STUTTGART, September 22, 2026 - The requirements for modern backup and storage environments are changing rapidly, but official manufacturer courses are often years behind this development. Empalis GmbH, market leader in the DACH region with over 90 percent share of IBM Storage (Spectrum) Protect training courses, is presenting a new, modular training program with “IBM Storage Protect – Next Level”.
The concept is aimed specifically at users of IBM Storage Protect (ISP) and replaces the standard courses, which are now two to three years behind the development stage: In this course, companies will find learning units that can be combined as needed, enriched with the functionalities and topics that are relevant today.
Current software releases and subject areas integrated
Conventional training offerings on the market are often based on software versions that are, however, a long way behind. The software (formerly IBM Spectrum Protect, officially IBM Storage Protect since version 8.1.19) has now continuously developed with new releases. Currently version 8.2.2 is the current version. IBM's standard courses are based on versions 8.1.12 and 8.1.13, which are over four years old. This means that crucial functionalities from recent years are missing - including modern security guidelines, cloud-based object locks and numerous functional expansions in detail.
Specialist articles and blog articles have been pointing out this training backlog for years. Since complex enterprise software cannot be learned in a practice-oriented manner through self-study, the modular “Next Level” program closes this gap: Empalis lecturers and consultants with many years of experience impart the missing knowledge using their own teaching materials, practical practice environments and direct feedback.
Modular units: Operation-friendly time management for learners “on the job”
In order to "top up" training knowledge, a combination of two to three standard courses with up to 10 training days or more has increasingly been necessary in recent years - with a lot of overlap in content on the one hand, and a lot of downtime in day-to-day business on the other. In addition, there was a lack of tailor-made practice labs - this situation increasingly increased the challenges - both for corporate customers and trainers.
The new course concept solves this problem through individually adaptable module selection:
- Precise module selection: Customers book exactly the modules that are relevant to their practice - or replace them with additional modules for in-depth knowledge, for example in special topics such as containerization or replication.
- Maximum time flexibility: Instead of taking employees out of day-to-day business for an entire week, the training can be flexibly adapted to the workload - for example in the form of half-day units, staggered over a period of 4 weeks.
Three target group levels for tailored learning success
In order to do justice to all roles in IT operations, the new module catalog is divided into three levels:
- Beginner: Designed for client-side users. Basic product concepts are conveyed without overwhelming the participants with unnecessary server overhead.
- Advanced: Aimed at administrators in day-to-day operations who manage the ISP server (based on the requirements profile of the previous *IBM Certified Administrator*).
- Expert: Specifically for senior administrators and architects of large environments. The focus is on system rebuilding, complex error analysis and tasks beyond standard operation.
Strong partnerships for knowledge transfer
For over 30 years, Empalis has been offering tailor-made solutions and training in the area of cyber-resilient data protection. The registration and implementation of many training courses also takes place in cooperation with long-standing partners such as the TD SYNNEX Academy. In addition, with its current range of courses, Empalis is responding directly to the high demand from IBM customers for modern, flexible and comprehensive qualifications.
Contemporary qualification for maximum IT resilience
With the modular training program IBM Storage Protect "Next Level" module training, Empalis closes a gap in the qualification of IT specialists that has existed for years: Through the combination of the latest software releases, practical practice labs and a user-friendly, flexible selection of modules, companies receive exactly the knowledge they need to operate their backup infrastructure securely and efficiently - without losing valuable working time in day-to-day business. The concept underlines the claim at Empalis, as the DACH market leader in IBM Storage Protect, to provide tailor-made further training at the cutting edge of technological developments.
Your contact persons
Andreas Wagener and as the developer of the new course concept, Dr. Christian Biermann is your direct contact. You can send your request directly by email or book an online appointment to coordinate a suitable course concept.
Book an appointment now or simply write us an email.
Andreas Wagener, Information Security Officer
Phone +49 172 761 94 15
