You know that SHARE has a wonderful selection of hands-on labs to teach you how to put to good use the topics you’ve just learned about at the sessions. However, you may be wondering, what are the BYOD labs, and are they right for you? Here's what to expect from a BYOD lab.

First, BYOD labs expect that you bring your laptop or other device with you to the session. There will be power outlets available in case you need to charge your device batteries. The lab at the session will be done on your computer, using the SHARE network. For the BYOD labs I will help administer ("BYOD Lab: z/OS Apps using REST APIs to Connect to the World!” and all three sessions of “BYOD Lab: z/OSMF — Choose Your Own Topic”) all you need is a network connection and a web browser.

Next, you’ll be given a lab instruction booklet. Usually, you need to leave your booklet in the session room so it can be reused, but if you attend a lab at the end of the conference, you’ll likely be able to take the booklet home. Fear not, all of the lab booklets are also available on SHARE Proceedings, so a softcopy is provided for you to peruse later if you want a refresher.

When you begin the lab, you’ll be in a self-directed environment where every screenshot and instruction will be shown in the lab booklet. Usually, there is a little reading, but that’s to explain what you are doing and why you are doing it. You’ll be provided a user ID and password to use on the supplied z/OS system. 

If you need help, there are several helpers in the lab to answer questions and keep you moving through your lab. Because you are bringing your own device, there is no worry that workstations will run out, which makes these BYOD labs all the merrier.

You’ll be learning with others who want hands-on experience to take back to their enterprises. Join this year's BYOD labs at SHARE Atlanta (March 5-8).

Find a lab today that aligns with your interests:

• BYOD Lab: IBM Z Security and Compliance Center

• BYOD Lab: Enabling Quantum-safe Dual Signatures for SMF Records

• BYOD Lab: Try the Latest Updates From the IBM Z AIOps Portfolio Part 1 of 2

• BYOD Lab: All About Tests and Test Environments

• BYOD Lab: IMS Buffet of Labs: Mobile, Open Data, Blockchain, Administration, Performance, Part 1 of 2

• BYOD Lab: Learn a New Way to Administer and Develop With Db2 for z/OS

• BYOD Lab: Db2 for z/OS REST & API Enablement for Hybrid Cloud

Check out all SHARE Atlanta labs and sessions in our Technical Agenda.

Marna Walle is an IBM Senior Technical Staff Member within the z/OS Development organization specializing in z/OS installation and system programming activities. She is an expert in z/OS release upgrades, with a particular focus on new technology exploitation. Marna is a frequent speaker on z/OS topics at customer conferences around the world.