Since its beginnings as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, the equipment manufacturer now known as IBM has become a household name. Computing components and networking software produced by IBM provided much of the infrastructure for the personal computer revolution of the late 20th century, and today, much of Big Blue’s technology powers our networked world. Because of its reach and presence, IBM certifications can come in very handy for dedicated IT professionals.
IBM Cognos Certification Training
Statistical models of business metrics are key to many major corporations’ success. Big Blue’s business analytics certifications can help enterprising professionals find a place in this field.
IBM Lotus Certification Training
Notes and Domino have enjoyed a long run as the preferred collaboration tools for many enterprise organizations, including global corporations and government agencies.
IBM Rational Certification Training
IBM Rational certification validates expertise in IBM’s agile software and systems development applications. Take the next step in your project management or development career with Rational training.
IBM Tivoli Certification Training
Systems management administrators and solution developers can demonstrate their expertise with IBM Tivoli certification. Tivoli training can help you turn real-world experience with this software into a marketable IT certification.
IBM WebSphere Certification Training
IBM’s middleware ecosystem has lured customers away from Microsoft and Oracle, causing employers to seek developers with WebSphere certification.
Tech professionals would be advised, however, to choose among the available IBM certifications with care. Most of the certification types have multiple paths of study, each tailored to specific areas of expertise that may be more relevant to certain positions than others.
Popular IBM certifications
IBM Business Analytics (Cognos/SPSS): This certification is a multilevel program with study paths available for administrators, designers, developers, experts, and specialists.
IBM Certified System Administrator (ICSA): Falling under the business analytics umbrella, this certification was mentioned in the Global Knowledge 2011 IT Skills and Salary Report as netting a median annual salary of $77,000.
IBM Information Management: Of particular use to system and database administrators, these certifications cover a range of topics relating to storing and accessing databases.
IBM Lotus: Geared predominantly toward system administrators and application developers, these certifications cover a range of Lotus technologies including Lotus Notes and Lotus Sametime.
IBM Rational: A software product suite for businesses, certification in Rational allows IT professionals to show a deep knowledge of the software that helps businesses plan, manage and keep their data secure.
IBM Tivoli Software: Covering the data storage management toolset, network administrators and security professionals stand to gain most from this certification.
IBM WebSphere: A slightly more advanced cert, WebSphere certification helps admins prove their ability to install, configure, and maintain the Application Server runtime environment.
IBM Service Oriented Architecture (SOA): Recommended for entry-level members of the IT workforce, SOA certification provides a foundation in design principles for systems development and integration.
IBM XML: Not for beginners, this certification can provide a big leg up for the experienced professional looking to push the boundaries of his or her proficiency with the back ends of Web services and data structures.
IBM Systems:
The architecture on which businesses run applications, IBM Systems are essential to many individuals and industries–and as such, certification is offered in:
- IBM System i
- IBM System p (AIX and UNIX servers)
- IBM System x
- IBM System z (z/OS, z/VM, Linux)
IBM System Storage and Storage Networking: Everyone from experts interested in learning the technical fundamentals of storage systems to salespeople and specialists who would like to match a customer’s needs to the perfect product can benefit from these certifications.
At nearly any sphere of the IT universe, there are IBM certifications that can help. Enterprising professionals would do well to inquire with professional organizations in their field about which certifications can help light a fire under their careers.