The top five classes of 2011 are….

Welcome back for part two of our countdown of the top ten Microsoft classes of 2011!  Well start it off this week at number 5…

5. Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 M-10135

•Install and deploy Exchange Server 2010.

•Configure Mailbox servers and mailbox server components.

•Manage recipient objects.

•Configure the Client Access server role.

•Manage message transport.

•Configure the secure flow of messages between the Exchange Server organization and the Internet.

•Implement a high availability solution for Mailbox servers and other server roles.

•Plan and implement backup and restore for the server roles.

•Plan and configure messaging policy and compliance.

•Configure Exchange Server permissions and security for internal and external access.

•Monitor and maintain the messaging system.

•Transition an Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange Server 2007 organization to Exchange Server 2010.

•Configure the Unified Messaging Server role and Unified Messaging components.

•Implement high availability across multiple sites and implement Federated Sharing

2/27/12-3/2/12

4. Configuring, Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2008-based Servers M6419

•Describe the Windows Server 2008 environment including the roles, features, and the tools used to perform effective server management.

•Manage the DNS and DHCP server infrastructure roles.

•Configure secure and efficient access to file services.

•Configure and manage Distributed File Systems.

•Manage file resources by using File Server Resource Manager.

•Configure and secure Remote Access.

•Manage Active Directory Domain Services.

•Configure Active Directory object administration and Domain Trust.

•Create and manage Group Policy objects.

•Configure user and computer settings by using Group Policy.

•Implement security settings by using Group Policy.

•Provide efficient network access for remote offices.

•Monitor and maintain Windows Server 2008.

•Manage Windows Server 2008 backup, restore, and recovery

1/9/12-1/13/12

3. Configuring and Troubleshooting a Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure M-6421

•Install and configure servers.

•Configure and troubleshoot DNS.

•Configure and manage WINS.

•Configure and troubleshoot DHCP.

•Configure and troubleshoot IPv6 TCP/IP.

•Configure and troubleshoot Routing and Remote Access.

•Install, configure, and troubleshoot the Network Policy Server Role service.

•Configure Network Access Protection.

•Configure IPsec.

•Monitor and troubleshoot IPsec.

•Configure and manage Distributed File System.

•Configure and manage storage technologies.

•Configure availability of network resources and content.

•Configure server security compliance.

1/30/12-2/3/12

2. Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client M-6292

•Perform a clean installation of Windows 7, upgrade to Windows 7, and migrate user-related data and settings from an earlier version of Windows.

•Configure disks, partitions, volumes, and device drivers to enable a Windows 7 client computer.

•Configure file access and printers on a Windows 7 client computer.

•Configure network connectivity on a Windows 7 client computer.

•Configure wireless network connectivity on a Windows 7 client computer.

•Secure Windows 7 client desktop computers.

•Optimize and maintain the performance and reliability of a Windows 7 client computer.

•Configure mobile computing and remote access settings for a Windows 7 client computer.

2/1/12-2/3/12

And the number one most popular class in 2011 was…

1. Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 Active Directory domain Services M-6425

This five-day instructor-led course provides to teach Active Directory Technology Specialists with the knowledge and skills to configure Active Directory Domain Services in a distributed environment, implement Group Policies, perform backup and restore, and monitor and troubleshoot Active Directory related issues. After completing this course students will be able to configure AD DS in their Windows Server 2008 and Windows server 2008 R2 environments.

After completing this course, students will be able to implement and configure Active Directory domain services in their enterprise environment.

2/20/12-2/24/12

Happy Holidays!

-Matt

Have you taken one of the top ten Microsoft classes this year? Part 1

It seems like everyone is doing countdowns this time of the year, so why not?  This will be part one of a two part blog that will highlight the ten most popular Microsoft courses for 2011.  These classes should still be popular in 2012, so this will give everyone a chance to look at the best courses the big M is putting out, and the next class date.  Let’s get it started with number 10…

10. Configuring Identity and access Solutions with Windows Server 2008 Active Directory M-6426

   •Describe identity and access solutions.
   •Configure Active Directory Certificate Services.
   •Deploy and manage certificates.
   •Configure Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services.
   •Configure Active Directory Federation Services.
   •Configure Active Directory Rights Management Services.
   •Maintain access management solutions.
   •Troubleshoot identity and access solutions

1/18/12-1/20/12

9. Writing Queries Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Transact-SQL M-2778

·        Describe the uses of and ways to execute the Transact-SQL language.

·        Use querying tools.

·        Write SELECT queries to retrieve data.

