Re: A Question on Skill Sets

On Sun, 6 Mar 3900 00:21:01, "Gerry" <g.larose_at_nospam.worldnet.att.net> wrote:

I am originally a useless math teacher who taught overseas for 6 years (math & computers). I learned C, HTML, CGI, Oracle on my own and C++ with some assistance. On the behest and benefit of my current employer I took a company run training course on OS/390 application programming: TSO-ISPF, JCL, COBOL, IMS, DB2 & CICS.
> I'd like to ask for opinions on broadening skill sets. I am currently a
> mainframe programmer working primarily in Cobol and CICS. I am interested in
> expanding my skill sets to what has been traditionally referred to as
> client-server type skills. I have the opportunity to take classes in one of
> 3 areas:
> A) Oracle developer and classes leading to Oracle Develop certification,
> level 1.

Would probably be easiest & quickest as you already know SQL (correct?). In any event SQL is easly to pick up and apply.

> B) C, C++ and classes in network security

If you can figure out C, C++ and then be able to apply that knowledge to security then you have a very much needed skill but by few.

C++ is a great language but most businesses demand GUIs to server as front ends to a database of some sort. This is best done in other tools but hte back ends would be best done in C++ but then again most companies don't make their own back-ends.

> C) Basic Visual Basic and Java with classes in software management.
> My concerns and considerations, though I don't know how valid they, are:

My consulting firm can not hire enough VB programmers who have some ASP skills.

> A) Given the increasing tie-in between CICS and databases, Oracle might be a
> good way to go.

Agreed. Do you have DB2 experience? If you do then go that route for now.  Though I find that CICS programming is radically different from client/server prgramming.

> B) That security work, while in high demand, is a ticket to burn out city.

I would guess that you are right. Put up the barriers and then spend the rest of your time putting out fires when they occur.

> C) That C programmers who have migrated to Java will stay with Java due to
> relative ease of use and that will eventually drive down Java wages.

I don't agree with this. Java has its place and those used to programming in C will find that many of the things they like to do will not be able to be done with Java.

C is down & dirty with the system C++ can be brought to that same level but the core ideas behind C++ abhor that and Java is necessarily another level above C++ (well maybe 2 or 3 above) as Java is supposed to be system neutral whereas C & C++ are both compiled & linked.

I find many people do not like Java due to slow speed of Java applications/applets. Though I would say probably faster than writing an entire enterprise's applications for multiple platforms.

I think going down the Oracle Developers route for the first two exams would be excellent than perhaps pursuing C++ or VB and then go down Oracle DBA track.

From: Mark A. Framness
http://netnet.net/~farmer/
mframness_at_lakefield.net

Go Pack Go!
Oh balsam tree oh balsam tree I see you when I deer hunt! Brian Framness Received on Mon Mar 06 2000 - 21:59:39 CST