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Microsoft, Piracy And Serious Changes To The Microsoft Certification Exams
Microsoft started implementing changes to the official Microsoft certification exams as promised in the most recent MCT Summit. The most significant changes come in the form of addressing piracy of the exams. Microsoft has a dedicated Psychometrician named Liberty Munson who focuses on data forensics (aka exam results) and looks for “patterns of anomalous behavior” (aka cheating). Ms. Munson and her team also look over other statics related to satisfaction surveys and some item challenges.
You don’t need a PHd to figure out the changes (Although it is Dr. Liberty Munson). Basically, you take a question and write it several different ways using the same group of answers. The correct answer can be different based on a change to a single word or phrase in the question. The challenge for the Microsoft test development team is to balance the idea of countering piracy and providing an exam which is a fair assessment of a candidates knowledge.
Microsoft claims the goal is to keep the exam focus on real-world, relevant information. However, if you’ve ever taken a Microsoft Certification Exam – you know it’s more like a deep dive into a TechNet article with a “once in a lifetime” scenario and misguided, complicated one-off challenge.
The goal behind the changes is commendable and exciting, especially for CertificationCamps, who breaks the mold of traditional “Microsoft bootcamps” whose focus is exclusively on prepping for different Microsoft exams. At Certification Camps, understanding is the foundation of the training – not memorization. CertificationCamps has always focused on providing the best quality training with demonstrations and labs so that students can actually learn how to use the technology. Once students start looking at practice questions, they have a better understanding of why the answer is correct and not just memorizing the correct answer.
Another change we’ve noticed is Microsoft’s focus on aligning the Microsoft Official Course (MOC) with specific Microsoft Certification exams. This is great news for CertificationCamps, because we use these official materials as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with Learning competency.
If you’re looking for an instructor led classroom training environment where you can learn and certify – CertificationCamps is the most successful training provider with the highest percentage of students passing the exams.
Chester Flake
CEO, CertificationCamps
Microsoft Bootcamps Are Set Up For Rapid Emersion Learning And Certification Exam Prep
Because the world is moving into one that is full of technology, more people are having to take courses to help them succeed in job applications and improved career advancement. Microsoft boot camps have proven to be one of the most effective learning methods in the technology arena, because they are specifically designed for IT professional applications.
You are able to find some boot camps available free of charge and delivered through email correspondence. This is typically not an a great method of learning. The type of boot camps designed for rapid and effective learning do cost, but you get hands on training with an accredited Microsoft Trainer and usually end with a Microsoft Certification exam, which is accepted by many work places. Certification training combined with real work experience will help professionals gain better positions.
Boot camps are technology specific that way IT professionals can target specific points of interest. A good example is the boot camp for Microsoft Exchange email server system. This is something that is used with many companies, as a way to offer fee-for email accounts, which look more professional than using sites such as Yahoo! and Google Mail.
This boot camp makes it possible for people in the IT world to become specialists in the Exchange server. Everything is done through hands on classes allowing students to learn about the server in a real-world manner. The Boot camp method of learning has proven to be one of the most effective methods of quickly learning and retaining information, because it implements real-world examples providing actual experience that they will need to secure the first job after wards.
Professional Boot camps provide an actual Microsoft Certification exam at the end of the course which everyone has to do. Boot camp learning provides one of the highest certification exam pass rates and once the exam has been passed, the students receive Microsoft certifications, which are accredited and accepted by most workplaces. However, you will need to check to make sure that your qualification is accepted for the role that you are apply for.
The exams can be either be done by an independent company or the course provider depending on the providers’ qualifications. This makes sure that everyone is learning the exact same thing and is tested on the same merits. This is something that universities do not offer since it is the lecturers that set the papers. The tests are done in separate centers all around the country and it is possible to register at a center close to you.
The problem is that there are new releases and upgrades on a regular basis. It means that technology is continually changing and it can be difficult for students to stay on top of the latest release. It’s essential that you know which specific course is right for you.
The training available through Microsoft boot camps is targeted, effective and geared toward IT professionals. Boot camps include presentations from lecturers and labs to help with gaining practical experience. There are also discussions that are held in class, which help to expand the knowledge and find solutions to many common problems and one practice exam is available per person, which will help prep you for the actual Microsoft certification exam.
