Educational Services

***The next no-charge Performance Workshop will be in Richmand VA on June 9, 2026 (one day) prior to the VM Workshop***

Velocity Software Education

Training. You need it. We have it.

For years, Velocity Software has been focused on delivering high-performance solutions and helping set the standard in the Z environment. Now we are bringing that same experience and practical knowledge into Z environment education. In working with people who need this kind of training, likely the challenge has been seen: there simply aren't many places to get education at this level. The need is there, but the options have been limited.

Often, there is limited time for learning. To that end, we have created the agenda below to allow for both instructor led classes and self-study classes/links. Instructor led classes will be given periodically via Webex. Currently, Velocity Software is hiring and training new hires that will be going through this same training.

Upcoming classes:

  • Modules 1-3 - July 8-10 2026 - 9am-12 EDT
  • For more information email: education@velocitysoftware.com

    This training is meant for anyone new to z/VM, including Linux administrators, z/OS administrators, new hires or anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of the z/VM operating system.

    IBM has created an abundance of educational material, which is provided as Velocity Software ramps up our educational material. Note: The classes below that start with 'IBM Session' go to one website. Each session can be found on that site - look for the session number/name.

    Velocity Software also has a system that can be used to practice what is learned. From simply logging onto a virtual machine to creating a second level system to running a Linux guest, these can all be done on our demo system! See Practice Area below.

    Table of Contents:

    Curriculum Outline:

    The methodology below can be used as a step ladder of subjects from beginning to advanced, a store house for completing specific tasks and/or learning something new for a specific role.
    Topics for classes are shown with self-study/introductory links, scheduled class dates, and recordings for previously given classes.

    Module 1 - Introduction to System Z

    Overview: High-level concepts of System Z and IBM mainframe operating systems

    Level: Beginner

    Prerequisites: None

    Audience: Those new to Z Systems

    Goal: A high level understanding of the mainframe environment

    Module 1 Topics:

    1. What is a Mainframe? - IBM Mainframe Definition
    2. Mainframe Hardware - Introduction to IBM Hardware
    3. What is Virtualization? - IBM Session 101 - z/VM Virtualization Basics
    4. IBM Z Series Operating Systems - z/VM, z/OS, VSE, z/TPF, Linux under z/VM
    5. A view of the current IBM mainframe "box" (z17) - IBM z17 Demo
    6. Introduction to 3270 - navigating emulators

    Class Schedule: July 8-10 2026
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 2 - Introduction to Using z/VM

    Overview: Navigating the basics of the CP/CMS environments

    Level: Beginner

    Prerequisites: Module 1 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: Anyone new to z/VM or needs a refresher

    Goal: A high level understanding of the basics for logging on and using a z/VM system

    Topics:

    1. What is z/VM? - IBM Session 100 - What is z/VM
    2. z/VM Basics: IBM Using CP and CMS (Crash Course)
    3. Navigating the z/VM System: Working with Basic CMS and CP Commands (to be updated)
      1. Introduction to z/VM Architecture
        • Basic details of how a z/VM virtual machine is configured - IPLing, logon types, virtual devices, etc
      2. Introduction to CP/CMS/Utility Commands
        • Basic details of CP/CMS/Utility commands - important commands, their use and the differences between them, etc
      3. Introduction to File Systems
        • Basic details of filesystems - file modes, file formats, etc
      4. Introduction to XEDIT**
        • Basic details of XEDIT - creating/updating/deleting files, PF keys (Program Function), parameters, etc
      5. Introduction to Security
        • Basic details of Security for beginning users - changing passwords, etc
      6. Introduction to Help
        • Basic details of HELP - z/VM online help, other was of getting help

      Class Schedule: July 8-10 2026
      Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 3 - Introduction to Using REXX/CMS Pipelines on z/VM

    Overview: An introduction to how REXX and CMS Pipelines can be used to enhance z/VM user productivity. This module can be done in order or done on its own.

    Level: Beginner

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: Anyone new to REXX/CMS Pipelines under z/VM or needs a refresher

    Goal: Knowledge of how to use REXX and CMS Pipelines at a fundamental level

    Topics:

    1. Introduction to REXX
      • Basic details of REXX for beginning users
      • REXX Language Primer**
    2. Introduction to CMS Pipelines

    Class Schedule: July 8-10 2026
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 4 - Intermediate z/VM

    Overview: More advanced levels of navigating the z/VM system. Preparing for system administrator functions.

