ARMONK, NY and NORMAL, IL -- 11/14/07 --
IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Illinois
State University today announced a new effort to prepare students for jobs
of the 21st century.
As part of this collaboration, IBM is loaning the long-term use of the
latest IBM System z 890 server to the University's College of Applied
Science and Technology to build skills on virtualization, Linux and Power
Architecture(TM) technologies. Access to this platform will provide
students with a view into the demands of real-world business environments
through the study of enterprise computing systems. This technology also
will offer students new opportunities to work in teams on virtual projects
and lab assignments.
"The College of Applied Science's schools and departments all have one
thing in common -- they teach students how to apply what they learn," said
President Al Bowman, Illinois State University. "The School of Information
Technology teaches computer related knowledge and how to apply that
knowledge to solve real-world problems for a variety of organizations.
Through this exciting collaboration with IBM, our students learn not only
how to use the technology in real applications, but also how to continue
learning once they graduate so that they stay current in a rapidly changing
environment."
The unveiling of the new IBM System z 890 loaner system was announced today
during a meeting of business, IT and education leaders held at an event
hosted by the School of Information Technology and the College of Applied
Science and Technology. In addition, the college disclosed plans to
introduce new enterprise computing courseware linked to the z 890 server
technology in spring 2008.
The new mainframe resources will help students better understand how data
warehousing, e-commerce, and business intelligence technologies work
together. IBM will supplement classroom lessons in operating environments,
data communication and security with sponsored guest lectures and
educational trips to local customer datacenters. At the end of each
semester, IBM will also administer a mastery exam, which will give students
an opportunity to put their large system skills to the test.
"As businesses increase their reliance on technology, there is a greater
demand for skilled employees to manage these complex processes and
functions," said Jai Menon, IBM Fellow and Vice President Technical
Strategy and University Relations, IBM. "Our work with Illinois State
showcases how we are helping to create a smarter pool of potential hires
for ourselves, our customers, our business partners and, of course, other
local businesses."
The college's focus on providing the latest IT curriculum has led to a
significant increase in job placements from local companies such as John
Deere, State Farm Insurance, Country Financial and others. As a testament
to that growth, Illinois State alumni have been staffed in prominent jobs
associated with enterprise system management, software development, and
product development.
Contact:
Jay Groves
Director, Media Relations
Illinois State University
(309) 438-5727
Pasha Ray Dahncke
IBM Academic Innovation Initiatives
(914) 766-3389
bipasha@us.ibm.com