·        Group and summarize data by using Transact-SQL.

·        Join data from multiple tables.

·        Write queries that retrieve and modify data by using subqueries.

·        Modify data in tables.

·        Query text fields with full-text search.

·        Describe how to create programming objects.

·        Use various techniques when working with complex queries.

1/30/12-2/1/12

8. Configuring and Managing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 M-10174

·        Prepare for and install SharePoint 2010

·        Configure the fundamental service and logical components of a SharePoint Implementation

·        Administer SharePoint using the user interface, the command line, and Windows PowerShell

·        Manage content in Lists and Libraries

·        Administer identities and authentication

·        Secure content in SharePoint sites

·        Manage customizations to a SharePoint implementation

·        Configure SharePoint services and applications

·        Configure SharePoint social networking features

·        Manage SharePoint search

·        Configure farms, servers, service applications, and web applications

·        Install, upgrade, configure, and operate a SharePoint farm

·        Configure high availability and recoverability

·        Monitor and optimize SharePoint performance

1/9/12-1/13/12

7. Visual Studio 2008: Windows Presentation Foundation M-6460

·        Create a WPF application.

·        Build a user interface in a WPF application.

·        Customize the appearance of a WPF application.

·        Bind user interface controls to data sources.

·        Bind user interface controls to collections.

·        Create new controls in a WPF application.

·        Manage documents in a WPF application.

·        Add graphics and multimedia support to a WPF application.

·        Configure and deploy WPF applications.

6. Maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Database M-6231

·        Explain SQL Server 2008 R2 architecture resources requirements and perform prechecks of IO

·        subsystems

·        Plan install and configure SQL Server 2008 R2

·        Backup and restore databases

·        Import and export wizards and explain how they relate to SSIS

·        Use BCP and BULK INSERT to import data

·        Manage security

·        Assign configure fixed database roles and create and assign user defined database roles

·        Configure and assign permissions

·        Implement SQL Server 2008 R2 Audits

·        Manage SQL Server 2008 R2 Agent and Jobs

·        Configure database mails alerts and notifications

·        Maintain databases

·        Configure SQL Profiler Traces and Use the Database Tuning Advisor

·        Monitor data by using Dynamic Management Views

·        Execute multiserver queries and configure a central management server

·        Deploy a datatierapplication

·        Troubleshoot common issues

1/23/12-1/27/12

Be sure to check back next week for part two of this countdown, and find out what the number one Microsoft class of 2011 was!

-Matt

At the Forefront of Security

When it comes to policy management, data synchronization and user self-service Forefront Identity Manager handles it all.  Computerworld has a nice look at all three areas.

Policy Management
Forefront Identity Manager’s view of identity management is that employees, their roles and their eventual authorizations and authentication should all fall under the purview of policies. Administrators familiar with Group Policy in Windows will find this metaphor holds well. These policies consist of rules that you, as the administrator, can create to dictate what happens when certain actions take place.
These policies that you define are kicked off and then subsequently managed by the Windows Workflow Foundation.  This provides a powerful base for all sorts of interesting and complex workflows, with nesting, conditions and multiple branches. If your group has already invested in creating rules via WF, you can very simply import them into FIM and use and further customize them from within FIM, saving you from reinvesting the time necessary to create the workflows again in a different tool. If you have a proficient developer staff, you can also create workflows in Visual Studio and export them for use within FIM.

Data Synchronization
The core of any identity management product, FIM included, is the ability to keep multiple systems –often on different platforms, from different vendors, with different databases — synchronized as often as possible. The goal is for changes initiated by any system to be replicated accurately and efficiently up and down the chain of related systems.
FIM’s core, a synchronization service, manages the data coming into and out of FIM and handles communicating with the target systems — and in most cases it does so using standards or direct API support with each system. In other words, no messy agents need run on most of these systems.
All of these synchronization actions can be gated via the workflow system so that administrators or other designated personnel have to approve changes before they are sequenced throughout your organization — most helpful for creating and deleting users, but also helpful depending on the sensitivity of the systems in your network.

User Self-Service

One of the big points of emphasis in FIM 2010 is the delegation of simple administrative tasks to users themselves. From resetting passwords to managing distribution groups, FIM’s We- portal makes it reasonably simple for users to manage their group memberships, profile information (like addresses and office and mobile phone numbers, for example) and passwords themselves, without involving a help desk call.

You can check out the full article on testing FIM 2010 by Jonathan Hassell here.

