Thursday, December 20, 2012

2012 Year in Review


Well, it’s been another great year for the Babbage Simmel staff and alumni.  We did tons of training and certification testing this year, with Visual Studio taking the crown for the most trained subject.  We taught twice as many Visual Studio courses in 2012 as the runner up for subject of the year, SharePoint 2010.  Now Visual Studio did have a slight advantage as both the 2008 and 2012 versions of the software were still being taught and in demand. 

Windows 7, Project Management and System Center all finished pretty dead even in a respectable third place.  System Center, however, didn’t really get its legs until the second half of 2012, and it’s been the most popular class over the last couple of months.  I look for this trend to continue into 2013 giving System Center a great chance to be our most popular class next year.  It was a pretty good year for Windows Server  as well, although most of that was the 2008 version.  It looks like Windows Server 2012 could be pretty big next year, and another solid contender.   

All and all it was a fantastic year for IT training.  The industry has picked back up again, and all signs point to more growth in hiring percentage and training budgets in 2013.  I also wanted to mention a couple classes coming up in early January that only have a couple seats left. 


1/07/13-1/11/13


1/14/13-1/18/13

Do yourself a favor and start the year off right! 

We hope you all have a very safe and fun holiday season.

See you next year!

-Matt 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

IBM Cognos Training


This week we wanted to take some time and spotlight a couple new training classes here at Babsim.  What exactly is IBM Cognos?  We’re glad you asked.

From business intelligence to financial performance and strategy management to analytics applications, IBM Cognos software can provide what your organization needs to become top-performing and analytics-driven. With products for the individual, workgroup, department, midsize business and large enterprise, Cognos software is designed to help everyone in your organization make the decisions that achieve better business outcomes—for now and in the future.

Cognos solutions are designed to help you make smarter decisions and manage performance for optimized business results. Combine your financial and operational data into a single, seamless source of information in the environment of your choice for transparent and timely reporting, analysis and action.

Now let’s take a closer look at a couple of our IBM Cognos offerings.


IBM Cognos Framework Manager: Design Metadata Models is a five-day, instructor-led course that provides participants with introductory to advanced knowledge of metadata modeling concepts, and how to model metadata for predictable reporting and analysis results using Framework Manager. Participants will learn the full scope of the metadata modeling process, from initial project creation, to publishing of metadata to the Web, enabling end users to easily author reports and analyze data.
B-5160 IBM Cognos Report Studio: Author Professional Reports (V10.2)

This course is designed for professional report authors to learn report building techniques using relational data models, and ways of enhancing and customizing, and managing professional reports. Attendees will participate in hands-on demos and workshops that illustrate key concepts while learning how to use the product. The second part of this course builds on topics learned in the Fundamentals section. The Advanced section is designed to teach advanced report building techniques using relational data models, and ways of enhancing, customizing, and managing professional reports. Attendees will participate in hands-on demos and workshops that illustrate key concepts while learning how to use the product.

-Matt

Thursday, December 6, 2012

New System Center Courses

 

We’re busy finishing a jam packed week here at Babsim. It’s always nice when you can fill every room in the building. One of our biggest classes this week was Systems Center, taught by our old friend, Ken Alexander. This class has been one of our most popular classes this year, and I’m sure it will be next year as well. Let’s take a look at this class and when it’s offered next so you can secure your seat ahead of time. On top of that let’s also take a look at some new system center classes that were just released. Let’s try to make these new classes just as popular ;)


This five-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage a System Center 2012 Configuration Manager site and its associated site systems in the role of Configuration Manager Administrators.





Now, here are the brand new System Center 2012 classes that just released:


This five-day course provides instructor-led students with the knowledge to successfully design and deploy Microsoft’s System Center 2012- Operations Manager (SCOM). In this course, students are introduced to the basic theory of service monitoring. Students also learn about configuration, deployment, monitoring, and operation. Upon course completion, students will have the skills necessary to manage Operations Manager for maximum business benefit. This course incorporates case-studies and hands-on learning opportunities so students can practice applying business solutions to real-world scenarios.


This 5-day System Center Service Manager administration course provides the day to day SCSM administrator with the ability to maintain Service Manager 2012 within their organization. This course is approximately a 50/50 mix of lecture/lab experience for the student. It provides best practice sharing as well as the opportunity for the student to dive deep into their own lab experience. This System Center class starts with a brief introduction of how the various System Center products interoperate, and includes a discussion of how SCSM architected and deployed.


This four-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge to successfully maintain Virtual Machine manager within their organization. In this course, students are introduced to the various Systems Center products and provides a deep-dive into SCVMM. Upon course completion, students will be able to architect and deploy Virtual Machine Manager. This course incorporates case-studies and hands-on learning opportunities so students can practice applying business solutions to real-world scenarios.

Don’t forget, if you need to use the remainder of that 2012 training budget before the end of the year, we still have classes available for the next couple weeks. Check out our list of classes to find out which ones you can still hop into this month.

-Matt

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

SharePoint Migration

We’ve been busy the last couple weeks with a SharePoint migration here at Babsim (fun stuff), but don’t think we forgot about you.  In fact, since SharePoint is the hot topic around here right now let’s take a look at our upcoming SharePoint classes!  Maybe your organization can get in on all of the fun we’re having.

The course teaches students how to install, configure and administer SharePoint, and also manage and monitor sites and users by using SharePoint 2010.



