NIIT adjudged Finalist for the 2009 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Awards

NIIT, leading Global Talent Development Corporation and Asia’s largest IT Trainer, today announced that it has been selected as a 2009 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Awards finalist in Learning Solutions, Innovative Partner of the Year.

NIIT’s ‘Integrated Program for Developing Skills and Certification on.NET – GNIIT’ has been selected by Microsoft as one of the two finalists for Partner of the Year, in the category, Learning Solutions Innovative Partner of the Year. The Learning Solutions, Innovative Partner of the Year award recognizes partners’ commitment and ability to deliver high-quality innovative learning services to meet customer needs. It also validates the effect of technical training, skills assessment, student mentoring, and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam preparation on customer satisfaction, and the application of Microsoft technology to solve business problems.

Mr. G. Raghavan, President, Global Individual Learning Solutions, NIIT said, “We are pleased to have been selected as a 2009 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Awards finalist in Learning Solutions, Innovative Partner of the Year. At NIIT, it has been our constant endeavor to address the skills gap in IT industry by enhancing employability of the workforce and making them Industry Ready. We hope to continue providing innovative range of programs as a solution to manpower needs in the industry.”

“Partners are the key to igniting business innovation through great technology as well as helping customers drive down costs. Congratulations to the 2009 WPC Award finalists who have demonstrated a superior level of expertise as well as a focus on delivering customer value. We look forward to seeing our partners fulfill their limitless potential as they continue to provide customers with world-class Microsoft solutions” said Allison L. Watson, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft Corp.

Source: NIIT

Know About the 70-290 Certification

Two important system administration certifications from Microsoft are Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE). Each of these certifications can be achieved by passing certain exams associated with these.

The 70-290 exam is falls under the MCSE certification path, and certifies that the individual is skilled to manage and maintain Windows 2003. The important concepts covered in 70-290 are listed below;

Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices

• Manage basic and dynamic disks.
• Optimize server disk performance.
• Troubleshoot server hardware devices.
• Install and Configure server hardware devices.
• Monitor server hardware.
  

Managing Users, Computers and Groups

• Manage local, roaming and mandatory user profiles.
• Create and manage computer accounts in Active Directory environment.
• Create and manage groups.
• Create and manage user accounts.
• Troubleshoot user accounts.
• Troubleshoot user authentication issues.
  

Managing and Maintaining Access to Resources

• Configure access to shared folders.
• Troubleshoot terminal services.
• Configure file system permissions.
• Troubleshoot access to files and shared folders.

Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment

• Monitor and analyze events.
• Manage software update infrastructure.
• Manage software site licensing.
• Manage servers remotely.
• Troubleshoot print queues.
• Monitor system performance.
• Monitor file and print servers
• Manage a web server.
• Monitor and optimize a server environment for application performance.

Manage and Implement Disaster Recovery

• Perform system recovery for a server.
• Mange backup procedures.
• Recover from server hardware failures.
• Restore backup data.
• Schedule backup jobs.

The 70- 290 examination is a multiple choice questionnaire, and the candidate needs to select the 'best' answer, out of the options. The minimum passing score for this exam is 700 out of 1000. All Microsoft Certifications exams are administered by Prometric.

Here are some of typical questions asked by Microsoft in 70-290 exam:
Q 1. _________ is a command-line tool that enables you to manage objects, such as disks, partitions, and volumes from the command-line.
a.DiskMan, b. DiskPerf, c. DiskPart, d. DiskCom

Q 2. In Windows Server 2003, a group denotes a set of users, computers, contacts, and other groups that can be used as Security groups and _______________.
a. Fax Groups,
b. E-mail Distribution Groups,
c. Name Resolution Groups,
d. None of the Above

Q3. When you copy a shared folder, ____________________
a. The original shared folder is still shared, but the copy is not shared.
b. The original folder as well as the copy is shared.
c. The original folder is not shared anymore, but the copy is shared.
d. The original shared folder and the copy both are not shared anymore.