If you’re looking to deploy FIM 2010 in your organization and need to ramp up on all of its little intricacies check out our M-50382 class coming up on 1/10/12 and then again on 2/21/12.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•Understand FIM concepts and components.
•Identify appropriate FIM scenarios.
•Manage users, groups, and passwords using FIM.
•Synchronize identity data across systems, such as Active Directory and HR.
•Understand the issues involved in loading data (initial load, backup, and disaster recovery).
•Configure security for different levels of user.
•Manage password self-service reset and synchronization.
•Automate run cycles.
•Handle sets, simple workflows, and management policy rules (MPRs).
We also have a couple other Forefront classes you should checkout.

M-50357: Implementing Threat Management Gateway 2010

 After completing this course, you will be able to:
•Understand the new features and the value proposition for Forefront TMG.
•Explain how Forefront TMG protects clients and servers from Web-based threats.
•Describe how Forefront TMG enable outside systems to secure connect to internal services and applications.
•Describe how Forefront TMG integrates with Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange and Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 to protect an organization from mail-based threats.
•Design an enterprise solution using Forefront TMG considering availability, scalability, operations, and migration from an existing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) solution.

M-50360: Implementing Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange and SharePoint

After completing this course, you will be able to:
•Understand the new features and the value proposition for the different product and technologies that are part of the Microsoft Forefront Protection Suite.
•Explain how Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010 can provide secure mail relay functionality combined with Microsoft Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and Microsoft Exchange Edge server role.
•Describe how Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and Microsoft Forefront Online Protection for Exchange protect an organization from mail-based threats.
•Describe how Microsoft Forefront Protection 2010 for SharePoint protects the organization from threats involving data in SharePoint Server sites.
•Understand how the Exchange Server and SharePoint Server security solutions are integrated and managed from Microsoft Forefront Protection Manager.

-Matt

Is Windows 8 the Next Big Thing?

CNET News has a great article out about the looming Windows 8 release in 2012.

The rumor is that Microsoft Windows 8 may be largely irrelevant to users of traditional PC’s.  Research has shown that since the release of the Windows 8 Developer Preview in September, Microsoft has been battered by criticism from desktop users over the new Metro interface. In addition to those who just don’t like the new look and feel, many have complained that the touch-based UI simply doesn’t work well with a mouse and keyboard.  In fact, Microsoft is actually telling organizations currently running Windows XP to jump to Windows 7 instead of waiting around for Windows 8.

Maybe you believe that Windows 8 will be a flop, or maybe you’re just not ready to move away from Windows 7.  Either way, we here at Babsim have the perfect classes to make you a pro at using every little bit of Windows 7.  Check out our upcoming classes below.

Troubleshooting and Supporting Windows 7 in the Enterprise, M-6293.

1/3/12-1/5/12 and 3/5/12

After completing this course, students will be able to troubleshoot:

• Startup issues on a computer with Windows 7 installed.
• Issues related to the application of Group Policy.
• Issues related to hardware devices and device drivers.
• Issues related to network connectivity.
• Remote connectivity issues.
• User profile and logon script issues.
• Issues related to security systems such as Encrypting File Systems (EFS), BitLocker, and file permissions.
• Issues related to operating system features and applications.
  Issues related to performance.

Planning and Managing Windows 7 Desktop Deployments and Environments, M-6294.

1/30/12-2/3/12 and 3/5/12-3/9/12

After completing this Windows 7 training course, students will be able to:
• Plan and perform effective preparation tasks for deploying Windows 7.
• Describe and compare various deployment methods to determine the best deployment method for your scenario.
• Assess and resolve application compatibility issues.
• Assess and evaluate business needs and requirements to design a standard image.
• Configure system, security and Internet Explorer settings to define the client environment.
• Describe the tools and methods to perform automated installation in Windows 7.
• Deploy images using WAIK.
• Deploy images using WDS.
• Deploy images using Lite Touch installation
• Use MDT 2010 to deploy Windows 7 using Zero Touch installation technologies
• Migrate user state using USMT 4.0.
• Create and implement a strategy to deploy applications and updates
• Perform an end-to-end Windows 7 Deployment

Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client, M-6292.

2/1/12-2/3/12

After completing this course, students will be able to:
•Perform a clean installation of Windows 7, upgrade to Windows 7, and migrate user-related data and settings from an earlier version of Windows.
•Configure disks, partitions, volumes, and device drivers to enable a Windows 7 client computer.
•Configure file access and printers on a Windows 7 client computer.
•Configure network connectivity on a Windows 7 client computer.
•Configure wireless network connectivity on a Windows 7 client computer.
•Secure Windows 7 client desktop computers.
•Optimize and maintain the performance and reliability of a Windows 7 client computer.
•Configure mobile computing and remote access settings for a Windows 7 client computer.