This course provides existing .NET developers with practical information and labs that enables them to build solutions on the Microsoft SharePoint 2010 platform.


What’s even better is that these courses are guaranteed to run!  That’s right, and seats are filling up quick.  In case SharePoint isn’t as popular at your organization as it is here with us here are some more of our guaranteed to run classes for the rest of the year.


This five-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage a System Center 2012 Configuration Manager site and its associated site systems in the role of Configuration Manager administrators.



This five-day instructor-led course provides knowledge and skills on developing Web applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.


-Matt

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Top paying certifications

We talked a few weeks ago about what IT skills employers where looking for in 2013.  Let’s take it even one step further and discuss which certifications can give you the biggest bump on your salary.  If you want that number to increase on your paycheck than take a look at some of these important certifications, along with the classes that will help you get them!

8-13 Percent Premium Added to Your Base Pay

Prerequisite:
All candidates must hold the ITIL Foundation certificate or a Bridge qualification equivalent.
A total of 17 credits minimum must be earned from Foundation and Intermediate modules.
The “Managing Across the Lifecycle” module must be taken and passed once 17 credits have been earned.

The ITIL 2011 Edition course is the entry level certification course for IT Service Management Best Practices training in ITIL.  This course covers the latest version of core ITIL best practices presented from a lifecycle perspective.  The course introduces the principles and core elements of IT service management (ITSM) based on ITIL 2011 Edition.  ITIL 2011 Edition is comprised of five core publications: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operations and Continual Service Improvement, promoting alignment with the business as well as improving operational efficiency.

Prerequisite:
Candidates must possess a valid Cisco CCDA and CCNA certification.
or
A Cisco CCIE certification in any track can act as a prerequisite.

The ROUTE course is designed to provide professionals of medium to large network sites with information on the use of advanced routing in implementing scalability for Cisco routers that are connected to LANs and WANs. The goal is to train professionals to dramatically increase the number of routers and sites using these techniques instead of redesigning the network when additional sites or wiring configurations are added.

Implementing Cisco Switched Networks (SWITCH) v1.0 is a five-day instructor-led cctraining course, designed to help students prepare to plan, configure, and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions for campus environments using the Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture.

Prerequisite —There are no formal prerequisites for this certification.

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v1.1 is a 60-hour instructor-led course that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium-sized network, including connecting to a WAN and implementing network security.

10-15 Percent Premium Added to Your Base Pay

Perquisite- For your CISSP credential, your professional experience has to be in two or more of these 10 (ISC)² CISSP domains:  
Access Control
Telecommunications and Network Security
Information Security Governance and Risk Management
Software Development Security
Cryptography
Security Architecture and Design
Operations Security
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
Legal, Regulations, Investigations and Compliance
Physical (Environmental) Security
This five-day, instructor-led course trains students in all areas of the security Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). They will learn about security policy development, secure software development procedures, network vulnerabilities, attack types and corresponding countermeasures, cryptography concepts and their uses, disaster recovery plans and procedures, risk analysis, crucial laws and regulations, forensics basics, computer crime investigation procedures, physical security, and much, much more. They will explore the contents and concepts that make up the diverse domains and learn how they work together to provide true “in-depth” defense.
12-16 Percent Premium Added to Your Base Pay
In order to meet the needs of busy professionals, Babbage Simmel, one of the nation’s leading project management training firms, has created PMP® 1-2-3: A Guide to Preparing for the PMP Exam, which forms the base of this intense, five-day workshop. PMP® 1-2-3 brings together the materials covered on the PMP® exam into one easy to use, step-by-step method for efficient and effective exam preparation.

You can view the entire list over at the CIO website.

-Matt

Friday, October 19, 2012

Windows 8 is here!

It’s time to start preparing for Windows 8!  That’s right.  The launch is just around the corner, October 26th to be exact.  The good news is that you can download a preview of Windows 8 here. 
There are many improvements and refinements across the Windows 8 Release Preview that folks will see right away, while others are under the hood. For instance, you will find more personalization options for the Start screen (including more colors!), improved multi-monitor support, and new Family Safety features to name just a few. People will also notice and enjoy improvements to the Mail, Photos, and People apps and see new Bing-powered Travel, News and Sports apps. Internet Explorer 10 also has new capabilities in the Windows 8 Release Preview like “flip ahead” and a fully integrated secure and power-optimized Adobe Flash Player. IE10 is also the first browser to feature Do Not Track “on” by default. The improvements and refinements seen in the Windows 8 Release Preview result in a better overall experience that everyone can enjoy!

To prepare for a rollout of Windows 8 in your organization we have just the class for you.

This course provides students hands-on experience with Windows 8. It provides guidance on installing, upgrading, and licensing for Windows 8. Students will learn how to manage storage by creating simple, spanned, and striped volumes, and how to optimize file-system performance. Additionally, they will learn how to manage available disk space by using quotas. Students will work with Windows tools and services to determine the source of performance and reliability issues, and to troubleshoot these issues.

This course describes how to configure networking to include IPv4, IPv6, connect to wireless networks, and use the networking features included in Windows 8 to troubleshoot networking issues. Students will also learn preventive measures and tools that work together to protect their computers from security threats.

