MCSE

To take the new or continue with the old?

Randy Muller — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:19:59 -0400

I had this question from a student last week. This student was taking a Windows Server 2003 class (as part of a series of classes) and asked if they should just skip the 2003 MCSE track altogether and take the Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP exams. What my answer was I’ll save for later.

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What is involved in upgrading your MCSE Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008?

Randy Muller — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:25:54 -0400

You have your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 and you want to upgrade to Windows Server 2008. The first thing to remember is that this is a series of new certifications and while there is an upgrade path, you are not earning an MCSE on Windows Server 2008 rather an MCTS or MCITP on windows Server 2008. Also remember that the era of the MCSA/MCSE certifications has ended – it is now MCTS and MCITP (and others beyond the scope intended here) and have an entirely different focus.

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What is involved in upgrading your certification?

Randy Muller — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:51:58 -0400

You have your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 and you want to upgrade to Windows Server 2008. Or you are not certified at all and want to earn the MCTS on Windows Server 2008. The first thing to remember is that this is a series of new certifications and while there is an upgrade path, you are not earning an MCSE on Windows Server 2008 rather an MCTS or MCITP on windows Server 2008. Also remember that the era of the MCSA/MCSE certifications has ended – it is now MCTS and MCITP (and others beyond the scope intended here) and have an entirely different focus.

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7 skills for IT fame and fortune

Mitchell Ashley — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:52:18 -0400

With the economic downturn on everyone's mind, assumptions about job security come under question, and everyone starts reexamining their skills. There are lots and lots of valuable jobs performed in IT, but some skills are valued even more highly than others. With all the upheaval we're experiencing in IT, many new skills are in high demand or rapidly increasing in value. Here are my Top 7 skills that could help you not only keep that job, but secure an even better new job, positioning you to work on the next generation of IT applications and software products in the era of Web-delivered online applications.

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So what is this new Simulation Technology?

Randy Muller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:17:24 -0400

In an earlier blog I had stated that the only “real” way to accurately test the knowledge of an examinee was to have them take a “hands-on” test; either with physical equipment or through virtual machines. Only by demonstrating your ability to perform tasks on the technology being tested could you demonstrate that you have both the knowledge and mastery of the subject matter. Microsoft has developed five exams that use Performance-based testing with a new one due out in a few months.

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What should be your first exam for your MCSE?

Randy Muller — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:59:40 -0400

This is not as straight forward a question as it might seem at first glance. How to answer this would depend on the IT Pro in question and what experiences he/she might have in the IT field. If the individual is new to the IT field and has minimal to no experience than you are looking at a different exam than if they do have some hands-on experience. There are simply too many concepts, confusing nomenclature, subnetting, pieces and parts to try and learn the IT field in a short of period and pass some of the more difficult tests. There is also the first-test nervousness that must be overcome as well.

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Apple User Saves Microsoft From Collapse

Mitchell Ashley — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:33:53 -0400

At least that's what Microsoft is counting on, in a manner of speaking, as it pertains to its brand image. On my recent business trip I picked up a copy of Fast Company and read the article about marketing genius Alex Bogusky working on Microsoft's new marketing campaign. Apple's been very successful at portraying Windows as this moronic dude who gets his jollies by doing spreadsheets, and deep down wishes he could really be an Apple Mac.

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Stop the presses!! Microsoft announces a new certification

Randy Muller — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:45:45 -0400

Ever since the days of the paper MCSE, there has been some debate over the value and worth of a certification. There was a time when having an MCSE was a qualifier - that immediately differentiated you from the masses and aided in you securing a job. Then the Paper-MCSE's arrived - the Reconstruction Era carpet baggers of the certified world. They quickly devalued certifications to the point where many employers just didn't count the MCSE with as much credit as it deserved. This has now changed and just in time. Microsoft has debuted a new certification that immediately ends paper certifications and will be highly regarded in addition. The new "Master's" series was announced this week in Redmond, WA.

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No More MCSE?

Chip Wenz — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:31:23 -0400

A couple of years ago I got to go to a conference for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) in Redmond, Washington (or the ‘Mothership’ as I prefer to call it) where one of the VP’s from Microsoft announced that the MCSE credential was being retired and to quote from Star Wars, as us geeks are prone to do, “it was if millions of voices cried out and were suddenly silenced”. Okay, I used a little poetic license on that… it was more like 300 voices, but you get the idea.

