Hello,

Welcome to the March edition of the Zend IBM i Newsletter. Over the past 30 to 60 days we've received many requests for training information and in that spirit we've organized the March newsletter to focus on training. We touch on COMMON, Zend Training, articles, webcasts, and the like. Lastly we want to highlight "COMMON/IBM Power Systems Innovation Awards" – win free conference passes plus more!

IBM and Zend at COMMON: PHP sessions to consider!

Below are some of the PHP sessions at COMMON. There are sessions designed for those new to PHP as well as some for those who have an intermediate to advanced level skill set in PHP.

LAB: Getting Your Hands on Zend's PHP for i5/OS (490101)

Session Abstract: PHP for i5/OS opens up a new and exciting method for incorporating web-based access to DB2/400 as well as the ability to run hundreds of open-source PHP applications that are freely available in the open source community. This lab session provides an opportunity to start down the PHP road by providing a hands-on opportunity to explore PHP. This lab includes lessons in the following areas:

  • Troubleshooting the PHP environment
  • PHP development in Zend Studio
  • Accessing DB2 for i5/OS within a PHP application
  • Debugging a PHP Application using Zend Studio for i5/OS

Business Value of PHP on i (510102)

Session Abstract: This presentation will shed light on the reasons so many companies chose PHP as a strategic technology for IBM i. We will review the background of PHP and Zend, illustrate how companies are utilizing Zend PHP to leverage their current infrastructure in the tough 2009 economy, and walk you through varied case studies.

Deploying Open Source Solutions on IBM i (540140)

Session Abstract: Ever heard of those cool open community applications and said "I wish I could run those in IBM i" - well now you can! Support for MySQL as well as PHP on IBM i provides the foundation on which to host a large collection of open community applications. This session will explore how to establish the components of the open source deployment stack on IBM i and how to use that stack to deploy existing open source solutions such as SugarCRM.

MySQL on IBM i Overview (540138)

Session Abstract: This session will provide a comprehensive overview of MySQL on IBM i. Specific topics in this session will include the installation and configuration of MySQL as well as backup and recovery, replication, and clustering. Additional topics will include security, access control, and privileges. This session will introduce the concept of MySQL storage engines including the IBMDB2i storage engine.

PHP Advanced Topics: Zend Framework and More! (550060)

Session Abstract: PHP has been around IBM i for three years. This session highlights the hottest advanced features of PHP that impact websites and productivity. An in depth exploration of Zend Framework will kick off the presentation with an example of how PHP implements MVC. Additional topics include PHP Web Service components and Google Application integration. The session will also include a health discussion of the advanced PHP application Server Zend Platform showcasing its high level monitoring and advanced debugging features.

PHP For RPG IV Programmers (520052)

Session Abstract: Learn how RPG IV can be integrated with PHP. The session starts by introducing PHP and comparing PHP to RPG IV. Examples will be shown to see how PHP can physically call RPG. Use each language for what each is best at!

PHP Toolkit and 5250 Bridge - Web Interface to IBM i Resources (520325)

Session Abstract: PHP on IBM i provides the framework for implementing applications that leverage existing IBM i data and system resources. This presentation will guide you through examples on how PHP is utilized to retrieving/updating DB2/400 data and invoking RPG/COBOL/CL programs. Additionally, attendees will be able to showcase future enhancements such as the 5250 Bridge making it easier to leverage your IBM i investments. Entry level PHP programming session.

PHP and MySQL on IBM i - New Stacks and New Solutions (540137)

Session Abstract: The adoption of PHP on IBM i has opened up new and interesting methods both for development of customized web-based applications that leverage IBM i resources as well as deployment of open community solutions. This presentation will take a look at the current state of the PHP and MySQL offerings for IBM i and explore the development/deployment stacks that these offerings enable.

Web Enabling DB2 for IBM i with PHP (540164)

Session Abstract: Zend Core, the PHP engine for IBM i, can be used to support development and deployment of web-based applications that incorporate dynamic content from DB2. This session will explore basic DB2 access through integration of DB2 to open source applications. Plenty of code examples and references for further study are included. Entry level PHP programming session.

PHP on IBM i: Getting Started (550656)

Session Abstract: PHP, the world’s most popular web scripting language runs on IBM i and this session is where it all begins. Topics presented will include installation and troubleshooting the Zend Stack, Zend Studio and the debugger, overview of PASE and Apache Configurations for PHP. This session will provide entry level examples and demonstrations for all levels of IBM i professionals. Entry level PHP programming session.

Training Options for those who can't attend COMMON

Whether you can or cannot attend COMMON in Reno this year here are two Zend training options to consider:

Quick Start: PHP for RPG Programmers - The course demonstrates to experienced RPG programmers the value of PHP programming via providing an easy & robust method to move their applications online, to the Internet or company's Intranet.

This 8-hour course begins with some basics on both the PHP language and HTML, then shows you how to exploit key features within Zend Studio to improve your coding and debugging processes. It then discusses Zend Core and the full-featured PHP API Toolkit. Along the way, you'll learn how to access your existing files and objects, as well as how to harness the power of thousands of open source applications in providing custom solutions for your projects. The course will feature numerous interactive examples, and optional homework assignments will offer hands-on practice with the principles you learn.

Next Class: March 10, 12, 17 & 19 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM Eastern Time

Zend PHP I: Foundations (i5/OS Programmers) - The Zend PHP I: Foundations (i5/OS Programmers) course is designed to provide ILE programmers with a solid foundation in the PHP language. This course guides you through the basics of PHP with an experiential approach, filled with numerous examples and hands-on exercises, and makes frequent reference to the similarities and differences between the PHP and RPG languages, for better comprehension.

Next Class: April 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and May 1 from 11:30AM – 1:30PM Eastern Time

More Options for Learning PHP

Getting Started with PHP for i5/OS by Brian Kelly ($59.95)

"PHP is new to the System i environment and this book is your most efficient way to install and use this popular Web scripting language. It is affordable and complete with powerful examples that can make it good enough to also double as a text book for a college or university PHP for a System i course. It is clearly the first book for PHP and System i, and it is the last book you need to get you started to learn about implementing dynamic Web applications with PHP, MySQL, DB2, and RPG IV."

Find out more on ITJungle.com's bookstore »

Zend Smart Start Service for IBM i

The Zend Smart Start for IBM i service is a consulting engagement designed to rapidly take RPG or COBOL shops with little or no PHP experience and provide a foundation of knowledge comprised of Zend’s award winning online PHP for the system i training and an onsite engagement where a consultant will provide mentoring and guidance to your team as they develop and launch a pilot project.

Read more »

Getting Started with Zend Core and PHP

On Zend's website are many links to webinars, documentation, helpful hints, etc.

Read more »

Zend Online PHP Training for IBM i
Zend Solutions for i5/OS

Zend PHP I: Foundations - for i5/OS Programmers*

Designed to provide ILE programmers with a solid foundation in PHP. Guides you through the PHP basics and includes numerous hands-on exercises. You will also learn about the exciting new 5250 Bridge as well as learn how to leverage PHP API Toolkit and DB2 extensions.

Buy now »

Quick Start: PHP for RPG Programmers*

Designed for active RPG programmers - The course demonstrates to experienced RPG programmers the value of PHP programming via providing an easy & robust method to move their applications online, to the Internet or company's Intranet.

Buy now »

* Use Coupon code i510off at checkout to get 10% off your training order, when purchased by March 15th.