What's new with Cisco?

We have a great partnership with Sunset Learning for our schedule of guaranteed to run authorized Cisco training classes.  This week we wanted to take a few minutes and show you what’s new and remind you about some recent important updates to Cisco’s associate level certifications. 

What's New in CUCM 9.0 Video

 

In this prerecorded webinar, Sunset Learning Instructor Maren Mahoney demonstrates new features in Cisco Unified Communications Manager 9.0 and discusses some of differences from earlier versions.

 

Topics include: LDAP and Manual User Support, Native Call Queuing, Deterministic Codec Selection, Enhanced Locations Call Admission Control, CUCM URI Registration and Dialing, CUCM IM and Presence, Extend and Connect, New User Pages, and Pause in Speed Dial.

 

Administering Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Unity Connection v8.0

 

Administering Cisco Unified Communications Manager (ACUCM) v8.0 provides system administrators and networking professionals with an understanding of the Cisco Unified Communications Manager System. This course teaches the concepts of IP telephony based in system administration, including its function, features, and configuration. This is an entry-level course that begins with the basic concepts of IP telephony and very quickly moves the learner forward into an understanding of system concepts: clustering, creation of phones and users, route plans, digit manipulation, media resources, and phone features, which are all important to supporting IP telephony in the enterprise network. The course focuses on Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 8.x.

 

Advanced Administration of Unified Communications Manager and Features 9.0

 

Advanced Administration for Unified Communications Manager and Features 9.x (AAUCMF) is a 5-day instructor led course that is intended for experienced unified communications administrators who need in-depth knowledge of Cisco Unified Communications Manager advanced features, services, and troubleshooting. This course is intended to be a follow-on course to ACUCM+AUC, and combines elements from off-the-shelf courses CVOICE, ICOMM, CIPT 2 and TVOICE as well as additional material developed exclusively by Sunset Learning Institute.

 

Reminder: Recent Changes in Cisco Associate Level Certifications 

 

On March 26, 2013, Cisco redesigned the Cisco Associate-level Certification programs and evolution of the CCNA On March 26, 2013, Cisco redesigned the Cisco Associate-level Certification programs and evolution of the CCNA certification to CCNA Routing and Switching certification. Cisco Associate-level certifications such as Routing and Switching, Security, Wireless, Voice and Design are aligned with evolving industry job roles. These alignments will enable candidates to pursue advanced technology Associate-level certifications in an accelerated manner.

 

CCNA certification has evolved from a foundation certification to a concentration certification, and renamed CCNA Routing and Switching. Cisco has redesigned the training curriculum for ICND1, ICND2 and CCNAX and has introduced new exams

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 v2.0

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1 (ICND1) v2.0 is a five-day, instructor-led training course that teaches learners how to install, operate, configure, and verify a basic IPv4 and IPv6 network, including configuring a LAN switch, configuring an IP router, connecting to a WAN, and identifying basic security threats.

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices part 2 v2.0

 

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2 (ICND2) v2.0 course provides entry-level network administrators, network support, and help desk technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network. ICND2.

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Accelerated v2.0

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX), is a course consisting of ICND1 and ICND2 content in its entirety, but with the content merged into a single course. Overlapping content between ICND1 and ICND2 is eliminated and content is rearranged for the purpose of the course flow.

 

-Matt

Are you ready for SharePoint 2013?

SharePoint 2013 is nearly in full swing so I wanted to take a closer look at all the new features available.  Take a look below at some of the best new features SharePoint 2013 can offer your organization.

Better branding for Your Web Presence. What used to be an arduous process that involved complicated designer assets, style sheets and a confusing packaging process has now been made much easier. Now, any Web designer with proficiency in HTML, CSS and JavaScript can in a short amount of time brand a SharePoint site and create a public-facing or internal site that looks good. This will reduce your internal support expense, as well as make it less costly to use SharePoint itself as a platform for public-facing websites.

Improved public-facing website hosting. Hosting a public website (e.g., your .com site) on SharePoint 2007 was an exercise in frustration. Hosting that same site on SharePoint 2010 was better, but that product wasn't as full-featured as some competing platforms.

Enhanced business intelligence. Using SharePoint as a platform to expose business intelligence and big data reports had its coming-out party with the 2010, but the capabilities have expanded in the 2013 release to really make SharePoint the choice to dig deeper into business insights and analytics. Integration between SharePoint and Excel is even tighter, too.

Now let’s take a look at some 2013 SharePoint courses!