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Microsoft Windows Server 2000 Certification is Going Bye Bye

Patrick Regan — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:01:27 -0500

Microsoft maintains two version of certifications. Previously, Microsoft had the MCSE for Windows NT and MCSE for Windows 2000. When Windows Server 2003 and its certification was release, Microsoft dropped the MCSE for Windows NT. Now with the Windows Server 2008 certifications being released, it is time to say goodbye to the Windows 2000 certifications. Therefore, on March 31, 2008, many of the Windows Server 2000 exams including the two upgrade exams from Windows Server 2000 to Windows Server 2003 are being retired.

The list of exams being retired on March 31, 2008 include:

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Upgrading from MCSE (Windows Server 2003) to MCITP (Windows Server 2008)

Patrick Regan — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:36:08 -0500

With the release of Windows Server 2008, they are a lot of MCSE’s who want to upgrade the Windows Server 2008 certifications.

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What does it take to get a good job?

Patrick Regan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:17:57 -0500

It is an established fact that computers and networking is a fast-paced environment. Therefore, employees who work in Information Technology (IT), must learn to keep up with the ever changing technology and have the ability to learn new technology. It is said that a person in IT must be able to learn or retrain him or herself every 1 to 1½ years.

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WS2008 spells the end of the MCSE

Microsoft Subnet — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:51:22 -0500

From Microsoft Cert guru, Patrick Regan's blog: "Windows Server 2008 will have its own certification program that will replace the MCSE program. While the Windows Server 2003 MCSE program will be around for a couple more years, the release of the Windows Server 2008 certification track means that they will retire the Windows 2000 certification track. Therefore, for those who are only Windows 2000 certified, you will have to upgrade to either Windows Server 2003 or 2008 certifications." Text chat with Regan live about this program and other certification/training/Microsoft support issues on December 11. No registration required. www.networkworld.com/chat

More Microsoft Subnet blog posts

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UNDERSTANDING GROUP POLICIES - Part I: Defining Group Policies

Patrick Regan — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:22:43 -0500

One of the most powerful, but often misunderstood, features of Active Directory is group policies. Group policies can be used to manage and enforce security and configuration settings and to automate tasks, all of which can simplify administration and reduce IT costs. You can also use it to distribute software, execute scripts and redirect folders.

For those who are pursuing an MSCE certification, group policies appear in detail on multiple exams including the Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment, Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure and the required design exams.

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Dual CCIE No. 7005 voice/routing and switching seeks new challenge

Brad Reese — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 04:26:36 -0400

Steve Lim, Dual CCIE No. 7005 voice/routing and switching, seeks a new challenge. In addition to his dual CCIE certs, Steve is a Microsoft certified system engineer (MCSE) with over 10 years hands-on implementation experience in telecommunications.

Lim is currently focused on complex and big customer network designs for MPLS and voice services. Technical skills: TCP/IP, MPLS, Routing Protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, RIP, RIPv2, EIGRP), Multicasting, IPv6, QoS / CoS, DNS, DHCP, HSRP, NTP, SNMP, FTP, Security (ACL, AAA), VOIP, VPN, IPSec. LAN (L2/L3 Switching, VTP, VLAN, 802.1Q, 802.1X, SPAN, RSPAN) and WAN (SONET/SDH, DWDM, ATM, Frame Relay, ISDN), Fiber. Equipment: Cisco routers and switches (GSR, 7200, 4500, 3600, 2600, 2500, 1600,1000 Series, Catalyst 6509, 4006, 3550, 2900, 1900 Series), Nortel Networks (DWDM, OC-48-2.5G, 155M), Alcatel ( ATM switches, and 7750), Point-to-point optic transmitters, CSU, DSU, Channel bank, DACS, multiplexing, Media-converter. Software: HP Openview, Cisco Works, NMS for WAN, MS-Office, MS Windows 95/98/NT/2000. Tools: Sniffer and various test equipment. Contact Lim directly: Steve Lim (H) 416-754-1873 (C) 416-899-7721 Email: dowlim@hotmail.com Toronto, Canada View online resume http://www.BradReese.Com

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Cisco IPT specialist seeks position offering IPT solutions based on Cisco AVVID platform for converged networks

Brad Reese — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:50:32 -0400

Khaled Al-Amoodi, CCNP CCNA MCSE Cisco IPT Specialist, seeks new position that offers IPT solutions based on the Cisco AVVID platform for converged networks. He has been managing successful implementations of major IPT Infrastructure projects for the Saudi Telecom Company around the Kingdom.

