This FREE virtual education event will be held virtually via Teams. As such we are not limiting our audience to current user group members. Invite a friend or coworker who may not have had the chance to attend in person in the past and let them experience what NEODBUG is all about! Please register just as you would for an in-person seminar by using the link at the bottom of the page with the name of your organization and any attendees. We will send you a link to the event as it gets closer.
Agenda:
10:30 AM - Welcome - Bob Vargo
10:35 AM - Db2 for z/OS Administration Foundation - An Installation Experience - Anna McKee, IBM; Tori DiDonato, IBM
11:40 AM - Mainframe and GenAI in VSCode - Keith Haynes, Westfield Insurance
12:40-1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - DDF Best Practices – Derek Tempongko, IBM
2:35 PM - Things about Db2 z/OS I wish I’d remember…. – Michael Cotignola, BMC
3:30 PM - Wrap up - Bob Vargo
Title: Db2 for z/OS Administration Foundation - An Installation Experience
Abstract:
Ready to move beyond Data Studio? Join us for a discussion on installing and using Db2 Administration Foundation, a no‑charge replacement for key Data Studio functions. With prerequisites like Zowe and UMS, setup can be tricky in some environments. Hear first‑hand experiences, challenges encountered, and practical takeaways that can help you succeed faster.
Speaker Bios:
Tori DiDonato, IBM
Tori DiDonato is a Db2 for z/OS Specialist in the IBM Z Worldwide Systems Center, where she leads the Db2 for z/OS team. Tori performs Db2 for z/OS Health Checks in which she analyzes client data, makes technical recommendations, and reviews the recommendations with the client. She also leads the Db2 13 for z/OS Technology Workshop team and has delivered numerous workshops. In addition, Tori is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and Db2 user groups, sharing her expertise with the broader technical community.
Anna McKee, IBM
Anna McKee is a Technical Enablement Specialist in the IBM Z Ecosystem Infrastructure, where she manages and supports all Db2 for z/OS subsystems. She works with hundreds of independent software vendors to deliver the latest SMPE maintenance, perform Db2 installations and configurations, enable Db2 data sharing, support z/OS migrations, and provide expert consultation. Additionally, Anna contributes to the Worldwide Systems Center Db2 team by delivering Db2 13 Technology Workshops and assisting with IBM Z Health Checks, helping clients optimize availability and performance in their z/OS environments.
Title: Mainframe and GenAI in VSCode
Abstract:
For decades, working on the mainframe has meant learning specialized tools and interfaces. Today, modern tooling allows developers, DBAs, and system programmers to interact with z/OS using the same editor and workflows they use across distributed and cloud environments.
In this session, we will explore how Visual Studio Code can be used as a front-end for day-to-day z/OS activities. Topics include navigating datasets, editing members, submitting and monitoring batch jobs, accessing UNIX System Services (USS), working with source code, and integrating with Git-based workflows.
The session will also introduce emerging AI-enabled capabilities for the mainframe, including how AI assistants can interact with enterprise systems through open standards and z/OS management interfaces. Attendees will see practical examples of how modern tooling can simplify common tasks, accelerate onboarding, and improve developer productivity while continuing to leverage the reliability and scalability of IBM Z.
Whether you are a developer, DBA, system programmer, or operations professional, this session will provide practical examples of how VS Code is changing the way teams work on the mainframe.
Speaker Bio:
Keith Haynes, Westfield Insurance
Keith Haynes is a Mainframe Technology Lead at Westfield Insurance with 18 years of experience supporting IBM Z environments. His responsibilities include mainframe operations, security, automation, storage, and modernization initiatives. Keith is passionate about improving the developer experience on the mainframe through modern tooling, DevOps practices, and AI-assisted workflows.
Title: DDF Best Practices
Abstract:
The Db2 Distributed Data Facility (DDF) serves as a critical gateway for delivering enterprise data in contemporary cloud-centric environments. This technical session is designed to provide attendees with in-depth knowledge and best practices for optimizing DDF configurations. A comprehensive examination of key topics will be presented, including infrastructure design, security protocols, data protection mechanisms, resource monitoring, and management, and sysplex workload balancing strategies. By attending this session, participants will gain practical insights and technical expertise, enabling them to effectively manage and optimize their DDF environments, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.
Speaker Bio:
Derek Tempongko, IBM
Derek Tempongko is a Senior Software Engineer on the Db2 for z/OS distributed development team at the IBM Silicon Valley Laboratory. With over 20 years of experience in Distributed Data Facility (DDF), presented at previous IDUG events, authored a Redpaper on TLS/SSL which has been used by many clients, and wrote several blogs in the Db2 for z/OS ecosystem community. His primary expertise lies in DDF security and System Profiles.
Title: Things about Db2 z/OS I wish I’d remember….
Abstract:
Join us as we explore some of the most overlooked, yet very helpful, options, commands, and syntax for Db2 for z/OS. From the Db2 newcomer, to application developers, or those just in need of a refresher, we'll revisit some of the essential and often forgotten options, commands, and syntax. From the latest updates from Db2 13, Recover Backout Considerations, and pivotal DSNZPARM changes, leave feeling better equipped to effectively manage your Db2 environment.
Speaker Bio:
Michael Cotignola, BMC
Michael Cotignola is a Principal Software Consultant supporting BMC's DB2 Mainframe Solutions. In this role, he helps BMC clients maximize the value they receive from BMC's DB2 products. Michael has worked in IT since 1975 in numerous IT disciplines, including operations, application development, and database administration. He has been working with DB2 since version 1.1. Prior to joining BMC Software in 1996, Michael was a Managing Consultant for a large telecommunications and technology firm in Canada. Michael was president of IDUG and continues to be involved with IDUG in several capacities.