    Level: Intermediate

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: Advanced users, system administrators, system programmers/developers

    Goal: Fundamental knowledge of the elements necessary to manage a z/VM system

    Topics:

    1. Introduction to CP Components - system directory, system configuration, maintenance, etc
    2. Introduction to Security Administration - introduction to RACF, SSL/TLS Certificate management and security in general
      • Introduction to RACF Administration**
    3. Intermediate REXX Programming - more advanced REXX for productivity
    4. Introduction to z/VM Networking - network components, OSA, VSWITCH, QDIO, etc
    5. Introduction to z/VM Hardware - CECs, LPARs, DASD, tape
    6. Introduction to SSI - Single systems vs Single System Image (SSI) clustered systems - IBM Session 103 - z/VM SSI Overview
    7. CMS Shared File System (SFS) administration**

    Class Schedule: TBD
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 5 - Running Guest Operating Systems

    Overview: Concepts for building, maintaining and running guest operating systems, including Linux, z/VM, VSE and z/OS

    Level: Advanced

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2/3 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: System administrators

    Goal: Fundamental knowledge necessary to manage guest operating systems

    Topics:

    1. Building guest systems
      • Gathering requirements
      • Creating the guest systems
    2. Guest system administration
      • Adding/Updating/Deleting resources
      • Administration of guest system access
    3. Second Level Systems -
      • Building and running Linux and z/VM under z/VM
      • Running z/OS and VSE under z/VM
      • Monitoring VSE**

    Class Schedule: TBD
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 6 - z/VM System Administration

    Overview: A curriculum of topics for understanding and managing a z/VM system

    Level: Advanced

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2/3 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: System administrators

    Topics:

    1. Creating/Installing/Customizing/Servicing a z/VM System
      1. CP and CMS Customization - IBM Session 102 - CP and CMS Customization
      2. Ordering from IBM - How to use GETSHOPZ
      3. z/VM System Logo - How to Customize Your Logon Screen
      4. Applying Service - Working with SES
      5. Upgrading a system to a new level
    2. Advanced CP Directory Functions - DIRMAINT, etc
    3. Advanced Security Administration - Deeper dive into RACF, SSL/TLS Certificate Management, etc.
    4. Advanced z/VM Networking - Configuring/Maintaining guest LANs, VSWITCHs, TCPIP, RSCS, FTP, SNMP, etc
    5. Advanced z/VM Hardware - Installing new hardware, IOCDS, HMC
    6. z/VM System allocation space management
    7. Shared File Systems: file pools, directories, space management
    8. SSI -

    Class Schedule: TBD
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 7 - Performance Management

    Overview: Performance basics through performance problem solving

    Level: Beginning to Advanced

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2/3 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: System administrators

    Topics:

    1. Basic Performance Analysis - basic analysis of a z/VM system from a performance perspective
      1. Basic Analysis
      2. Introduction to Performance and Configuration Guidelines
    2. Performance Components - different components that affect performance
      1. CPU Configuration Analysis
      2. MFC for z/VM
      3. Capture Ratios
      4. SMT for z/VM
      5. Schedule and Dispatch
      6. z/VM Storage Analysis and Tuning
      7. DASD Performance
      8. Kubernetes/OpenShift
    3. Guest System Performance - measuring performance of guest systems
      1. Linux on z/VM Performance Analysis
      2. Configuring and Measuring Linux on z/VM
    4. Performance flow analysis - solving performance problem methodology

    Class Schedule: TBD
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Module 8 - Programming/Application Development - Taught on Request

    Overview: Compiled language coding and development

    Level: Advanced

    Prerequisites: Modules 1/2/3 or equivalent knowledge

    Audience: System programmers, developers

    Topics:

    1. Intermediate REXX -
      IBM Session 201 - Introduction to REXX Coding Techniques - Part 1
      IBM Session 202 - Introduction to REXX Coding Techniques - Part 2
    2. Advanced REXX - TCVM1 - IBM Advanced REXX Telecourse
    3. Intermediate CMS Pipelines - TCVM2 - IBM CMS Pipelines Telecourse
    4. Serializing base code file; SIDCODEs, AUX files - XEDIT for Updates
    5. HLASM (High-Level Assembler)
    6. PL/I

    Class Schedule: TBD
    Class Recording: (Once available)

    Where to Practice:

    1. Access the Velocity Software cloud: demo.velocitysoftware.com/zpro/.
    2. Enter this User ID and password: (demozpro) and password (demodemo)
    3. Use this information to create your study environment: Connecting to the Practice Area

    Links to other helpful information:

  • Why use z/VM over KVM
  • IBM z/VM Documentation
  • IBM Education Roadmap
  • IBM "How To Videos"
  • IBM Educational Videos on YouTube
  • IBM Live Virtual Classes
  • IBM Redbooks for Z Systems
  • Helpful z/VM Tools and Utilities Download Packages created by IBM z/VM Development staff and other VM-users