Features related to file and folder management, which include setting permissions, file/folder compression, and configuring shared folders. Students will also learn about installing and managing printers. Additionally, the course provides an overview of the SkyDrive functionality, and describes the procedures to install and configure applications, including Windows Store apps.

The course also examines the fundamentals of working with virtual machines in the Client Hyper-V environment in Windows 8.  Students will learn about features such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and DirectAccess, which provide mobile users access to internal resources when the users are out of the office.  Throughout the course, students will use Windows PowerShell 3.0, and its graphical user interface (GUI) to configure and manage the system. Students will also use the scripting editor to create and examine PowerShell scripts used to manage the system.

-Matt

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

10 hottest IT skills for 2013 cont…

We’re back with part two of the 10 hottest IT skills employers are looking for in 2013!  Let’s continue the countdown with number 5…

5) Business Intelligence/Analytics

-26% plan to hire for this skill in 2013

Big data is one of the top priorities for many companies, but getting the right people to analyze all that information is challenging.  The best candidates have technical know-how, business knowledge and strong statistical and mathematical backgrounds.


This 5-day instructor-led course describes how to implement a BI platform to support information worker analytics. Students will learn how to create a data warehouse with SQL Server 2012, implement ETL with SQL Server Integration Services, and validate and cleanse data with SQL Server Data Quality Services and SQL Server Master Data Services. This course helps people prepare for the exam 70-463.

4) Security

-27% plan to hire for this skill in 2013
Security has long been a concern of IT leaders, and demand for specialized security professionals is growing as the task of safeguarding systems and data becomes increasingly complex.


This five-day, instructor-led course trains students in all areas of the security Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). They will learn about security policy development, secure software development procedures, network vulnerabilities, attack types and corresponding countermeasures, cryptography concepts and their uses, disaster recovery plans and procedures, risk analysis, crucial laws and regulations, forensics basics, computer crime investigation procedures, physical security, and much, much more. They will explore the contents and concepts that make up the diverse domains and learn how they work together to provide true “in-depth” defense.

3) Help Desk/Technical Support

35% plan to hire for this skill in 2013

Companies are looking not only for people to build and implement systems, but also for tech support workers to help employees use them.


This five-day, hands-on, instructor-led course will provide PC support professionals with the additional knowledge needed to qualify with A+Certification .
You will install, upgrade, repair, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, and perform preventative maintenance on basic personal computer hardware and operating systems.

2) Project Management

40% plan to hire for this skill in 2013

The ongoing need for project management skills tracks with the continuing need for programmers: Both are responses to the demand for new applications that businesses need to compete.


The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification has become a highly sought-after indication of professionalism in project management. Preparing for the PMP® examination, however, can be a daunting and time-consuming experience.
In order to meet the needs of busy professionals, Babbage Simmel, one of the nation’s leading project management training firms, has created PMP® 1-2-3: A Guide to Preparing for the PMP Exam, which forms the base of this intense, five-day workshop. PMP® 1-2-3 brings together the materials covered on the PMP® exam into one easy to use, step-by-step method for efficient and effective exam preparation.

1) Programming and Application Development

60% plan to hire for this skill in 2013

Technology and software are great ways for companies to improve productivity, lower costs and create better Web presence.


This five-day instructor-led course provides knowledge and skills on developing Web applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.

After completing this course, students will be able to:
•Explore ASP.NET Web applications in Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.
•Create Web applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and Microsoft .NET–based languages.
•Create a Microsoft ASP.NET Web Form.
•Add functionality to a Microsoft ASP.NET Web Form.
•Implement master pages and user controls.
•Validate user input.
•Debug Microsoft ASP.NET Web applications.
•Manage data in an ASP.NET 3.5 Web application.
•Manage data access tasks by using LINQ.
•Manage data by using ASP.NET Dynamic Data.
•Create a Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX application.
•Consume and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services.
•Manage state in Web applications.
•Configure and deploy a Microsoft ASP.NET Web application.
•Secure a Microsoft ASP.NET Web application.
•Implement new technologies supported by Visual Studio 2010 for Web development.


This course introduces the Java programming language and how to develop Java applications using Eclipse. Students learn the syntax of the Java programming language, object-oriented programming using Java, exception handling, generics, collections, and file input/output (I/O). During the course, students will develop and test Java applications using Eclipse.


This training course teaches developers the programming skills that are required for developers to create Windows applications using the C# language. During their five days in the classroom students review the basics of C# program structure, language syntax, and implementation details, and then consolidate their knowledge throughout the week as they build an application that incorporates several features of the .NET Framework 4.5.

So there you have it.  Now which % do you fall under?  You can view the whole Computerworld article

-Matt

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

10 hottest IT skills for 2013

The IT industry will be looking to hire in 2013.  A recent survey by Computerworld shows the ten hottest skills that these industry leaders will be looking for during the hiring process.  Luckily, here at babsim we have the perfect courses to complement each of these key areas.  Let’s start with number 10…

10) Data Center

-16% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months

Core technical skills remain in high demand, so it’s not surprising that data center skills still make the top 10.  Below is a new SQL Server 2012 class that will improve you knowledge of database management.


This five-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to maintain a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 database. The course focuses on teaching individuals how to use SQL Server 2012 product features and tools related to maintaining a database. Also this course helps you prepare for the Exam 70-462

9) Mobile Applications and Device Management

-19% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months

As consumer and business use of smartphones and tablets expands, employers are looking for workers who can handle the demands related to the proliferation of such devices.


