Also, once you complete the exam the results won't be displayed immediately and can take upto 6-8 weeks for the result to show up on your transcript if you pass.

Well end of the day it's free and if you pass it counts toward the final certification!

Organisational Unit - Basically are folder 'units' within the Active directory to administratively describe your network. 

For example you could create several of these OU's 

People - May just contain all your standard users for a domain

Groups - groups for main users within the domain

Server - Add all your server computers within the domain

Workstations - All your client workstations within the domain

Admins - admin users and admin group.

Something else I have also learned is a good practice and you seen not being done in industry. System administrators should have 2 account a normal user and a secondary admin account e.g. mine would be glee_admin.

This make so much sense then you cannot go accidentally breaking things. The admin user should be used within other console such as remote desktop or the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) which in the coming weeks I would like to write an article on as I don't see it being used enough.

On the geekside of things, let me describe my computer setup at home.

I am typing this on a Dell XPS M1330 laptop, which has had its ups and downs (worthy of its own post). I have an HP Business machine as my Media Center, currently running Windows XP MCE. It houses all my music and videos and acts as a file server for my wireless network.

I have just built a Windows 2003 Server box to assist in my study for getting MCSE. The machine itself is just another HP business machine, but with a enough grunt to do what I need it to.

I'll load a copy of Virtual Server and see if I can get Windows 2008 Server running in it this in preparation towards getting MCITP. I did try getting 2008 Server running in Virtual PC on my Dell (which runs Vista), but it doesn't get past the product key screen, just sits there with an hourglass.

This requires that I pass two exams:

• 70-445: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance
• 70-446 exam: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Passing the 70-445 gives you the MCTS SQL Server BI certification. Passing the 70-446 gives you the MCITP. The 70-445 is a prerequisite to the 70-446.

According to the latest MCP figures, there aren't that many MCITP BI developers out there, so this may be a challenge I'll take on.

From the company perspective, it will be a big plus as it will earn them their third competency - Business Intelligence, and will enhance our Microsoft Gold Partner status. Hitting this milestone should also yield a good bonus at the end of the year! On a personal level, it will allow me to build on my existing BusinessObjects and Performance Point Server skills and pick up more of the Microsoft BI toolset.

I've worked with Microsoft SQL Server a great deal and am currently playing around with SQL Server 2008. I've also used most of the Microsoft BI tools as well; SSIS, SSAS (for cubes) and SSRS. Having looked through the exam preparation guides, I think I can clear these two exams in the next few months.

I don't think I'll take any formal classroom based training for these exams. I'd rather use my training budget on something else, possibly Crystal Reports or BusinessObjects Data Integrator. Hence, I'll be using the MS book MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-445): Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Business Intelligence—Implementation and Maintenance to get me going.

Once this is out of the way, I might start looking at Sharepoint, and portals in general.

Vamos falar um pouco da Nova Geração de Certificações da Microsoft.

Existem 4 certificações: MCTS, MCPD, MCITP e a MCA

Veja o quadro comparativo abaixo.

Se você estiver desenvolvendo aplicativos do .NET Framework 2.0 usando o Visual Studio 2005, as novas credenciais de Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) e Microsot Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) oferecem uma estrutura mais simples e mais objetiva para que você possa mostrar as suas habilidades técnicas, assim como as habilidades exigidas por funções específicas de desenvolvimento.

As credenciais de Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) e Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) dão aos desenvolvedores que usam o Visual Studio .NET o reconhecimento da indústria às suas habilidades e à sua experiência no desenvolvimento para o .NET.

A MCPD é dividida em:

• Professional Developer: Web Developer
• Professional Developer: Windows Developer
• Professional Developer: Enterprise Applications Developer

Os exames da MCPD são:

• Exam 70–528: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
• Exam 70–547: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework

A MCTS é dividida em:

• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
• Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
• Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
• Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005
• Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
• Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006
• Technology Specialist: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
• Technology Specialist: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
• Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005
• Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuration
• Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
• Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development
• Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Applications
• Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
• Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration, and Management
• Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Application Development
• Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuration
• Technology Specialist: Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
• Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration

Os exames da MCTS são:
Entre neste link para saber mais dos exames.

MCITP
Como um profissional de TI, você pode planejar, desenvolver, dar suporte e gerenciar o software, o hardware e as redes. Deixe que a Microsoft Learning ajude você a desenvolver as habilidades que você precisa para ter sucesso no mercado de TI.

A  MCITP é dividida em:

• IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer 
• IT Professional: Consumer Support Technician 
• IT Professional: Database Developer 
• IT Professional: Database Administrator 
• IT Professional: Enterprise Messaging Administrator 
• IT Professional: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 
• IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician 
• IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator 
• IT Professional: Server Administrator

O programa Microsoft Certified Architect identifica os mais competentes especialistas em arquitetura de TI. Esses profissionais de prestígio têm um mínimo de 10 anos de experiência avançada na indústria de TI, três anos ou mais de experiência como arquitetos profissionais, possuem fortes habilidades técnicas e gerenciais, e formam uma comunidade de elite. Ao contrário de outras certificações da indústria, essa credencial foi desenvolvida e é concedida pela comunidade de arquitetos. Os candidatos precisam passar por um rigoroso exame da banca examinadora, que é formada por seus pares arquitetos, já certificados.