55033 SharePoint 2013 Site Collection and Site Administration

This five-day instructor-led course is intended for Power Users who are tasked with working within the SharePoint 2013 environment. This course will provide a deeper, narrowly focused training on the important and popular skills needed to be an Administrator for SharePoint Site Collections and Sites. SharePoint deployment or farm administration skills and tasks required for IT Professionals to manage SharePoint 2013 are available in separate, Microsoft Official Courseware.

Advanced Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013

This five-day course examines how to plan, configure, and manage a Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 environment. Special areas of focus include implementing high availability, disaster recovery, service application architecture, Business Connectivity Services, social computing features, productivity and collaboration platforms and features, business intelligence solutions, enterprise content management, web content management infrastructure, solutions, and apps. The course also examines how to optimize the Search experience, how to develop and implement a governance plan, and how to perform an upgrade or migration to SharePoint Server 2013.

20331 Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage a Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 environment. This course will teach you how to configure SharePoint Server 2013, as well as provide guidelines, best practices, and considerations that will help you optimize your SharePoint server deployment.

If you’re not ready for SharePoint 2013 yet, we still have a large selection of SharePoint 2010 classes at your disposal!

-Matt

The Rise in Mobile Computing

A recent article on Infoworld goes into detail about how Yahoo wants to accelerate its development of mobile products geared toward delivery of personalized content, as the company works to stay relevant in a world where smartphones and tablets are becoming dominant.

Everything seems to be going mobile these days.  Everyone is on the go and in constant contact with their mobile devices.  This means that many organizations need to be able to develop a presence for mobile products.  Consumers may be going mobile more rapidly than just about anyone in the computing industry could have predicted. Two new reports show sales of desktop and laptop machines dropping sharply in the first quarter of 2013.  The good news is that here at BabSim we can get you started on the right path.  Let’s take a look at some of the classes we offer that can get your company’s mobile programming off the ground.

Enterprise iPhone and iPad Programming

For: Developers and architects responsible for iOS application development.

This 5 day iPhone training course teaches application development for the iOS platform. It covers iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. This course starts off by building a solid foundation in Objective-C. It then goes into details of application user interface development. After that the class teaches network access, SQL database, multimedia and graphics programming.

After completing this iPhone training course, a student will be able to build robust, high performing and compelling applications for iPhone and iPad.

What students will learn?

·         User friendly GUI development

·         Network communication

·         Multi-tasking and multi-threading

·         Data storage in file system and database

·         Multi-media programming

·         Detecting memory leaks and resolving them

·         Performance tuning

Programming for Android

For: Developers and architects who will be developing applications for Android devices.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Java. Familiarity with Eclipse is a plus but not necessary.

Android is an open source platform for mobile computing. Applications are developed using familiar Java and Eclipse tools. This Android training course teaches students the architecture, API and techniques to create robust, high performance and appealing applications for the Android devices. While many classes focus on the mobile device, this course also deals with the server side architecture. This makes the class ideal for enterprise class businesses. After taking this Android training course, students will be able to build robust and high performance applications for the enterprises.

Here is what students will learn:

•The architecture of Android OS.
•Using the Eclipse based development environment.
•GUI development.
•Supporting multiple languages.
•Accessing data from files, network and SQL database.
•Audio and video playback.
•Automated testing of your applications.
•Selling your applications in Android market.

Building Mobile Web Sites

For: This course is designed for someone who is already proficient with Web 2.0 style programming. That means, good knowledge of Ajax, JSON, DOM API is assumed. As a result, the following topics are not covered in details. We assume that students know these topics well: Ajax, DOM API, and jQuery

This course teaches how to use the new features of HTML5 in a mobile platform. Two key aspects of this training class are:

-Architecture options. For example, do we need two separate web sites for mobile and desktop or can we render the same HTML markup using two different CSS files?

-New features of HTML5 in details.  For example, Canvas and Offline.

You can read the full article on Yahoo’s mobile plans here.

-Matt

New Linux training

We are proud to present our partnership with Guru Labs for Linux Training.

The founders of Guru Labs, Bryan Croft and Dax Kelson, are experts in their fields. They had successfully deployed Linux in many environments from the early 1990s. Bryan and Dax recognized the limitless possibilities of Linux and open source contribution. With the rising exposure and popularity of Linux, a large number of potential users and existing users were seeking in-depth, specialized training.