Training For Microsoft Sql Certifications What Should I Look For?
There are several SQL certification courses and Microsoft certification exams offered and there are also a few highly rated certification courses that can help you gain the knowledge and expertise to help you gain your certification. Depending on the type of certification you are trying to achieve, a professional course to help you prepare for the exam may run between 4 and 7 days and $2,495 to $4,995. Some of the premier courses even include:
* Airfare
* Lodging
* Ground Transportation
* 2 Microsoft Test Vouchers
* 2 Retake Vouchers (If needed)
* Onsite Prometric Testing Center
* Microsoft Training Books
* Microsoft Study Labs & Simulations
* Instructor Led Classroom Training
There are a few different Microsoft SQL Certifications offered and you can get training focused on each of these individual certifications.
For instance the Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification or MCTIP certification course for short, is the premier certification for DBAs looking to build end to end BI solutions. The certification confirms that you are fully qualified to configure and implement a complete BI Solution. A bootcamp for any type of certification training like this should be very hands on with a training environment where instructors would guide you through step by step examples and demonstrations, not just long lectures.
Your instructor should create real world scenarios for lab environments. This course should demonstrate how to build an Integration Services (SSIS) package to automate the ETL process from the Relational OLTP to the DataMart / DataWarehouse. This course would also spend several days exploring the features of Analysis Services (SSAS) including cube designer, dimensions, measures, KPIs, Perspectives, Translations, MDX and Data Mining. Finally, the training would look at different ways to present the data to different users like Excel PowerPivot and Sharepoint 2010 built in BI solutions.
There is another certification for Database Developers which is the Microsoft Certified IT Professional. This certification is for SQL Server 2008 and is the premier certification for database server developers. The certification confirms that you are fully qualified to develop databases and architect entire application level solutions. A Database developers’ responsibilities are to design and implement relational database models (logical and physical) and database storage objects. They also program servers by using user-defined functions, triggers, stored procedures, Transact-SQL, or the CLR. They retrieve or modify data using SQL queries or tune and optimize queries. Database developers are typically employed by mid-sized to large-sized organizations.
Again, there are SQL courses available for this specific certification with instructors that will guide you through step by step examples and demonstrations and real world scenarios for lab environments.
Lastly, there is a certification for a Microsoft Certified IT Professional Database Administrator (MCITP: Database Administrator). This certification confirms that you are fully qualified to administer Microsoft SQL databases and architect entire application level solutions.
Database administrators install, configure and secure databases. Administrators are often tasked with evaluating the performance of the SQL Server by implements partitions and index tuning. Additionally, high availability strategies like Database Mirroring, Log Shipping and Clustering are included in administrators’ responsibilities. Database administrators are typically employed by small or mid-sized to large-sized organizations.
If you are in need of hands on training for Microsoft SQL certifications start by doing a Google search for the term “SQL certifications” or “Microsoft SQL certifications” to find a list of credible and accredited Microsoft Training Courses. Look for a course that focuses on accelerated learning, covers concepts in a clear, condensed fashion, and uses real world examples and terminology. Also, look for a boot camp or course that has a proven success rate with students passing their exams on the first try.
You should also check into the type of Facilities that a training center will supply you with.
A reputable training facility should give a description of the training facility stating something along the lines of, “We use top end computer equipment - 20in monitors, cpu’s with Intel Virtualization, 6 gigs (min) of memory. We use Herman Miller chairs to ensure comfort for bootcamp hours. Our desk allow plenty of room for student computer, your laptop and book – each student has a dedicated 6ft desk workspace.”
Compare the fine points of what each training camp has to offer. Do students stay at Marriott & Hilton brand hotels, which provide full studio amenities including flat panel tvs, microwave and refrigerator in every room? Or are there 30+ students in a classroom with only one instructor using very old equipment with lag and slow performance on the software used today. Do students stay in less than desirable (extended stay) type of hotels in areas not suited for professionals. Sometimes the creature comforts make all the difference but with very little impact on the difference in training fees that are offered.
