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

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.