As certificações da série Architect:

• Têm um processo de ingresso rigoroso e competitivo.
• Exigem que o candidato trabalhe em contato estreito com um mentor que seja um Microsoft Certified Architect.
• Culminam com um exame oral frente a arquitetos já certificados.
• Exigem a renovação da certificação.

Para maiores informações, clique aqui.

 O exame custa $80 dólares.

Entretanto, a Microsoft está com uma promoção.

A Promoção Segunda Chance permite que os profissionais da área de tecnologia que não obtiverem sucesso no primeiro exame de certificação, possam realizar gratuitamente uma segunda tentativa.

Como participar?
Para participar é fácil. Basta se cadastrar no site clicando aqui, a partir deste cadastro você receberá um código da promoção (promo code) para utilizar no momento que você adquirir seu exame.

Você tem três formas de adquirir seu exame com Segunda Chance utilizando seu código da promoção:

• Através do site Prometric
• Através de um Parceiro Oficial de Treinamento Microsoft (CPLS) ou um Centro Oficial de Exames
• Através do call center da Prometric 443-751-4300

Valeu pessoal.

Qualquer dúvida, entrem em contato comigo.

Abraços.
Bruno Amaral
http://www.brunoamaral.com.br

Pra quem ainda não fez e pretende estudar pra essa certificação eu aconselho que estudem bastante para a prova 70-443, façam laboratórios, simulados e etc; ela sem dúvidas foi a prova mais difícil, não somente em aspectos técnicos, a prova em si é bem diferente, porque as questões são focadas em cenários com longos textos em inglês e com diversas variáveis que não podem ser descartadas.

A 70-431 é uma prova tranquila, abrange quase todos os assuntos do SQL 2005 de forma superficial, nesse exame é bom ter noção de todas as novidades da nova versão, porque cai quase tudo.

Bom, é isso ae.

Fui escrevendo este post ao som de Paul McCartney: "Jet", e simultaneamente trocando uma idéia com meu brother Diego Matheus....

Desejo a todos um ótimo feriadão, e bom... semana que vem estamos de volta!

On Windows Server 2008, the equivalent certification to an MCSE 2003 Certification is the MCITP Enterprise Administrator 2008 Certification, which requires five exams as a stand-alone certification. The equivalent certification to an MCSA on Server 2003 is the MCITP Server Administrator 2008 Certification, which requires three exams as a stand-alone certification.

The MCSE and MCSA Certifications are still good certification choices as many large companies have yet to convert to the new Windows Server 2008 technologies, and HR Departments and hiring managers are very familiar with these certifications. These certifications in and of themselves will never expire, even when the exams are eventually phased out.

For those already holding their MCSA or MCSE 2003 or considering getting this certification, keep in mind that there is a simple upgrade path to the MCITP on Server 2008 that consists of a single exam. For MCSE's this is exam 70-649 and for MCSA's this is exam 70-648. This may be the simplest route and by broadening you skill set, will make you marketable to even more companies.

QuickCert's upgrade courses for Windows Server 2008 are currently in development and scheduled for release in June of 2008.

• MCTP: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist وهي تقابل MCP وتمنح للمتقدم بعد نجاحه في أحد الإمتحانات الجديدة، والتى قسمتها ميكروسوفت إلى تخصصات مثل:

Active Directory Configuration

Infrastructure Configuration

Applications Infrastructure Configuration

• MCITP: Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional: Server Administrator وتقابل MCSA وتركز  على المهمات اليومية وإلإدارية (أقصد إدارة الشبكات) لمدير الشبكات.
• MCITP: Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional: Enterprise Administrator وتقابل MCSE وتركز على المهام الأكثر تعقيداً على مستوى البنية التحتية للشبكات وتصميمها.

 يستطيع الحاصلون على شهادتي MCSE 2003 و MCSA 2003 الاستفادة من مسارات الترقية التي طرحتها ميكروسوفت بالشكل التالي:

من MCSA 2003 إلى MCITP: Server Administrator - عدد الإمتحانات المطلوبة : 2

Exam 70-648:
TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist.

