SEQUEL is rich in features, and the best way to learn about these features and put them to use is through training. If you are involved in purchasing SEQUEL, try to work a training budget into the purchase. SEQUEL training lets you:

• Take advantage of the significant SEQUEL knowledge base that is available for users.
• Start new users on the right path from the beginning.
• Take more experienced users to the next level.
• Learn the product by using it with hands-on training.

Although many people consider SEQUEL a “load and go” product, it makes sense from a cost-benefit standpoint to take the time and effort to learn the tool to maximize your return on investment. Here’s how SEQUEL training benefits users at all levels:

* Beginners need to learn the basics so they become self-sufficient and can access the data on their system.

Jessica Conyers, of Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company, recently attended Essential SEQUEL Plus and had this to say, “I was apprehensive about attending the SEQUEL training class due to my lack of experience with the product. But, I was pleasantly surprised at how the instructor really took the time to make sure that I understood the material. I am definitely glad that I took this class and look forward to taking the advanced class.”

* Seasoned System i users enjoy the “how to” knowledge they gain.

* Programmers may understand relational database concepts and how the System i stores data, but they often need guidance about how SEQUEL retrieves data.

* Power users are often familiar with query tools, but need help to see how SEQUEL makes the query process simpler.

Where are classes held?
All classes are held at Help/Systems’ offices in Schaumburg, Illinois, convenient to Chicago’s O’Hare airport.

Schaumburg offers many hotel, restaurant, and shopping options to fill the hours after class. And, Chicago is nearby. Some students take a trip to the city during their visit to see the famed lakefront and skyline, and to shop and eat.

Many students tell us that they feel more focused when they take training away from the office. They are more sheltered from interruptions, but can check in easily.

What will I learn?
Help/Systems offers two classes, Essential SEQUEL and Advanced SEQUEL, on a regular schedule throughout the year.

Essential SEQUEL can be a two- or three-day class. The popular three-day version, Essential SEQUEL Plus, includes some advanced topics.

Essential SEQUEL Plus provides instruction on how to create, modify, or run SEQUEL views, reports, tables, scripting, advanced SQL functions, and the application builder for drill-down techniques. Anyone who requires a solid working knowledge of SEQUEL, and how to create SEQUEL views (data retrieval/queries) and reports (formatted report layouts) should attend.

The Advanced SEQUEL class provides advanced instruction on SQL, subqueries, reporting, tabling, scripting, and drill-down concepts. It includes training on the SEQUEL Administrator and prompted views and scripts. This class is for users or IT staff who are familiar with

SEQUEL and want to explore views, tables, reports, and scripts more comprehensively. Whether you want to sharpen your existing skills, or need an introduction to a new area of SEQUEL, hands-on practice in class really helps reinforce newly learned concepts.

Who teaches the classes?
System i professionals with years of industry experience teach SEQUEL classes. All SEQUEL trainers have gone through rigorous training to become Certified SEQUEL Instructors.

What’s the class environment like?
All SEQUEL classes provide hands-on experience. Each student has access to his or her own classroom PC. Help/Systems provides hand-outs and take-home materials.

Class size is limited to 14 students to allow the instructors to provide personalized attention. The instructors encourage open discussions and the exchange of ideas to address specific needs. Attendees also can network with other SEQUEL users.

Lunch is provided every day of class, with snacks in the morning and afternoon. Free beverages are available throughout the day.

Schedule for the rest of 2008
There are only a few classes left in 2008. To sign up, go to www.helpsystems.com/education/classroom.html. We hope to see you soon in Schaumburg.

On-site option
Essential SEQUEL Plus and Advanced SEQUEL classes can be taught at your site. If you would like more information about on-site training, visit www.helpsystems.com/education/personal.html.

Contributed by Mike Stegeman, Technical Consultant

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 10:29 am and is filed under SEQUEL, Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.