These Linux courses will be GARUNTEED TO RUN and offered multiple times throughout the year.  Each course is currently supported on the latest releases of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with additional support for Fedora Core Linux and SUSE Linux Professional.

Let’s take a look at a few of these classes:

Linux Fundamentals

SL120 is a challenging course that focuses on the fundamental tools and concepts of Linux and Unix. Students gain proficiency using the command line. Beginners develop a solid foundation in Unix, while advanced users discover patterns and fill in gaps in their knowledge. Like all Guru Labs courses, the course material is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience. Topics include: basic file manipulation; basic and advanced filesystem features; I/O redirection and pipes; text manipulation and regular expressions; managing jobs and processes; vi, the standard Unix editor; automating tasks with shell scripts; managing software; secure remote administration; and more.

Enterprise Linux Networking Services

This is an expansive course that covers a wide range of network services useful to every organization. Special attention is paid to the concepts needed to implement these services securely, and to the trouble-shooting skills which will be necessary for real-world administration of these network services. Course material is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience. Topics include: Security with SELinux and Netfilter, DNS concepts and implementation with Bind; LDAP concepts and implementation using OpenLDAP; Web services with Apache; FTP with vsftpd; caching, filtering proxies with Squid; SMB/CIFS (Windows networking) with Samba; and e-mail concepts and implementation with Postfix combined with either Dovecot or Cyrus.

Enterprise Linux System Administration

This is an in-depth course that explores installation, configuration and maintenance of Linux systems. The course focuses on issues universal to every workstation and server. Course material is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience. Topics include: installation and configuration; the boot process; user and group administration; filesystem administration, including quotas, FACLs, RAID and LVM; task automation; client networking; SELinux; software management; log files; troubleshooting; and more.

-Matt

Cisco Unified Communications Manager 9.0

 

Today we are going to take a look at an exciting webinar hosted by our partners over at Sunset Learning Institute.

Sunset Learning Institute, a top-tier Cisco Learning Partner that are experts in providing and developing authorized Cisco training, is hosting a free demonstration and discussion covering New Features in Cisco Unified Communications Manager 9.0.

In this free one-hour webinar, Maren Mahoney, a Sunset Learning Unified Communications Specialized Instructor, will showcase new features in CUCM 9.0 and cover some of the major differences in versions.

This presentation is intended for a technical audience who is currently using an earlier version of Cisco Unified Communications Manager and wants to learn more about the new features in 9.0 and how it can benefit their Collaboration architecture.

What’s New in Cisco Unified Communications Manager 9.0 Topics

· Mixed End User Accounts LDAP and Local

· SIP URI Dialing

· Appending Codes with Speed Dial

· Deterministic CODEC Selection – Location CACs

· Native Call Queuing

· Redesign of End User Web Interface

· Updated CUP Integration

· Cisco Enterprise License Manager

Space is limited to 100 participants/session. Here are the dates and registration links.

Monday March 25th at 3pm EST – https://www.go2myevent.com/Invite.aspx?code=503114

Tuesday March 26th at 3pm EST – https://www.go2myevent.com/Invite.aspx?code=503116

Take a look at the video below as Maren goes over in great detail what the class entails and why it is different than all other training to date.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-skk6HuF8zo

Here is a look at one of our Communication Manager 9.0 courses:

Advanced Administration of Unified Communications Manager and Features 9.0

4/15/13 and 6/17/13

Don’t about all of our guaranteed to run Cisco Courses here at BabSim!

-Matt

Business Analysis Training

Today we are going to take a look at Business Analysis training.  With BabSim’s business analysis training courses, you will be able to identify and improve business processes in your organization through requirements gathering, analytics, communication skills, and data modeling. We provide preparation for several IIBA business analysis certifications and training designed to give you a skill set that includes brainstorming, managing contracts, and developing and maintaining vendor relationships.  Most importantly, Babbage Simmel is an IIBA Endorsed Education Provider, Charter Member.  Now let’s take a look at what kinds of BA training we can offer you.  Remember all of these courses will provide you with continuing development units (CDUs) that you can use as you continue with your education.

Business Analysis Theory and Practice

There is no more critical function in the management of successful projects than identifying a clear project scope, which includes identifying the requirements of the product the project will create. Unfortunately, identifying those requirements is difficult under even the best circumstances. Often, requirements are poorly understood even by business users of the systems or products to be created by the project and by the project designers and developers. Users often have a difficult time articulating requirements, and, frequently, the requirements will need to be changed during the course of the project. Those who develop the product of the project may also bring their own biases to product design, which may further complicate the ability of the project to produce deliverables that meet user needs.

