Student Mainframe Contest - web
Mainframes make the world go round. Seriously, most of the biggest businesses in the world use a mainframe for their most mission-critical operations. If you've ever taken cash out of the wall, booked a flight or bought anything on the Internet, you've probably used a mainframe.

So, we are pleased to announce the IBM student mainframe challenge! You’ll join a fictional on-line game company and, over three increasingly challenging stages, develop mainframe knowledge that translates into real skills for your C.V. Learn how businesses use these powerful machines. Prove your new-found abilities, and you'll have the chance to win a t-shirt, a Zpen (upload your handwritten notes and sketches onto your PC), and the top 3 winners receive a Sony PlayStation 3. The winners will also have the opportunity to visit IBM's Development Laboratory at Hursley (near Winchester) and see mainframes and other innovative technologies in action

Students from all across the world are entering national Mainframe Challenge, so sign up now!!

• Can anyone enter?

  Yes! No experience with mainframes is necessary. In fact, the contest is designed for students with little or no mainframe experience, increasing with difficulty as the contest progresses. You just need to bring drive and competitive spirit!

• When is the competition running?

  The registration website will open on Monday 5th October 2009 and the contest starts on Monday 2nd November 2009. The closing date is 31st December 2009 and prizes will be given out in January 2010.

• Stages of the competition

  All three stages of the contest are linked so that you build your skills and competencies on the Mainframe as you complete each section. In the instructions you will be guided by a more experienced member of the programming team and asked to complete a series of tasks, each increasing in difficulty.

  Stage 1 - Breaking the ice
  We will provide you with extensive screen shots and direction, guiding you along and letting you know exactly what you need to do. This part of the contest is designed to get you comfortable with navigating the mainframe user interface, as well as to introduce you to some basic mainframe concepts.

  The first 200 students to successfully complete this stage will receive IBM Mainframe t-shirts.

  Stage 2 - Practical experience
  This section will require considerably more work ! Using the skills you learned in Stage 1, you will perform some more extensive tasks including compiling, installing and running CICS and MQ Series programs.

  The first 50 students to successfully complete this stage will receive a Zpen Digital Pen (link resides outside of ibm.com) (See your written notes on your computer screen)

  Stage 3 - Real World Challenge
  This section is challenging, and will require extensive work. Again this will use the skills that you learnt in the previous stages of the contest. You will be required to implement a new solution based on new technology within MQ Series.

  The top three students at this stage will receive Playstation 3, plus a visit to IBM Hursley, Winchester.

• How to register

  To register simply read though the Contest Rules pdf on this page. Then simply click of the registration link below and fill in the form. Once filled in click ‘go’ and registration is complete. You will receive an automated email to the email address supplied to show that your registration has been entered into our administration system.

  To register for this years challenge please click here.

• Competition Instructions

  Stage 1 - Breaking the ice (1.32MB)

  Stage 2 - Practical Experience (536KB)