Large Scale Computing and IBM's Academic Initiative

A recent IBM initiative has been to align with higher education in preparing students for careers supporting large scale computing. In Letter from the Editor: Large Scale Computing and the Technology Curriculum, Professor Robert Brookshire of The University of South Carolina describes the trends of open systems, virtualization, and the green data center as fairly recent developments resurrecting the return of the mainframe computer. As the baby boomer generation retires, IBM is facing a dramatic shortage in workers with the knowledge base to support it's systems.

One challenge in incorporating large scale computing for the academic setting is access to mainframe computing equipment. The cost and maintenance of such programs are daunting. Another challenge will be finding an instructor experienced in this technology. Curriculum materials are always limiting when attempting to implement what one might consider to be a new trend.

IBM has responded to these challenges through the IBM Academic Initiative. It stresses open standards (Java and Linux) and open access. Membership is available to all members of the education community. Software, courseware, and best of all free remote access to mainframe computing resources are available to faculty and students. IBM is attempting to follow the path of other industry-based programs by providing higher education the resources necessary to train students in large scale computing. The "train the trainer" model provides the opportunity to easily integrate this program into the education community. Other successful industry-educational partnerships have provided courseware. IBM differentiates itself by providing both the courseware and access to the actual equipment - free of charge. Varying levels of certification testing are available to validate student skills.