To view the whole CNET article click here.

-Matt

What is SharePoint?

What is SharePoint 2010 exactly, and why is it so important?

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 makes it easier for people to work together, but SharePoint isn’t just a tool, it’s a toolbox.  Using SharePoint 2010, your people can set up Web sites to share information with others, manage documents from start to finish, and publish reports to help everyone make better decisions.  Below are just a few of the options you have with SharePoint 2010.

-SharePoint 2010 Sites provides a single infrastructure for all your business Web sites. Share documents with colleagues, manage projects with partners, and publish information to customers.

-SharePoint 2010 Composites offers tools and components for creating do-it-yourself business solutions. Build no-code solutions to rapidly respond to business needs.

-SharePoint 2010 Insights gives everyone access to the information in databases, reports, and business applications. Help people locate the information they need to make good decisions

-SharePoint 2010 Communities delivers great collaboration tools—and a single platform to manage them. Make it easy for people to share ideas and work together the way they want.

-SharePoint 2010 Content makes content management easy. Set up compliance measures ”behind the scenes”—with features like document types, retention polices, and automatic content sorting—and then let people work naturally in Microsoft Office.

-SharePoint 2010 Search cuts through the clutter. A unique combination of relevance, refinement, and social cues helps people find the information and contacts they need to get their jobs done

If any of this seems confusing to you, don’t worry we have you covered.  Below is a list of our upcoming SharePoint classes that will get you off and running.

SharePoint 2010 at Babbage Simmel

   SP726: SharePoint 2010 for Business Users, Power Users, and Site Owners 1/4/12-1/6/12

M-10175: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development 12/5/11-12/9/11 and 1/16/12-1/20/12 and 2/6/12-2/10/12

M-10174: TS IT PRO: Configuring and Managing MS SharePoint 2010 1/9/12-1/13/12 and 1/30/12-2/3/12 and 2/27/12-3/2/12

M-10231: Designing a MS SharePoint 2010 Infrastructure 12/19/11-12/23/11 and 1/23/12-1//27/12

   M-50354: SharePoint 2010 SharePoint Designer 1/5/12-1/6/12 and 2/23/12-2/24/12

   M-50429: SharePoint 2010 Business Intelligence 1/30/12-2/3/12 and 2/13/12-2/17/12

   M-10232: Designing and Developing MS SharePoint Server 2010 Applications 2/6/12-2/10/12

-Matt

Cloud Computing can open new doors for IT professionals

Cloud Computing promises new career opportunities for IT professionals. In many cases, existing core skill sets transfer directly to cloud technologies. In other instances, IT pros need to develop new skill sets that meet the demand of emerging cloud job roles.  Companies that consider moving to cloud computing will want to educate their IT professionals about the potential opportunities ahead so that they can build staff capabilities and skills ahead of the change.

Many IT professionals feel as though the Cloud will take away key job roles and applications.  This is incorrect.  The bulk of an IT professional’s skills remain relevant in a cloud environment.  System configuration tasks such as creating routing rules, configuring archiving, and managing policies are still necessary.  The change is moving from building and supporting local IT infrastructure to managing IT services in the cloud, which requires, an extension of skills and capabilities.  This means employers will be looking for IT professionals with these types of skills.

One way IT professionals become more essential in the cloud era has to do with their ability to implement public cloud services like Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure.

As I mentioned before, instead of decreasing an IT professional’s role, the move to cloud solutions opens up many new opportunities.  Key technical skill sets become more critical to career success, including custom application development and deep technical knowledge of the various collaboration products such as Exchange Server.

Tasks that remain include monitoring, configuration, and integration with existing on-premise services such as Active Directory, while activities such as purchasing hardware, installing operating systems and managing patches are no longer needed since they are handled by the cloud provider.

Once IT professionals learn more about the cloud and they see there’s a big change that will help them in the future, it will become clear to them that they will have a job that is more challenging than just being an administrator.

Developers will have to focus on innovation, integration, and rapid delivery on business requirements. They also will find more design opportunities beyond what they currently manage.  IT security will be prevalent as ever.  Cloud solutions have new security implications for consideration.

Organizations in different industries have divergent requirements regarding privacy and data retention. This means that the solution selected by an organization or an enterprise must be carefully evaluated to ensure that the selected services allow the organization to remain in compliance.