Essentials of Business Analysis for Project Managers

Though a critical role in requirements elicitation and management is played by the business analyst, project managers have to understand the purposes, methods and tools of managing requirements so that they can play a productive role and supervise the work of
the business analyst. Business analysts serve as the link between the business interests served by the project and the technology that will be employed to deliver the functionality required by it. They are responsible for translating business needs into language that systems analysts can turn into a solution, for framing the problem and identifying the most appropriate solution. They keep the project focused on the needs for which it was initiated.

Business Analysis Principles and Techniques: CBAP Exam Prep

This workshop is intended to provide knowledge of what a business analyst should do and how they should do it. More importantly, however, this workshop is designed to build a strong foundation in business analysis that can allow participants to understand why something should be done. It's that "why" element that allows for understanding and
answering test questions.  This workshop is compliant with the standards for business analysis and requirements definition detailed in the BABOK® Guide.

Business Analysis Essentials

The best way to ensure that projects meet the needs for which they were initiated is to apply a consistent requirements process and requirements management methods and tools. The goal of this workshop is to enhance the skills of project teams including those engaged in requirements elicitation and management and to increase the capability of an
organization to deliver products and services that meet user and stakeholder needs. It provides an overview and application of the processes of requirements management and is intended to allow participants to build requirements management processes that can help them increase the success of their projects.

Business Analysis Fundamentals and Enterprise Analysis

This workshop provides an introduction to and overview of the critical skills and competencies of the business analyst and an introduction to enterprise analysis, the pre-project and organizational roles of the business analyst. It provides an understanding of the roles of the business analyst and knowledge of the basic skills used by the business analyst to support the functions of the organization. The material covered in this workshop will provide a solid base for other workshops that describe the role of the business analyst and the methods employed to plan for, elicit, document, analyze, communicate, and verify business requirements.

-Matt

 

What's the deal with Agile?

Agile training has become pretty popular here at Babsim over the last couple of years, so I wanted to take some time to discuss some of the current understanding of what Agile methodology is.

Agile software development is a group of software development methods based on iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. It promotes adaptive planning, evolutionary development and delivery, a time-boxed iterative approach, and encourages rapid and flexible response to change. It is a conceptual framework that promotes foreseen interactions throughout the development cycle. The Agile Manifesto^[1] introduced the term in 2001.

Here is a look at the Agile Extension to the BABOK Guide by the IIBA. PMI also goes into detail about Agile techniques here.

Now that we’ve got that down, let’s take a look at what Agile course offerings we have that can fit in with your organization.

Agile Practices for Managers

This course introduces managers to management principles in an Agile environment. Students learn the paradigm shifts that occur when organizations move from traditional environments to Agile environments. Students learn the different management dimensions to examine the organization, and the appropriate techniques which should be used to assist and support Agile teams to successful implementations.

Improving Customer Satisfaction and Creating Better IT Solutions: Agile requirements and Development

This two-day workshop provides an introduction to those agile methods. Rather than detailing one of those methods as a reputed “cure” for every organization and situation, it provides an overview of several methods with the goal of allowing participants to pick and choose among the methods to identify those that will work for them.

Agile In-Depth Experience

Learn about iteration planning, product roadmap and backlog, estimating practices, user story development, and iteration execution.

Agile Certified Practitioner PMI-ACP Prep Course

The purpose of this course is to prepare the students for the ACP^SM certification exam. The class begins with an overview of Agile approaches. It includes Scrum, XP, Agile Earned Value, Kanban, and hybrid approaches to implementing Agile on projects. The class also reviews Agile tools techniques such as story prioritization, backlog management, Agile estimation, personas, TDD, Information Radiators, and other tools. The class ends with a practice quiz to simulate the experience of taking the ACPSM exam. Although the class is intended for those with some Agile experience who wish to prepare for the certification exam, those experienced project managers with are curious about Agile and want an introduction.

XP: Acceptance Test Driven Development

The Testing & Refactoring Workshop offers a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to evolutionary design and automated testing. Over the past decade, practices like Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Refactoring have helped many teams significantly improve development speed, code quality and responsiveness to changing requirements. This workshop explores the foundations of TDD, microtesting and automated refactoring with the help of various patterns, strategies, tools and techniques.

3/13/13-3/15/13 and 3/27/13-3/29/13

-Matt