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.

8)  Networking

-19% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months

IT leaders say they still need networking professionals who have solid experience.


Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v1.1 is a 60-hour instructor-led course that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium-sized network, including connecting to a WAN and implementing network security.

7) Virtualization

-24% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months

IT pros have to understand the storage and clusters behind the virtual server.  Before the connection was more physical; now it’s more logical.


This hands-on training course explores installation, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere®, which consists of VMware ESXi™ and VMware vCenter Server™. Completion of this course satisfies as a prerequisite to take the VMware Certified Professional 5 exam (voucher not included). Students who complete this course may enroll in any of several more-advanced vSphere courses

6) Cloud

-25% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months

Companies will need cloud computing experts as they move beyond existing data centers.


You will weigh the pros and cons of cloud computing to make effective decisions and meet IT challenges.

5) Wait, did you think we would give you all 10 this week?  Nope, you have to tune in next week for the top 5 IT skills companies will be looking for in 2013!

-Matt

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Microsoft Office Suite 2010

We do a lot of training here at Babsim for back end products like Windows Server or Visual Studio, but you don’t have to work in the IT industry to come across everyday problems that can be solved easily with a computer program.  Maybe you have a book report due for school, or you need to make a presentation to a sales team.  No matter what task is at hand, you can usually find the solution in the Microsoft Office Suite.

The good news is that we also do end user training for these tools so that you can learn the basics or master the entire program.  Take a look at some of our classes below:  


You will work with the new and updated features of Microsoft Office 2010.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•identify the features that are common to all applications in the Microsoft Office suite.
•modify documents using Microsoft Office Word 2010.
•present spreadsheet data using Microsoft Office Excel 2010.
•create Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010 presentations.
•work with databases using Access 2010.
•manage tasks using the new features in Microsoft Office Outlook 2010.
•share files in Microsoft Office 2010.

Microsoft Word


You will create, edit, and enhance standard business documents using Microsoft® Office Word 2010.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•create a basic Word document.
•edit a document.
•format text.
•format paragraphs.
•insert a table.
•insert special characters and graphical objects.
•control the page setup and appearance of a Word document.
•proofread documents for accuracy


You will create complex documents and build personalized efficiency tools using Microsoft Office Word 2010.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•manage lists.
•customize tables and charts.
•customize the formatting of a document using styles and themes.
•modify pictures in a document.
•create customized graphic elements.
•insert content using Quick Parts.
•control text flow.
•use templates to automate document creation.
•use the mail merge function.
•use macros to automate common tasks


You will create, manage, revise, and distribute documents.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•use Word with other programs.
•collaborate on documents.
•manage document versions.
•add reference marks and notes.
•simplify the use of long documents.
•secure a document.
•create forms

Excel


You will create and edit basic Microsoft Office Excel 2010 worksheets and workbooks.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•create a basic worksheet by using Microsoft Excel 2010.
•perform calculations in an Excel worksheet.
•modify an Excel worksheet.
•modify the appearance of data within a worksheet.
•manage Excel workbooks.
•print the content of an Excel worksheet


You will use advanced formulas and work with various tools to analyze data in spreadsheets. You will also organize table data, present data as charts, and enhance the look and appeal of workbooks by adding graphical objects.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•use advanced formulas.
•organize worksheet and table data using various techniques.
•create and modify charts.
•analyze data using PivotTables, Slicers, and PivotCharts.
•insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet.
•customize and enhance workbooks and the Microsoft Office Excel environment.


You will automate some common Excel tasks, apply advanced analysis techniques to more complex data sets, troubleshoot errors, collaborate on worksheets, and share Excel data with other applications.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•enhance productivity and efficiency by streamlining the workflow.
•collaborate with other workbook users.
•audit worksheets.
•analyze data.
•work with multiple workbooks.
•import and export data.
•integrate Excel data with the web.
•structure workbooks with XML.
PowerPoint


You will explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation. You will format text on slides to enhance clarity. To enhance the visual appeal, you will add graphical objects to a presentation and modify them. You will also add tables and charts to a presentation to present data in a structured form. You will then finalize a presentation to deliver it.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•explore the PowerPoint 2010 interface and familiarize yourself with the interface.
•create a presentation.
•format text on slides.
•add graphical objects to a presentation.
•modify graphical objects on slides.
•work with tables in a presentation.
•import charts to a presentation.
•prepare to deliver a presentation.


You will enhance your presentation by using features that will transform it into a powerful means of communication. You will customize the PowerPoint interface to suit your requirements and use features to create dynamic and visually appealing presentations. You will then finalize a presentation and secure it to authenticate its validity.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•customize the PowerPoint environment.
•customize a design template.
•add SmartArt graphics to a presentation.
•add special effects to a presentation.
•customize a slide show.
•collaborate on a presentation.
•secure and distribute a presentation.
Outlook


You will use Outlook to compose and send email, schedule appointments and meetings, manage contact information, schedule tasks, and create notes.
 Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•explore the Outlook interface, send mail, and respond to messages.
•compose email messages.
•organize email messages into folders.
•manage contacts and contact information.
•schedule appointments.
•schedule a meeting.
•manage tasks and notes.


