths

Database Implementation – 3

  • Introduction to HALDB
  • Core HALDB features
  • Processing Options
  • Partitioning concepts for large IMS databases

Database Backup and Recovery

  • IMS Logging
  • Image Copy
  • Database Reorganisation
  • Database Recovery Control (DBRC)
  • Recovery procedures
  • DBRC-related tools and utilities
  • Recovering databases after application or system failures

IMS/TM Concepts and Facilities

  • IMS/DC Configuration
  • Control Region (CTL)
  • DL/I Separate Address Space (DLISAS)
  • Database Recovery Control (DBRC)
  • Message Processing Region (MPR)
  • Batch Message Processing (BMP) Region
  • Message Scheduling
  • Logging
  • Understanding online transaction processing architecture

IMS Online Programming – 1

  • Message Processing Program (MPP)
  • Transaction Codes
  • Transaction Flow
  • Input Message Segment
  • Output Message Segment
  • IMS Message Calls
  • IO PCB Mask
  • Common Status Codes
  • Workshop

Message Format Services

  • Message Format Services (MFS)
  • MFS Control Blocks
  • DIF / DOF Coding
  • MID / MOD Coding
  • Attributes
  • Message Management
  • Managing online message formats

IMS Online Programming – 2

  • Alternate PCB
  • Using Alternate PCBs
  • Transaction Switching
  • Conversational Programming
  • Checkpoint / Restart
  • Restart considerations for longer-running online processing
  • Workshop

Fast Path

  • General Fast Path characteristics
  • Fast Path EMH
  • Data Entry Database (DEDB)
  • Main Storage Database
  • High-performance transaction processing scenarios

Online IMS System Recovery and Restart

  • Online Logging
  • Restart Data Set (RDS)
  • Archiving
  • Understanding Log contents
  • Normal Restart
  • Emergency Restart
  • Recovery approaches for online IMS systems

Sharing Data and Data Sharing

  • The challenges of Shared Access
  • Shared Access solutions
  • Control Region / DLISAS
  • Program Isolation
  • Locking
  • Deadlock Resolution
  • Data Sharing
  • Database-Level Sharing
  • Block-Level Sharing
  • DBCTL
  • Supporting access to shared data across applications

IMS Operations

  • Operational considerations
  • Operations Planning
  • Starting IMS
  • Stopping IMS
  • Online Change Facility
  • Controlling IMS
  • Day-to-day system operations

IMS Performance Management

  • Database Performance
  • DB Monitor
  • Database Buffer Pools
  • DC Performance
  • Reviewing performance indicators
  • Improving database and transaction performance

Why Choose Us

Experience IMS Essentials through Bilginç IT Academy's live and interactive virtual classroom environment, accessible from your home, office, or any location. Connect with expert trainers in real time and bring the energy of classroom learning into the digital experience.

  • Live Instructor-Led Sessions: Join scheduled training sessions with your instructor and fellow delegates in real time.
  • Interactive Learning Experience: Take part in discussions, practical exercises, group activities, and Q&A sessions throughout the course.
  • Expert Trainer Network: Learn from experienced trainers with strong industry backgrounds and practical field expertise.
  • Over 30 Years of Training Expertise: Benefit from Bilginç IT Academy's long-standing experience in delivering professional training since 1995.
  • Flexible and Scalable Delivery: Access live virtual classrooms worldwide with flexible planning options for individual and corporate training needs.

Experience IMS Essentials in a focused classroom environment designed for high engagement and effective learning. Bilginç IT Academy's carefully selected training venues provide a professional setting where delegates can interact directly with expert trainers and peers.

  • Experienced Trainers: Learn from specialists with extensive field experience and real-world knowledge.
  • Professional Training Venues: Attend courses in comfortable, well-equipped classrooms designed to support effective learning.
  • Focused Classroom Experience: Benefit from limited class sizes that encourage discussion, interaction, and personalized support.
  • Quality-Driven Learning: Develop practical skills through structured, up-to-date, and professionally designed training content.

Meet your team's training needs with Bilginç IT Academy's onsite IMS Essentials solution, delivered at your office or preferred location. Align your team's development with your business goals through a training experience tailored to your organization.

  • Tailored Course Content: Adapt the training program to your organization's projects, team structure, and specific business requirements.
  • Time and Cost Efficiency: Reduce travel, accommodation, and operational costs while maximizing the value of your training investment.
  • Team-Focused Learning: Help your employees develop around the same knowledge base and strengthen collaboration across your organization.
  • Simplified Planning and Tracking: Manage the training process, participant development, and organizational requirements with greater control.


Contact us for more detail about our trainings and for all other enquiries!

IMS Essentials Training Course Schedule

Join our public courses in our Istanbul, London and Ankara facilities. Private class trainings will be organized at the location of your preference, according to your schedule.

We can organize this training at your preferred date and location.
24 August 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
26 August 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
31 August 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
02 September 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
06 September 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
10 September 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
14 September 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX
17 September 2026 (4 Days)
Istanbul, Ankara, London
€2,900 +TAX

Our IT training and professional development services reach a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries through advanced digital learning platforms and strategic international hubs. We specialize in delivering world-class curriculum across continents, ensuring that no matter where you are located, you have access to the latest industry certifications and technical expertise. By partnering with global technology leaders and academic institutions, we provide a unified learning experience that meets the demands of a diverse, international workforce. Our commitment to global excellence ensures that professionals in every time zone can master the digital skills required to lead, innovate, and thrive in the ever-evolving global technology landscape.

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