Q4. What should you do when you want to track disk space use on a per-user basis, but do not want to deny users access to a volume?
a. Enable disk quotas,
b. Enable disk quotas and set the disk quota warning level,
c. Enable the disk quota warning level only,
d. Disable disk quotas

Q5. What are the advantages of network backup?
a. Network backup can be used to back up the entire network and requires fewer tape drives, or disks.
b. Network backup decreases network traffic,
c. Network backup can be used to backup the Registry on remote computers.
d. All of the above

MCSE exams are quite challenging, and are not easy to clear. Therefore, it is recommended to practice well, both for theoretical as well as practical questions.

Upgrade to MCTS on Windows Server 2008

Microsoft continues to update its IT certifications, providing individuals an opportunity to earn certifications on its Windows Server 2003 and 2008 products. Since Microsoft runs on variety of server formats, it is important that you get an extensive set of certifications, and should always check with your current or prospective employer to ensure that you are studying for the proper exam. As many IT companies are planning to upgrade to the new Windows Server 2008 technology, developing a complete MCSE study plan is important.

With Windows Server 2008, Microsoft introduces a new set of certification options. In the prior versions of Windows server, the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications have been pretty standard. The certification path has changes for Windows Server 2008and following are the steps to upgrade.

Windows Server 2008 is a next-generation server operating system that helps IT maximize control over its infrastructure, while providing unprecedented availability and management that leads to a significantly more secure, reliable, and robust server environment.

People Certified with MCSA and MCSE on Windows Server 2003 should consider taking the appropriate upgrade test to make the immediate transition to Windows Server 2008.For the MCSA, the test is 70-648; for the MCSE, the test is 70-649.These tests will be used as a bridge form MCSE/MCSA 2003 to MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Certifications.

Exam 70-649 is for IT professionals who currently hold an MCSE on Windows Server 2003certification and work in medium to large companies. The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 is a prerequisite for this exam. Exam 70-648 is for IT professionals who currently hold an MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification and work in medium to large companies. The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 is a prerequisite for this exam.

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft Certified System Administrator

MCSA certification helps IT professionals to advance their career by having much needed skills to manage and troubleshoot networks in Windows environment. MCSA professionals are hired as manager in organizations to configure, manage and troubleshoot the Windows Server. MCSA is considered a reliable credential for promotion and hiring. MCSA on Windows Server 2003 certification will not retire.

MCSA certifies a possessor’s ability to "implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium and large-sized organizations”. This certification helps professionals advance your career by showing employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and troubleshoot network environments running on Windows server systems. Like MCSE, MCSA is also available on Windows Server 2000.

It is recommended by Microsoft that a, MCSA candidate should have one to twelve months of experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.

To earn MCSA certification for Windows Server 2003, candidate must pass four exams:

• Two Core Networking System
  
• One Core Client Operating System
• One Elective exam

Core Networking Exams (Compulsory)

1. 70-290 : Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
2. 70-291 : Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Client operating systems (choose one)

1. 70-620 : Configuring Windows Vista
2. 70-270 : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Elective Exam (Choose one)

1. 70-284:Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
2. 70-431:Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

All MCSA exams are taken by Prometric, at various Prometric test Centers all over the globe. MCSA professional work in various job roles like; Network Administrator, System Administrator, Information Technology Engineer, Information Systems Administrator, Network Technician. An average salary of MCSA professional is Rs. 2.5LPA. As per the latest analysis, MCSA comes under Top 15 IT Certifications in demand.

IBM DB2 Certification

DB2 is one of IBM's families of relational database management system (RDBMS) software products within IBM's Information Management Software line. There are several editions and versions of DB2, which operate on devices ranging from palmtops to mainframes. Frequently DB2 refers to the DB2 Enterprise Server Edition, which runs on UNIX, Windows, Linux and z/OS servers.

DB2 completely dominates on mainframes. IBM is one of the top two commercial database vendors for both UNIX and Linux systems. On Windows servers, Microsoft's SQL Server leads in market, in spite of that DB2 presents a reasonable presence nonetheless. Currently IBM offers various training and certification paths on DB2. The average salary for IBM certified DB2 DBA is approx. Rs.93,000.