Below are the three types of cloud services companies will be migrating to in the near future.

• A private cloud is a set of standardized computing resources that is dedicated to an organization, usually on-premises in the organization’s datacenter. It works with the current capital investment and delivers the new functions as a service.
• A hosted private cloud has a dedicated infrastructure hosted by a third party, inaccessible to other organizations.
• A public cloud consists of computing resources hosted externally but shared with other organizations and dynamically provisioned and billed on a utility basis — the customer will pay for what is used as they use it.

The IT industry will continue to evolve, just as it always has.  The more understanding that companies and IT professionals have of these new technologies will help secure their futures.

-Matt

Virtualization is the Way of the Future

Lead your company into the future. Take the Microsoft Virtualization Challenge

Virtualization is picking up speed. Are your skills keeping up?

Lead your company into the future with Microsoft training and certification.

Information technology is moving to the cloud. Virtualization is the foundation.
Every IT professional is looking for ways to more effectively use their infrastructure, respond to new business opportunities, and adapt to change. With cloud computing, a new world of computing power is within your reach. Using virtualization as the foundation, skilled IT professionals are able to deploy creative solutions to meet the business challenges of today.

Virtualization is the future. Get ready.

Be relevant. Be different. Be specialized. Become a virtualization expert
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, becoming a virtualization expert could mean the difference between getting ahead or getting lost in the crowd. When you need to show what you know, certification will set you apart.

Success today means having the wisdom and ingenuity to guide your company into the future. In a world where technology is rapidly evolving and virtualization is the way to the cloud, becoming a virtualization expert could mean the difference between getting ahead or getting lost in the crowd. When you need to show what you know, certification will set you apart.

As today’s companies expand their efforts around virtualization and the cloud, they need employees with the skill and understanding to lead them in the right direction. You have the opportunity to inspire an IT evolution in your company. Become a virtualization leader today with Microsoft Certification.
Take the next step in your virtualization training. Get certified.

If you’ve taken classes here at Babbage Simmel, then we’ve got a great offer for you!  Call your Learning Solutions Representative to get a free test voucher for the 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization exam and test your skills.  If you pass the exam, congratulations!  You are at the forefront of an IT evolution and you will have earned the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification. If you aren’t able to pass the exam on your first try then we have the solution.  Our M-10215 class, Implementing and Managing Microsoft Server Virtualization, will prepare you to pass the exam.  Once you’ve completed the class, you will receive another free test voucher for the 70-659 exam!
Here are the dates for the class:

M-10215: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Server Virtualization  1/23/12-1/27/12 and 2/6/12-2/10/12

Below is a list of the other courses we offer on virtualization technologies.

M-10215: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Server Virtualization
1/23/12-1/27/12 and 3/12/12-3/16/12

Vmw-1300: Vmware vSphere 5.0 with ESXi and vCenter
12/5/11-12/9/12

-Matt

Does IT certification mean higher pay?

According to NetworkWorld, no, but that doesn’t mean the IT profession is in trouble.  Indeed, the premium pay gap between non-certified and certified IT skills is the largest it has been since late 2000. Employers are paying 8.5% more for employees with non-certified IT skills, compared to 7% more for employees with IT certifications. 

"It seems that when it comes to IT hiring, employers may prefer demonstrated experience over certification, plus they are seeking more skills in areas where there are no certifications," said David Foote, CEO of Foote Partners, who surveys the IT field. 

Even though employers aren’t paying extra as much for certifications, the IT field will have a larger budget for companies across the United States in 2012 than it did in 2011 or 2010, and that’s a great sign for IT professionals.

Here at Babbage Simmel, we prepare you for a certification, but more importantly we prepare you for a career.  The knowledge and experience you gain from our classes and top notch trainers will allow you to flourish in your current position or any future positions you may seek.  Whether it’s for a big deployment of new technology you’re rolling out in your organization, or just for a refresher, we’ve got you covered with just the class you need.

"In general, what CIOs are looking for in IT workers are understanding of the customer or the solution set, subject matter expertise and customer know-how," Foote said. "The tech skills are fourth or fifth on their list of priorities."

When it comes to subject matter expertise, we have that covered with Certified Instructors who have real world experience and years of practice on these same technologies.

Our partnerships with Quickstart Intelligence and Sunset Learning allow us to run nearly any technology class you might need for your profession.

You can check out the full articles about IT Certification and IT budgets on NetworkWorld here and here.

-Matt