Each website you visit when researching course training should have a very clear outline of what they offer. This overview should be enough information for you to make an informed decision on a SQL certification course that would be right for you. Make sure to read reviews and testimonials for each of the Microsoft training courses.
Microsoft Certifications The Next Step In Your It Career
Microsoft certifications are an important career tool for anyone, but especially those in the IT field. There are many important aspects to the certifications including the benefits, change, salary, advancement, diversity, exams, and studying.
One of the biggest benefits of the certifications is that an IT professional will be given the knowledge of the latest platforms for Microsoft. Many computers use Microsoft programs, so it is important that anyone in the IT profession has a strong understanding of all the latest programs and platforms.
It is very simple for a professional to get the certifications, whether it is online or in a traditional classroom. It is most common to study for the exams by yourself. This will require discipline and hard work. There are many study tools that can be found, simply by doing an internet search. Many students put themselves on a deadline, so that they will push themselves to finish. This is similar to a classroom set up. If you remember when you were in school, exams were on a specific day and the teacher had to work and keep pushing the students. Students would have been exposed to all the information they needed for the exam (whether or not they reviewed, read the textbook, and studied was up to the student personally). Anyone can get certified in the very latest platforms and programs. Change occurs all the time in technology and it is important for everyone to keep up with it.
Today, there are several online classrooms or Microsoft certification boot camps that help career minded professionals better their standing. These classrooms have professional instructors trained in Microsoft Certification preparation with very high certification pass percentages.
A very large draw to the IT field is the salary. These certifications bring better positions with higher pay. As seen in many fields with more education, comes a larger salary. Jobs in the field may be plentiful, but it is also important that every IT professional be experienced in the latest technologies because you are only useful if you have something to offer the employer that other people can’t.
Once you finish the base course you can also take further courses. This is a great way to be get a new and better job. Many employers encourage education, especially if it is going to benefit them. Microsoft Certifications are certainly seen as a benefit.
When seeking certification it is important to know what kind of certification you need. Microsoft offers an abundance of different certifications including SQL server certifications, Sharepoint Server Certification, Windows Server training and more, which allows a student to focus on one area in particular. This is useful for many people who need knowledge of one specific aspect.
This is also a great way to transition into a new career. These certifications allow anyone to have an office job in the technology field. There are also many different avenues within the certifications that anyone peruse. Even if you are currently in the technology field, but want a job that will enable you to use different skills or will give you a greater challenge getting a certification will help you achieve your goal and give you a more satisfying career.
Like every other type of certification, you are required to take an exam. Depending on which certification you choose, you may be required to take anywhere from one to five exams. It will also be required that you pass each of the exams, if you are required to take more than one. You are also required to pay for the exams, as well as the study materials as well. Although the initial cost may be a deterrent, the end result will be worth it, especially if there is a promotion or a better job in it for you.
There are man different ways to study and it is important to know how you best respond to information. Most of the study aids will gear the work towards the exam, so you do not need to worry that you will be learning something that you won’t have to know. Although this makes studying very direct it also means that you have to pay attention to what you’re reading. Many people do not learn well from abstract theories, they need to do hands-on activities, so that they can learn it for themselves. The activities are for your practice and the answers can also be found, so you will know whether or not you did them correctly. Many times there is also an attached CD or course instructor to help you.
SQL Server 2012 – Always On
SQL Server has always focused on high availability solutions. In SQL Server 2008 R2 – the common options included clustering, mirroring, log shipping and replication. These solutions offer different options for different scenarios. If you want “service level” high availability – clustering is the right choice. Mirroring offered 1 to 1 database copy with automatic failover. Log shipping offered primary to multiple secondary database copies, without automatic failover. Replication allows us to select “parts of a database” to replicate to other servers. All of these ideas warrant much more detailed conversation – unrelated to the title of this blog.
SQL Server 2012 (Currently SQL Denali CTP3) introduces a new feature – Always On Availability Groups. Initial observations (from reading TechNet and working through hands-on labs) – Microsoft has taken the strong points from clustering and the strong points from Mirroring and combined them into one solution. Most notable consideration is the requirement for Windows Clustering.