Al-Amoodi's work experience: Over 6 years of experience & successful deployment of networking projects & IPT telephony solutions for many customers. Very good experience in preparing, installing, configuring & troubleshooting Cisco Call Manager & IP communication express solutions. Participated in many call manager pilot services, & able to define the migration plan steps to state-of-art Cisco AVVID solutions, & identifying the dependencies, risks, & recommendation for each step. Successful implementation & administration of Cisco Call Manager, Unity, & VGW integration with Meridian Option 11 PBX. Successful implementation of VoIP projects around the Kingdom, which includes assessing the VoIP implementation, designing a detailed dial plan, upgrading the H/W & software of VGWs, connecting call manager trunks, integration with legacy PBX digital & analog cards, deploying QoS of all WAN links, & providing 2nd level of support to these companies. Implementing IP communication express solution (CCM Express & Unity Express) & connected to the VoIP network, also provided orientation for the system administrator on these device operations. Installing & configuring IP telephony environment monitor. IPT consultation & resolving many dial plan issues. Implementing VoIP solution for 15 branches of food industry company over MPLS service. Implementing VoIP solution for 6 branches of company & integrating the VGW with legacy PBXs. Configuring many IP telephony station devices 7912, 7940, 7960, 7936, 7920, IP Soft Phone, & ATA. Team leader for STC frame contract projects & implemented many critical projects in a stressful & challenging environment. Hardware/software staging of various Cisco devices from backbone level down to access layer devices. Configuring Cisco wireless bridges & access points. Very good experience on Windows 2000 server OS. Advanced knowledge of xDSL lines, E1 circuits. Contact Al-Amoodi directly: Khaled Al-Amoodi Mobile: 0503110516 Email: kalamoodi@hotmail.com Riyadh, Saudi Arabia View online resume http://www.BradReese.Com

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Dual CCIE No. 10274 service provider | routing and switching seeks US/UK relocation

Brad Reese — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:28:01 -0400

Brijesh Patel, Dual CCIE No. 10274 Service Provider | Routing and Switching seeks US/UK relocation. Objective: To design and implement large service provider and enterprise networks with focus towards technologies like MPLS/IP, IP telephony and network security. Total Experience: 8 years. Summary: Strong and consistent experience with system integrator to design and implement large enterprise and banking network. Well versed with technologies based on MPLS/IP, Cisco IP telephony and Cisco security. Hands-on experience on multiple network vendors such as Cisco, Nortel, Juniper and Check Point Firewall. International experience in design, implementation and support of large enterprise, hotel and banking network in Kuwait. Well versed with pre-sales and post-sales activity. Core Certifications: CCIE Service Provider (CCIE#10274). CCIE Routing and Switching (CCIE#10274). Working towards the CCIE Voice Lab Exam. CCIE Voice Written Exam. CCIE Security Written Exam. Cisco IP Telephony Support Specialist. Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist. Cisco Certified VPN Specialist. Cisco CRA 3.0 Implementation. CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional). CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional). CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate). CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate). Other Certifications: CCSA – Check Point Certified Security Administrator. MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Certified for Libra Voice Recording Solution Brijesh Patel's online resume Brijesh is currently working in Kuwait City, Kuwait. http://www.BradReese.Com

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Asif Merchant CCSP CCNA CISSP CISA INFOSEC MCSE-NT-4, becomes 100th resume posted on BradReese.Com

Brad Reese — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 04:58:10 -0400

On April 15th 2007, Asif Merchant's resume became the 100th online Cisco certified network engineer resume posted to the BradReese.Com Cisco Resumes web page. Posting and downloading of resumes is absolutely free to both the resume poster as well as employer downloader. Employers are encouraged to view and download resumes for free in whatever manner is convenient: 1. Resumes Willing to Relocate Globally 2. Resumes with Geographic Relocation Preferences 3. Resumes Seeking Summer Intern Positions 4. Resume Search 5. Resumes Alphabetical by Country and then City Asif Merchant, BradReese.Com's 100th resume, has the following certifications: Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) Information System Security (INFOSEC) Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA-3) CCIE Security Written Pass (CCIE) Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)-NT-4 Asif Merchant is currently working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Willing to relocate globally, Asif has geographic relocation preferences for London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Very interested in receiving employer feedback on how to make Cisco Resumes more effective and convenient for employers. http://www.BradReese.Com

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