There are three levels; entry, intermediate and advanced in IBM DB2 Certification hierarchy.
1. IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 9 Fundamentals

This Certification is an entry level DBA. To earn this certificate, candidate must have knowledge about the fundamental concepts of DB2 9 through applied experience or formal education. Database Associate must have in-depth knowledge of basic SQL, understand how to install, create databases and its various objects. To attain IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 9 Fundamentals certification, candidate must pass 1 test i.e. Test 730.

2. a). IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 9 DBA for Linux, UNIX and Windows

IBM Certified Database Administrator is the prime Database Administrator for DB2 on Linux, UNIX and Windows Servers. This DBA has significant experience on DB2 9, especially the new features and functionality related to DB2 9. To achieve this certification candidate has two paths: either passes 2 tests or 3 tests.

1. Two Tests - Test 700 or Test 730 and Test 731
2. Three Tests - Test 700 or Test 730, Test 701 and Test 736.

b). IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 9 DBA for z/OS

IBM Certified DBA has significant experience as DBA and possesses broad experience of DB2 9 including all the new features and functionality related to version 9. This specialist is capable of performing the intermediate to advanced tasks related to database design and implementation, operation and recovery, security and auditing, performance, and installation and migration/upgrades specific to the z/OS operating system. Candidate must possess two years of experience in Database Administrator on z/OS system, knowledge about Java and C++. This Certification requires 2 tests. Any 1 of following tests: Test 700 or Test 730 and Test 732.

3. IBM Certified Advanced Database Administrator - DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX and Windows

IBM Certified Advanced Database Administrator is the senior DBA for the DB2 products on one or more of the following platforms: Linux, UNIX and Windows. This individual has vast experience as a DBA and extensive knowledge of DB2 9. This person is capable of performing the complex tasks for instance; performance, high availability, security and networking. This Certification has 2 paths:

Path 1 requires 3 tests:

a) Choose 1 from following:

1. Test 700 - DB2 V8.1 Family Fundamentals.
2. Test 730 - DB2 9 Family Fundamentals

b) Test 731 - DB2 9 DBA for Linux UNIX and Windows
c) Test 734 - DB2 9 Advanced Database Administrator for Linux,UNIX and Windows

Path 2 requires 4 tests:

a) Choose 1 from following:

1. Test 700 - DB2 V8.1 Family Fundamentals
2. Test 730 - DB2 9 Family Fundamentals

b) Test 701 - DB2 V8.1 for Linux UNIX and Windows Database Administration
c) Test 736 - DB2 9 Database Administrator for Linux UNIX and Windows Upgrade
d) Test 734 - DB2 9 Advanced Database Administrator for Linux UNIX and Windows


All IBM DB2 Test are conducted by Prometric at various Prometric Test Centers all over the world.

Microsoft's New Generation of Certifications

Microsoft introduced a new generation of IT Certifications to make certification path more straightforward and specialization focused. By focusing on fundamental technical or professional skills, an aspirant can choose certifications that meet his/her needs.

The new certification program introduces three series of certifications:

1). Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

This series certify principal technology and product skills, for instance implementation skills. MCTS is reliably qualified of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a specific technology. MCTS exams are targeted to specific technology, so that an individual can prove his proficiency in specific area. MCTS is available in different domains of IT; Developer Applications (.Net), Database Administration (Microsoft SQL Server), Server technology (Windows Server, Exchange Server), Windows (Windows Vista, Windows XP), Microsoft Office and Security.

2) Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

This series confirms job-role skills outside the main technology, such as, analyzing business problems amongst others. MCITP or MCPD are fully capable of deploying, building, designing and operating technologies for a particular job role.

3) Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

This series certify the skills required to affect IT business successfully. MCA requires advanced and certifiable experience in IT (at least 10 years). MCA certification does not depend on traditional exams or curriculum. In fact, candidates have to prove their skills by creating architectures that solve complicated business problems.

