What infrastructure was required?

Interactive Instruction System ran on IBM mainframe systems under z/OS. It required specific subsystems to be active for both authoring and presentation components.

For mainframe products: Did this run in an LPAR?

As a mainframe application, Interactive Instruction System typically ran within an LPAR (Logical Partition) on the mainframe. This allowed for resource isolation and management.

How did these components communicate?

The authoring component allowed instructors to create training modules using a specialized language and interface. The presentation component then delivered these modules to end-users.

What was the business value of Interactive Instruction System?

The business value of Interactive Instruction System was in providing a structured and trackable way to deliver training on mainframe systems. It helped organizations ensure consistent training delivery and monitor employee progress.

What would happen if an organization did not use this product?

Without Interactive Instruction System, organizations would have needed to rely on less structured or manual training methods. This could lead to inconsistent training delivery and difficulty in tracking employee progress.

When was this product a good fit?

Interactive Instruction System was a good fit for organizations that had a significant investment in mainframe systems and needed to deliver training to a large number of employees on those systems.

How was security handled?

Security in Interactive Instruction System was typically handled through the mainframe's security system, such as RACF. Access to training materials and authoring tools was controlled through user IDs and permissions.

What specific authentication methods were supported?

Interactive Instruction System leveraged the mainframe's existing authentication mechanisms, such as user IDs and passwords, or more advanced methods like Kerberos if configured.

What access control model was used?

The access control model used by Interactive Instruction System was primarily based on Access Control Lists (ACLs) managed through the mainframe's security system. These ACLs determined which users could access specific training resources or authoring tools.

What level of technical expertise was required to implement it?

Implementing Interactive Instruction System required expertise in mainframe systems and the specific subsystems it relied on. Ongoing operations included monitoring system performance, managing user access, and updating training content.

What were common implementation challenges?

Common implementation challenges included integrating Interactive Instruction System with existing mainframe security systems, ensuring compatibility with different terminal types, and managing the performance impact on the mainframe.

What administrative interfaces were available?

Administrative interfaces were typically accessed through mainframe terminals or emulators. These interfaces allowed administrators to manage users, configure system parameters, and monitor system activity.

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Interactive Instruction System

Name: Interactive Instruction System
Availability: InStock

IBM Not Supported z/OS

Help Documentation and Training

Vendor

IBM

Product Overview

Interactive Instruction System (IIS) was designed with a two-component architecture: the Interactive Instructional Authoring System (IIAS) and the Interactive Instructional Presentation System (IIPS). IIAS provided the tools and interface for creating training modules, while IIPS delivered these modules to end-users on mainframe terminals. The system leveraged the mainframe's security infrastructure, such as RACF, for authentication and access control.

The architecture was tightly coupled with the z/OS environment, requiring specific subsystems to be active. Communication between components occurred within the mainframe environment. Data was stored using mainframe-compatible storage mechanisms.

The system did not expose modern APIs or integration points. Given that IIS is no longer supported, organizations should migrate to modern e-learning platforms. These platforms typically offer a more distributed architecture, with web-based interfaces, REST APIs, and cloud-based deployment options.

Examples include Moodle, which can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, and integrates with various authentication and content management systems. Migration involves re-architecting the training delivery process to leverage these modern capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Interactive Instruction System do?

Interactive Instruction System was a computer-based training (CBT) tool developed by IBM. It allowed organizations to create and deliver online training courses, primarily on mainframe systems.

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Interactive Instruction System is best described as a tool set. It provided both authoring and presentation capabilities for creating and delivering instructional content.

What types of organizations used this?

Organizations that relied on mainframe systems for training delivery were the primary users of Interactive Instruction System. These included large enterprises in industries like banking, insurance, and government.

When should we have considered Interactive Instruction System?

Interactive Instruction System was considered when organizations needed a structured way to deliver computer-based training on mainframe platforms. It provided a controlled environment for creating and tracking training progress.

What are the alternatives to Interactive Instruction System?

Alternatives to Interactive Instruction System include modern e-learning platforms and content management systems. Some examples are Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Moodle.

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Interactive Instruction System

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Interactive Instruction System do?

Is this a system, application, or tool?

What types of organizations used this?

When should we have considered Interactive Instruction System?

What are the alternatives to Interactive Instruction System?

What infrastructure was required?

For mainframe products: Did this run in an LPAR?

What were the main system components?

How did these components communicate?

What was the business value of Interactive Instruction System?

What would happen if an organization did not use this product?

When was this product a good fit?

How was security handled?

What specific authentication methods were supported?

What access control model was used?

What level of technical expertise was required to implement it?

What were common implementation challenges?

What administrative interfaces were available?

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