You will customize the Outlook environment, calendar, and mail messages, and will also track, share, assign, and quickly locate various Outlook items.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • customize message settings.
  • organize and locate Outlook messages.
  • set calendar options.
  • track activities using the Journal.
  • assign and track tasks.
  • share folder information.
  • customize the Outlook environment.

You will work with the advanced features of Outlook.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • personalize their email.
  • organize Outlook items.
  • manage Outlook data files.
  • work with contacts.
  • save and archive email messages.
  • create a custom form.
  • work offline and remotely.
-Matt

There is no challenge too large for Babbage Simmel

The IT industry is constantly evolving.  We understand that every now and then your organization may need to change from one technology platform to another, sometimes very quickly.  Whether you’re an organization with a few employees or a large agency with numerous workers, there are no tasks too large for Babbage Simmel’s accommodation.

Recently the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) moved to a Microsoft Windows-based system from an old mainframe application.  This huge transition revolved around a 30 person team of core developers and about 84,500 person-hours.  All of this was completely done in house.  Babbage Simmel is pleased to have been part of this initiative as the technical training firm enlisted to implement a customized training program for the DPS development team. Some of our finest trainers and resources were engaged here at BabSim getting ODPS team up to speed on the .NET technologies and everything they would most likely encounter during the major shift.  A big congratulation is in order for the chief of IT governance and strategic direction, Keith Albert, and his team over at ODPS for this successful campaign.

As mentioned in a recent Computerworld article, despite skepticism from many about ODPS doing all of the transition in-house, the project was a major success.  It’s estimated that the project will save the agency between $7 million and $10 million dollars over the next five years.  What organization doesn’t want to save that kind of scratch?

Babbage Simmel played a critical role in this transition for ODPS, and the training and support their team received will continue to shape their agency for many years to come.  So remember, no matter how big or small your challenge with implementing new technologies, Babbage Simmel has the right size solution for your needs.

You can read the whole article about the ODPS transition over at the Computerworld website, and below are some of our current .NET offerings.


This five-day instructor-led course provides knowledge and skills on developing Web applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010


In this course, students will learn to develop advanced ASP.NET MVC and Web Forms applications using .NET Framework 4 tools and technologies. The focus will be on coding activities that enhance the performance and scalability of the Web site application. ASP.NET MVC will be introduced and compared with Web Forms so that students know when each should/could be used. This will also prepare the student for exam 70-515.


In this course, experienced developers who know the basics of Windows Forms development gain more advanced Windows Client design and development skills. WinForms and WPF programming models, as well as relative strengths and when to use each technology, are covered.

-Matt

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Citrix allows for flexibility and freedom

This week we’re talking about Citrix and what it can do for you and your organization.  Citrix solutions let IT provide a more people‑centric, on‑demand computing environment. Flexibility and freedom for people, and security and control for IT form the basis for business innovation and growth.

Citrix XenApp is an on-demand application delivery solution that enables any Windows® application to be virtualized, centralized, and managed in the datacenter and instantly delivered as a service to users anywhere on any device. In use by over 100 million users worldwide, XenApp delivers on the promise of proven application compatibility.

Compared to traditional application deployment technology, virtual application delivery with XenApp enables organizations to improve application management by:
  • · Centralizing applications in the datacenter to reduce costs
  • · Controlling and encrypting access to data and applications to improve security
  • · Delivering applications instantly to users anywhere

Here are two of our most popular Citrix offerings:


Citrix XenApp 6.5 Basic Administration training course provides the foundation necessary for administrators to effectively centralize and manage applications in the datacenter and instantly deliver them as a service to users anywhere. Learners will receive training for installing and configuring Citrix XenApp 6.5 for Windows Server 2008 R2, Citrix Receiver and plug-ins, as well as for using administrative consoles and tools to configure resources, policies, server and farm settings, printers, virtualized applications and more.


-11/12/2012 10:00 am – 11/16/2012 6:00 pm

-12/10/2012 10:00 am – 12/14/2012 6:00 pm

-01/21/2013 10:00 am – 01/25/2013 6:00 pm


This course provides learners with the skills necessary to monitor, maintain, optimize and troubleshoot Citrix XenApp 6.5 environments running on Windows Server 2008 R2 software. Learners are introduced to the tools used to monitor the XenApp farm, record farm activity and generate reports. In addition, learners take away the skills needed to maintain data and server integrity and to scale, optimize and troubleshoot the XenApp farm. This course encourages learning by doing and includes many hands-on exercises that reinforce and expand on the course content.


-Matt

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Microsoft Second Shot is back!

Boost your IT skills with Microsoft Certification—
and get a free Second Shot!

Here at Babsim we off certification tests for all major Microsoft platforms.  Windows Server 2012, Visual Studio 2012, SQL Server 2012, etc.  Just in time for these new certifications, Microsoft’s Second Shot test initiative is back, and we could all use a safety net.

Microsoft has reinvented its certification program to validate a broader and deeper set of skills on the latest technologies. The new MCSE and MCSD certifications endorse your ability to deploy, design, and optimize technologies for critical IT roles. For a limited time, Microsoft is bringing back its hugely popular Second Shot vouchers—giving you a free extra chance to pass that exam!

Here is how it works:      

-Register for Second Shot on the Microsoft site and receive an exam voucher number.

-Using the voucher number, schedule and pay for the initial exam via Prometrics’s website, or call center or test center locations. (Candidate must have the voucher number available prior to registering.)

-Take your exam.