Q. Why did Microsoft introduce the new certifications?

Ans. Microsoft is changing the certification program to better meet the needs of our customers. We heard from IT managers that the proliferation of credentials is making it more difficult to understand which credentials best meet the needs of their businesses. Individuals told us that they wanted to be able to distinguish themselves from other IT professionals. In response, we created a framework that keeps the number of credentials to a minimum while still allowing individuals to highlight specialization.

MCSE 2003: A very popular and in-demand Microsoft Certification

Microsoft Certified System Engineer 2003 (MCSE 2003) is a well-known Microsoft Certification for Windows Server 2003. It verifies an individual’s proficiency in designing and execution of business solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

There are specializations available for MCSE’s along different career path. For Windows Server 2003 these were MCSE Security and Messaging.

MCSE Certification is appropriate for IT professionals who have worked in complex computing environments in medium-to-large environments. It is recommended that the candidate appearing for MCSE exam must have at least one year of experience in implementation and administration of network and client server operating system. The candidate must have a good knowledge on planning, designing and execution of Microsoft Windows server solutions.

To become an MCSE on Windows Server 2003, the aspirant must pass seven exams, which includes six core exams and one elective exam.

Core Exams;

Networking Systems (All)

1. 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
2. 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
3. 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
4. 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Client Operating Exams (choose 1)

1. 70-620^A: Windows Vista, Configuring
2. 70-270 : Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows XP Professional

Design Exams (Choose 1)

1. 70-297: Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
2. 70-298: Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

Elective Exams (choose 1)

1. 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
2. 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

A - Exam 70-620 can count one time toward a core client exam or an elective exam, but not both.

The best way to exhibit your expertise on Windows Server 2003 and to encourage your team and yourself is by earning the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) credentials. Although newer versions have come, yet Server 2003 is here to stay for a long time and hence the demand for MCSEs is going to stay!

The Marriage of IBM and Sun Microsystems

The hot news in the IT industry today that is, IBM looking to acquire Sun Microsystems. In that may be a huge collaboration between the two technology majors, this can potentially hit Microsoft’s market hard. According to the source, if this merger/acquisition does go through, the combined companies can take over 40 % of the total server market revenue & 60% of market for servers based on UNIX operating systems.

IBM manufactures & sells computer hardware & software, and offers infrastructure services, hosting & consulting services ranging from supercomputing to nanotechnology. IBM is the largest manufacturer of servers in IT market, followed by HP, Dell and Sun Microsystems. Sun Microsystems are currently running losses. Last year, the stocks & share prices of Sun Microsystems have plummeted and continue to do so this year.

Numerous analysts are speculating about the possible profits for IBM post the acquisition of Sun Microsystems, which owns the right to Java programming language & MySQL open source database. According to the Wall Street Journal IBM has dropped its offer to $9 & $10 a share from their previous demand of $10 to $11 per share. If this major takeover happens, this will be one of the biggest in IBM’s history.

The possibilities are myriad. We can possibly see IBM computers with Solaris & other Sun Microsystems products and hence can give Microsoft, UNIX a run for their money. It will increase the demand of IBM and Sun Certifications in the IT industry.

Say No to Brain Dumps

In common parlance, transfer of important information from one person to another on a piece of paper is called a “brain dump”. In IT terminology, copying material from any set of data is referred as “brain dump”.

This is a well renowned term in IT certification industry today. Exactly copied exams or questions in certification exams is called brain dump. There are people who deliberately memorize all the questions which appear in the exams. After they are through with exam, they transfer the questions to other aspirants for a token amount.

Why brain dumps?
IT certification exams are very costly and are high stake exams, most often leading to coveted jobs in the industry. These exams are relatively difficult to crack as well. Approximately 60% of people who are preparing for certification exams, go for brain dumps, because they are relatively cheaper and sometime you can get them completely free on the Internet. These come significantly cheaper than the authorized study material in the form of books and online training courses.

In my opinion, brain dumps are very bad, both for the candidate as well as the industry. They are not useful, if you are aspiring to carve out a real career in IT. Using these dumps shows that you are not being honest towards your career. The questions given in brain dumps are not very helpful, because the pattern of certification exams keep on changing. Also the learning is practically zero. One must understand that only what we have really learnt well will help succeed in our career.

