* Try certification classes
We haven’t talked about certification in a while, but a recent note from a reader posed an interesting question.
While the reader was primarily upset with changes in Novell’s certification program (and I’ll get to those changes next issue), the reader asked why, when faced with a dwindling NetWare installed base, should anyone even attempt to follow the twists and turns of Novell certification. That’s the interesting question.
I’ve never been a big fan of certification. It tells you nothing about the certificate holder’s ability to actually manage a network. It’s an artificial gauge created by the software and hardware vendors as a way to make money while at the same time fostering a cadre of potential customers. This is aided and abetted by the human resources industry, which it seems, is always looking for new ways to discriminate among job applicants without having to actually understand either the job or the applicant.
Nevertheless, certification has become a big industry on its own, so rather than tilt at that windmill let’s figure out how to turn it to our advantage.
One thing we noticed with the introduction of NetWare 6 was a decided lack of books about the new NOS. Out of the handful that were eventually available, most were simply warmed over NetWare 5 treatises with a paragraph or two added to mention the new features in 6.0.
The NetWare 6.5 situation could be even worse. There’s a lot that’s being added to the package, but as yet, no interest on the part of publishers to bring out new books covering the subject.
There is still a market, though, for books about certification. Even better, there are classes for certification programs. Novell teaches some itself while a number of third parties also incorporate the Novell curriculum. This can work to your advantage.
You want to know more about NetWare 6.5 but there are few resources you can get to on your own. The company won’t pay for you to go to BrainShare or other “frivolous” activities. But remember that HR has a big stake in certification. It’s still considered a good thing for you to get certified. So go ahead and request funding for the certification classes for NetWare 6.5 (classes aren’t set yet, but watch the Novell Education site for news). Heck, finish the classes and even take the test – pass or fail, it doesn’t matter (unless your company requires that you pass). What’s important is that you find classes that give you hands-on experience with NetWare 6.5.
Certification isn’t something I want to encourage as a concept, but as long as it’s around let’s use it to our advantage.
UPDATE: Adrem Software’s Free Remote Console (FRC) 4.0, which I mentioned last week won’t be available for download until after July 1. There is a form at its Web site with which you can indicate your desire to be notified when 4.0 is available for download. I apologize for any misunderstanding I may have caused.