-If the candidate fails, they can register for a free retake exam via Prometric’s web site, call center or test center locations using the same voucher number.

Good Luck!!!

-Matt

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Visual Studio 2012 is here!

We’ve already highlighted the new 2012 classes for Microsoft System Center, SQL Server and Windows Server; now let me introduce Visual Studio 2012!

Microsoft Visual Studio is a powerful IDE that ensures quality code throughout the entire application lifecycle, from design to deployment. Whether you’re developing applications for SharePoint, the web, Windows, Windows Phone, and beyond, Visual Studio is your ultimate all-in-one solution.

Experience powerful possibilities.
Discover how Visual Studio 2012 allows you to collaborate better and be more agile. Experience how it integrates best practices that accelerate development and deployment.

Add value to ALM at every point.
From strategy and planning all the way to deployment, see how Visual Studio brings continuous value to every point in the application lifecycle

You can now download the Release Candidate and try Visual Studio 2012 products for yourself!

Check out this video where Adam Cogan interviews Mark Groves from Microsoft about the next release of Visual Studio.  In the video they discuss:

- Mark Groves’ history at Microsoft
- What’s new in Visual Studio 2012
- What the best new features are
- How someone can review someone else’s code, and give actionable feedback

Don’t forget about our current 2010 Visual Studio classes.  Below are some of our most popular .NET classes.


This five-day instructor-led course provides knowledge and skills on developing Web applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.


In this course, students will learn to develop advanced ASP.NET MVC and Web Forms applications using .NET Framework 4 tools and technologies. The focus will be on coding activities that enhance the performance and scalability of the Web site application. ASP.NET MVC will be introduced and compared with Web Forms so that students know when each should/could be used. This will also prepare the student for exam 70-515.


In this course, experienced developers who know the basics of Windows Forms development gain more advanced Windows Client design and development skills. WinForms and WPF programming models, as well as relative strengths and when to use each technology, are covered.

-Matt

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Window Server 2012

Are you ready for Windows Server 2012?  It’s ok if you aren’t, because we have everything to get you started. 

Windows Server 2012 can help you provide:

Continuous Availability

New and improved features offer cost-effective, high IT service uptime. They are
designed to endure failures without disrupting services to users.

Management Efficiency

The automation of an even broader set of management tasks and the simplified deployment and virtualization of major workloads offer a path to full lights-out automation.

Cost Efficiency

Taking advantage of commodity storage, networking, and server infrastructure and increased power efficiency offer superior acquisition and operating economics.
Check out our selection of BRAND NEW Windows Server 2012 classes below and get a head start.


This version of this course 20411A utilizes pre-release software in the virtual machines for the labs.  The course is part two of a series of three courses, which provide the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a core Windows Server 2012 infrastructure in an existing enterprise environment. The three courses in total will collectively cover implementing, managing, maintaining and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server 2012 environment. While there is some cross-over in skillset and tasks across the courses, this course will primarily cover the administration tasks necessary to maintain a Windows Server 2012 infrastructure, such as user and group management, network access and data security.



This version of this course 20410A utilizes pre-release software in the virtual machines for the labs.  The five day course is part one, of a series of three courses, which provide the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a core Windows Server 2012 Infrastructure in an existing enterprise environment. The three courses in total will collectively cover implementing, managing, maintaining and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server 2012 environment. While there is some cross-over in skillset and tasks across the courses this course will primarily cover the initial implementation and configuration of those core services, such as Active Directory, networking services and initial Hyper-V configuration.  This course is also preparation material, and maps directly to, Exam 70-412: Administering Windows Server 2012.



This version of this course, 20417A, utilizes pre-release software in the virtual machines for the labs. This five day course will cover a new features and functionality in Windows Server 2012 around Management, Networking Infrastructure, Storage, Access Control, Hyper-V, High Availability as well as Identity federation. Specific technologies covered will include Dynamic Access Control (DAC), High Availability, Failover Clustering, Microsoft Online Backup as well as changes with Active Directory, Hyper-V and Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS). It is not a Product Upgrade course, detailing the considerations for migrating and upgrading your specific environment to Windows Server 2012, rather it will update your skills to Windows Server 2012.
This course is also preparation material, and maps directly to, the Exam 70-417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012.



This version of this course 20412A utilizes pre-release software in the virtual machines for the labs.  The five day course is part three, of a series of three courses, which provides the skills and knowledge necessary to implement a core Windows Server 2012 Infrastructure in an existing enterprise environment. The three courses in total will collectively cover implementing, managing, maintaining and provisioning services and infrastructure in a Windows Server 2012 environment. While there is some cross-over in skillset and tasks across the three courses this course will primarily cover advanced configuration and services tasks necessary to deploy, manage and maintain a Windows Server 2012 infrastructure, such as identity management and identity federation, network load balancing, business continuity and disaster recovery, fault tolerance and rights management.  This course is also preparation material, and maps directly to, Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services.

-Matt

Thursday, August 2, 2012

From Hotmail to Outlook

If you haven’t notice yet, Microsoft’s original e-mail machine, Hotmail, has now transitioned into a web based version of OutlookCBCNews reports that it will tie in efficiently with social media websites and make staying in touch with everyone much easier.  In the spirit of this news, I wanted to highlight our offerings for Outlook, Microsoft Exchange 2010, Office 365 and Microsoft Lync.  Check out some of our most popular choices below.