Say no to brain dumps!
Brain dumps devalue the certification itself and even the genuine certification holders loose out because of a few who clear exams just based on their rote learning from dumps.

From my personal experience, I have seen people who used brain dumps for preparation for certification exam and then were eventually stripped off their certification credentials. Oftentimes, the material specified in dumps is obsolete, inadequate & you can’t trust those questions.

People, who are selling brain dumps, don’t care about a student’s future and their career. Their only aim to make money. Students who are not serious about certification and don’t want to work hard, go for brain dumps. Only when they fail do they realize their folly!

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Brain dumps are a clear violation of the certification Non-Disclosure Agreement. Many certification vendors are using Non- disclosure Agreement (NDA) to prevent examinees to go for cheated material. It’s necessary for participant’s to sign the agreement before going for the exam.

Microsoft’s Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and General Terms of Use (the "Exam Agreement") is made and entered into as of the electronic signature date below by and between Microsoft Corporation, ("Microsoft") and the examinee (the "Examinee").

Cisco also maintains a record of participants who sign the Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA). If you are found searching for brain dumps or going for them, you are committing a legal offence.

Bottom Line
The bottom line is that brain dumps hurt everyone, whether you are going for it or not. I suggest that you should not go for brain dumps, rather start studying as we all do in our schools. They are strictly illegal & waste.

There are certain other ways to prepare for certification. There are affordable alternatives such as e-learning, where an aspirant can get all necessary material for preparation. Try out websites such as HyperLessons.com for a very holistic way to prepare for IT Certification exams.

How to prepare for IT Certification exams

Generally speaking, what are the best resources to use when studying for your certification exams? This quick guide to study will help you organize your thoughts and decide what resources to use when preparing. We have considered various factors including your budgetary constraints as well as the amount of time you can devote towards training for IT Certifications.

Case I: You are quite comfortable with the technology in question and you have some finances to spare

Being comfortable with the technology you do not require hand holding class room sessions. You can do really well with online training such as that provided by Hyperlessons.com. This not only has authorized courseware but also provides expert chat sessions to clarify your doubts, virtual labs for hands-on practice as well as practice tests from Brainbench. To get more exam tips from other fellow learners you can supplement your learning by frequenting forums such as Microsoft, Cisco, Sun, Oracle, ProProfs. Top this up with authorized practice tests from MeasureUp (authorized by Microsoft) and you are on strong footing. If online learning is not your cup of tea, go in for O’Reilly and Amazon to purchase books on IT Certifications. Books are relatively cheap and some are specifically geared towards examination preparation. One piece of advice here would be to use authorized courses as these are updated constantly and with these you can never go wrong.

Case II: You are NOT comfortable with the technology

Here the recommendation would be combine some online learning with instructor led classes such as those from NIIT. For students outside India there are other instructor led training options available. Also, there are options such as video lectures offered by players such as Testout. This combination ensures clarity in concepts and helps you succeed with certainty. All supplements help – for example, knowledge gained through forums, mock tests etc.
After learning online or from books depending on your preference it is advisable to keep abreast of exam changes by visiting popular forums for certification preparation, maintained by top experts & certified people, Hyperlessons, Microsoft, Cisco, Sun, Oracle, ProProfs. There are some general forums also like Cert Guard. Several sites offer chat rooms geared towards helping students with their certifications. Visit these chat rooms, Microsoft chat rooms, Hyperlessons, Cisco and Test Out.
Supplement these with authorized mock tests and you are prepared to take on the certification exams!
It is always important to keep abreast with general knowledge on IT Certifications. You can have these on general certification forums where experts and fellow learners share their knowledge on certifications. Handy links to some common ones are here - Cert Cities, ProProfs

Following the steps above with concentration and honesty will ensure that you do well on the D-Day. A general advice – never reply on brain dumps. First and most important, it does not lead to actual skill development and second you can be deceived (more often than not) when questions you have mugged up do not appear.

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