Administrators build these Availability Groups which are comprised of Application Databases which work and fail(over) together – refered to as Availability Databases (give them a zero on creative naming ideas). The read/write availability group is called the primary replica and up to 4 secondary replicas which can be read only.
Additionally – there are options you can configure related to the transaction commit – asynchronous & synchronous (obvious) and several forms of failover.
From the looks of it – this will be widely accepted in the community. As always the case with CTP, Beta and everything else – the information stated above is subject to (and probably will) change prior to RTM versions of the product.
CertificationCamps.com is modifying our Microsoft training content to bring these new features into our SQL Administrator Bootcamp. We have added labs which explain the new SQL Server 2012 Availability Groups into our existing Cluster Hands On Instructor Led Demonstration.
Chester Flake
CertificationCamps.com
Office 365 – Stormy days in the cloud
These days, it seems like everyone is pushing “cloud” computing. Everything from our music, videos and photos – to business services like Exchange, SQL and even Windows Server. However, I’m discovering more and more why they call it the cloud and not clear skies.
Recently, I decided to move our mail to an Exchange Server in the cloud with a Microsoft service called Office 365. As we have staff and contractors all over the world (literally) – allowing the flexibility of administration and mailbox access anywhere in the world (via the internet) made complete business sense. Additionally, the security blanket of the 99.9% uptime promise by Microsoft – what could go wrong.
DISCLAIMER – the rest of this blog gets a little “geeky” with technical terms and a hard to follow sequences of steps.
Microsoft offers trial service (intended for small business under 25 employees) or an enterprise solution which offers much higher capacity. I jumped quickly to move our company domain MX records to the small business service. Everything was going fine. As I was pleased with the service (and realized I could get the enterprise service as part of our partnership agreement with Microsoft) – decided to move into the full Enterprise edition. So, I followed the instructions to delete our domain out of the small business and re-create it in the enterprise solution. The Microsoft servers allowed me to do this and it appeared everything would be fine.
Unfortunately, Microsoft maintained the old domain internally (even though I deleted the domain and account completely). Long story short – 3 days later (8 hours of which was on the phone) – Microsoft finally found someone who knew where the problem was and how to fix it. Thanks to a local (Tampa Bay) service provider and an amazing system admin – we were able to temporarily move to another Exchange server (Once Microsoft said they wouldn’t blame the problem on our temporary solution). Microsoft basically had us at their mercy. We (obviously) have no way to how many emails were NDR back to recipients or what this disaster cost us.
The problem is now solved and we are in the cloud. However, it seems almost impossible to believe a company the size of Microsoft would need 3 days and countless support techs to identify and resolve a routing issue within their own servers. Moreover, the fact they could suggest – “we’ll have till tomorrow to hear something” when a company’s entire mail service is hanging in the balance. I’m not just slamming Microsoft – they’ve been the source of my income for 17 years – it’s just a frustrating experience.
The cloud has a world of potential. However, sometimes these cloud based service providers are too big and have too many disconnected departments to provide realistic solutions – which is why they will never eliminate the need for administrators and the option to run services locally.
Chester
Windows 8 Preview
The world gets a first look at code name Windows 8 (Keep wanting to type Windows 2008 – bad habit). First glance, it looks very similar to Windows Phone 7. The Windows 8 interface is radically different from any previous desktop operating system – with the focus on touch technology. While Microsoft is playing catch up in the “touch” world – they seem to be leading the path of an unified operating system for desktop, laptop and touch slates.
In this first view, the os starts up with a full screen picture and some general information (time, etc..) on top of the picture. The interface is very friendly with the “tiles” providing more detail than a typical icon. If the “touch” interface isn’t well suited for your taste (or hardware) – the os offers the traditional interface we’ve come to know with the start button and complete menu system.
So – it’s obvious where many of these “touch” and “interface” ideas come from (true to Microsoft they don’t always invent the wheel) – yet – it’s blended with a couple of really cool features we haven’t seen in the Apple dominated touch world.
Microsoft has demonstrated they will not raise the white flag. If Microsoft actually listens to the community in the early releases – they might actually create a touch OS which takes a bite out of Apple.