You will use Outlook to compose and send email, schedule appointments and meetings, manage contact information, schedule tasks, and create notes.


There are two main reasons for the course. Firstly, this course supports the large numbers of customers still running Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2007 in upgrading their skills and environments to Exchange 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and to help drive that adoption.  Secondly, this course fills in a skills gap that currently exists in the portfolio and, while the content is not driven by the exam ODs, provide further support for the exams.


This five-day, instructor-led course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage a Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 messaging environment. This course does not require previous Exchange Server experience, but does require that students have significant experience in managing Windows Server and Active Directory directory services or Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). This course will teach you how to configure Exchange Server 2010, as well as provide guidelines, best practices, and considerations that will help you optimize your Exchange server deployment.


This is a combination of courses 10135 Configuring, Managing and Troubleshooting Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 and 10233 Designing and Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. This intensive five-day, instructor-led course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design, deploy, configure and manage an Exchange Server 2010 messaging environment. This course does not require previous Exchange Server experience, but does require that students have significant experience in managing Windows Server and Active Directory directory services or Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). This course discusses how to design various features of Mailbox, Hub Transport, and Client Access server roles. Some features that are discussed include message transport, security, high availability, disaster recovery, upgrades. In addition, this course will teach you how to configure Exchange Server 2010, as well as provide guidelines, best practices, and considerations that will help you optimize your Exchange Server deployment.


This five-day instructor-led course teaches how to plan and design a Microsoft Lync Server 2010 solution to IT professionals.  The course emphasizes Voice features in Lync 2010 from a deployment perspective. In this course, students learn how to plan and design a Lync Server 2010 system.  The labs in this course utilize the Lync Server 2010 Planning Workbook and Planning Tool. This course helps the student prepare for Exam 70-665.


This five-day instructor-led course teaches IT professionals how to deploy, configure, and administer a Microsoft Lync Server 2010 solution.  The course emphasizes Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Voice features from a deployment and configuration perspective. The labs in this course build on each other to create a solution that includes IM and Presence, Conferencing, and Enterprise Voice. This course helps the student prepare for Exam70-664.

*Exclusive MegaLab Included*
A Babbage Simmel extra: an additional lab has been added to this class.

-Matt

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

New Microsoft Dynamics CRM classes

We get it.  You have a lot of customers.  Wouldn’t it be great if you had a tool that could manage all of those customers as well as market to them at the same time?  We’ve got just what you’re looking for.  I’d like to introduce you to our selection of Microsoft Dynamics CRM classes.


This one-day instructor-led course provides an introduction to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. The course focuses on the user interface and working with the application and provides a foundation for other Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 courses. The course describes Microsoft Dynamics CRM concepts, the Web interface, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Outlook interface, searching, and reporting.


This course introduces you on how to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to extend the effectiveness of your marketing department and provides context of how to use things such as marketing campaigns, marketing lists, and campaign templates in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. It also discusses the role of campaign activities and marketing lists in campaigns and discusses how to associate sales literature, target products and price lists with marketing campaigns.


This course introduces the capabilities of Sales Management in Microsoft Dynamics CRM that allow you to track and manage the sales process from potential to close. It provides insight on using the Product Catalog and process sales information. It also introduces some of the tools used to analyze and report on sales information.


This course introduces Microsoft Dynamics CRM service management functionality and explains how it helps organizations track information about cases, customer complaints or requests, and small projects. You will learn how to use the knowledge base and discusses how organizations can browse, locate, and share information in the repository. It also discusses how to create, manage and use teams and queues in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.


This course describes the techniques required to customize Microsoft Dynamics CRM to meet the specialized needs of businesses. The topics covered include Security; creation and configuration of entities; design of forms views and charts; auditing and Solutions. The course describes each topic and how each topic relates to the other topics to produce a full configured, effective solution.


This course offers detailed and interactive information on how to develop extensions for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, with focus on extension methods documented in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM SDK.  It provides instruction on the use of a number of Common Platform Operations, on how to query and execute these operations, as well as on developing a concise understanding of business process implementation and workflows.  In addition, the course describes how to use Plug-ins, application event programming, client extensions and web resources.  Finally, it includes a summary overview of the integration between Windows Azure and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.


This two-day instructor course covers the installation and configuration of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. The course describes the components used within a Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 deployment, installation instructions for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server, the E-mail Router, Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Office Outlook, how to configure Claims-based authentication and how to implement an Internet-facing deployment.


This training provides students with tools and information to help them better understand how processes can be implemented in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.


This one-day instructor-led course, Reporting in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, provides students the information to better understand reporting methods along with more advanced reporting features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

-Matt

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Java developers in high demand

A recent survey of tech-focused hiring managers concluded that Java Developer is the most difficult job to fill.  Do you have the skills to be one of these sought after it experts?  If not, that’s OK because we can make it happen.  Check out our Java offerings below and secure your future with certifications in the most demanding IT field.


Java 6 Programming Fundamentals for OO Developers (C++, SmallTalk, etc) is a five-day, comprehensive hands-on workshop geared for developers who have prior working knowledge of object-oriented programming languages such as C++. Throughout the course students learn the best practices for writing great object-oriented programs in Java 6, using sound development techniques, new improved features for better performance, and new capabilities for addressing rapid application development. In addition to the normal exercises that are liberally sprinkled throughout the course, there is a case study that covers the entire spectrum from use cases to object-oriented design to implemented classes. This case study supplements the course and can be used during and after the course as a reference and a tool for reviewing and practicing what was learned in class.


Students who attend Integrating JSF, Hibernate and Spring will leave the course armed with the required skills to design and implement web applications within Spring that effectively and transparently use Hibernate to manage data persistence and JSF to implement the view.  This course provides coverage of all the standard JSF components, renderers, converters, and validators, along with advice on how to use them to create solid applications.  Working in a hands-on, lab-intensive environment, students will explore and use complex user interface layouts, prototyping, and integrating templates with back-end model objects.


This course introduces the Java programming language and how to develop Java applications using RAD v7.5. Students learn the syntax of the Java programming language, object-oriented programming using Java, exception handling, generics, collections, and file input/output (I/O). During the course, students will develop and test Java applications using RAD v7.5.


This course introduces the Java programming language and how to develop Java applications using Eclipse. Students learn the syntax of the Java programming language, object-oriented programming using Java, exception handling, generics, collections, and file input/output (I/O). During the course, students will develop and test Java applications using Eclipse.


This course teaches how to develop advanced Java applications using Eclipse. The advanced features of Java that developers may be using in many different types of programs are covered.

-Matt

Friday, July 13, 2012

ITIL training and certification

This week I’m going to talk about ITIL training.  IT Service Management certification helps distinguish those who have a deep understanding of best practice for ITSM and are capable of implementing these concepts to some degree immediately. Certification is also the foundation for developing a career path in IT Service Management.

Take a look at look at our ITIL Foundations course and some of our intermediate courses below.


The ITIL 2011 Edition course is the entry level certification course for IT Service Management Best Practices training in ITIL.  This course covers the latest version of core ITIL best practices presented from a lifecycle perspective.  The course introduces the principles and core elements of IT service management (ITSM) based on ITIL 2011 Edition.  ITIL 2011 Edition is comprised of five core publications: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operations and Continual Service Improvement, promoting alignment with the business as well as improving operational efficiency.
This course is delivered using an exciting case study designed to further enhance and cement the candidates understanding of ITIL 2011 Edition.  Students who have attended this course are suitably prepared to successfully take the associated ITIL 2011 Edition certification test which is a requirement for attending any of the further learning courses (ITIL intermediate level training) available in this track.


The ITIL Intermediate Qualification: Service Offerings and Agreements (SOA) Certificate is part of the ITIL Intermediate Capability stream, and one of the modules that leads to the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management Certificate. By implementing ITIL Service Offerings and Agreement best practices, IT departments can ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by integrating demand and supplier management with the service portfolio and service catalog. Students will learn how to plan, implement and optimize the Service Offerings and Agreement processes and gain the knowledge required to prepare for the certification exam.


The ITIL Intermediate Qualification: Operational Support and Analysis (OSA) Certificate is part of the ITIL Intermediate Capability stream, and one of the modules that leads to the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management Certificate. This 5 day course immerses students in the practical aspects of the ITIL v3 Service Lifecycle and processes associated with the Operational Support and Analysis of services and service delivery.


The ITIL Intermediate Qualification: Release, Control and Validation (RCV) Certificate is part of the ITIL Intermediate Capability stream, and one of the modules that leads to the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management Certificate. This 5 day course immerses students in the practical aspects of the ITIL v3 Service Lifecycle and processes associated with the Release, Control and Validation of services and service delivery. The main focus of this course is on the operational-level process activities and supporting methods and approaches to executing these processes. To implement new services in a controlled and cost-effective manner, IT departments must successfully implement ITIL Release, Control and Validation best practices. Students gain the skills required to take the ITIL Release, Control and Validation Certification Exam.

-Matt

Friday, July 6, 2012

Share the knowledge with Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 makes it easier for people to work together.

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.

There are so many benefits to using SharePoint.

Be More Productive

​SharePoint 2010 gives you deeper insight into operations. Features include an easy-to-use Central Administration Web site, new capabilities to manage and monitor your SharePoint farm, and Microsoft Windows PowerShell support.

Manage a Unified, Scalable Infrastructure

​SharePoint 2010 provides a single, scalable infrastructure that allows better control over server resources. For example, you can manage large lists more easily and improve data management and protection using high availability. Scalable services architecture also helps you centralize services like Search, My Sites, and Taxonomy. These services can be managed through Central Administration and scripted by Windows PowerShell. Plus, because the architecture is extensible, third-party companies can build and add services to the platform.

Take a look at some of our most popular SharePoint classes below.


This course provides existing .NET developers with practical information and labs that enables them to build solutions on the Microsoft SharePoint 2010 platform.


The course teaches students how to install, configure and administer SharePoint, and also manage and monitor sites and users by using SharePoint 2010.



This five-day instructor-led course is intended for SharePoint Development professionals who are responsible for leading projects, designing solutions, and identifying problems. In this course, students learn the skills and best practices that are required to help organizations design and develop effective SharePoint applications.



This 2-Day course should be taken before you roll out SharePoint, but most often is attended after you have already attempted the rollout with significant shortcomings. Governance is a broad topic potentially touching every aspect of the organization. This class will focus on governance of content stored and used within SharePoint 2007 and 2010. We will cover the What, Who and How of governance with an end goal of getting you a good start on your governance team and plan.


-Matt