Exam 70-646:
PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

من MCSA 2003 إلى MCITP: Enterprise Administrator - عدد الإمتحانات المطلوبة : 4

Exam 70-648:
TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Exam 70-620:
TS: Windows Vista, Configuring
أو
Exam 70-624:
TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

Exam 70-643:
TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

Exam 70-647:
PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

من MCSE 2003 إلى MCITP: Server Administrator - عدد الإمتحانات المطلوبة : 2

Exam 70-649:
TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Exam 70-646:
PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

من MCSE 2003 إلى MCITP: Enterprise Administrator - عدد الإمتحانات المطلوبة : 3

 Exam 70-649:
TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Exam 70-620:
TS: Windows Vista, Configuring
أو
Exam 70-624:
TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007  Microsoft Office System Desktops

Exam 70-647:
PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

 

 

Los certificados MCSA y MCSE desaparecen y pasan a llamarse MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) y MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional).

Actualmente existen 5 certificaciones para Windows Server 2008 enfocados a roles específicos de trabajo.

El MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration:  consta de:

1.- Active Directory and Directory Services
2.- Active Directory server roles
3.- Certificate management
4.- Group Policy

y su exámen es Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
El MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infraestructure Configuration: consta de:
1.- Ip adressing and services
2.- Names resolution
3.- File and print services
4.- Network access and remote access
5.- Monitoring network services
y su exámen es Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
El MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infraestructure Configuration:  consta de:
1.- Windows deployment services
2.- Terminal services
3.- Web services
4.- Media services
y su exámen es Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

El MCITP: Server Administrator que consta de 3 exámenes:

Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring 
Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

y el: Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

y finalmente:

El MCITP: Enterprise Administrator que consta de 5 exámenes:

Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring 
Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
Exam 70-620: TS: Windows Vista, Configuring
o
Exam 70-624 TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
y el: Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

En el caso que seamos MCSE solo deberemos presentar-nos a 3 exámenes para obtener el Enterprise Administrator
Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist
Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring
o
Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
y el: Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista - Configuration

Auch für alle weiteren Zertifizierungen, die die Prüfung 70-620 voraussetzen, wird nun die Prüfung 70-621 voll angerechnet.

Wie Ihr Euch auf diese Prüfung vorbereiten könnt erfahrt Ihr im Bereich Prüfungsvorbereitung für 70-621.

I have worked with Windows Server operating systems for over ten years, and likewise with SQL Server and Oracle databases. I think certification in these products would complement my Business Objects skill set quite well.

In the Oracle camp, an individual can become certified at the following levels:

• Oracle Certified Associate
• Oracle Certified Professional
• Oracle Certified Master

In the Microsoft camp, a number of certifications can be gained:

• MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist SQL Server
• MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional DBA
• MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional Database Developer
• MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional Business Intelligence Developer

You can also take the 70-282 exam (Designing, Deploying and Managing a Network Solution for Small and Medium Sized Business). This would give a solid foundation in Windows Server 2003 as well as various other items which support a future installation of a Business Objects Enterprise product.

These exams all take hard work, so it really needs to be seen if you can benefit from them. However, as mentioned in a previous post, they may give you an edge over your competition. It also proves that you have reached a certain standard in a highly competitive marketplace.

Microsoft provides plenty of support as you study for your various certifications. The training includes classroom training, self-study kits, computer-based training, online classes, and books, and certification guides. You can take advantage of the way that you learn best. Depending on the career path you have chosen, you will find a certification that matches your skill set. Microsoft plans to, over time, introduce exams that rely on simulations and performance items.

You start by taking the appropriate entry- level certification. Prepare yourself with the most suitable Microsoft Certification Guides. You need to choose the right guide. A list follows of the various Certification Guides you can choose from. Match you expertise with these guides.

MCSE certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is an industry standard targeted at the IT professional and provides the skills and training needed to design and implement infrastructure functions based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 platform and Microsoft server software such as MCSE Messaging and Security.

MCSA certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is for IT professionals who need skills and knowledge to administer system environments based on desktop and server operator systems. This training focuses on managing and troubleshooting system environments. With this level of certification you can now prepare for specializations like MCSA Security and Messaging.

MCDST certification (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) is for students who need the right skills and training to troubleshoot ordinary hardware and software issues in Microsoft Windows environments.

MCAD.NET certification (Microsoft Certified Application Developer ) provides you with the skills and knowledge that allows you to develop and maintain department level applications for Web clients, desktop client, components, and back-end data services all the way from development to maintenance.

MCSD.NET certification (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developers) is for IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for developing and designing leading edge business solutions by using various Microsoft tools, platforms, technologies and architectures. This certification allows you to develop custom .NET-based applications. This training encompasses everything from analysis to design, development, testing and maintenance using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. You become an expert on all aspects of the application life cycle.

MCITP certification (Microsoft Certified IT Professional Database Administrator) is for IT professionals who need to plan, administer, deploy, support and maintain databases created by using various Microsoft products.

MCITP certification (Microsoft Certified IT Professional Database Developer) gives you the skills and knowledge to plan, deploy, support, maintain and optimize IT infrastructures and databases created by using Microsoft products such as Windows Application Developer, Web Application Developer, or Enterprise Applications Developer.

MCPD certification (Microsoft Certified Professional Web Developer) distinguishes expert professionals who are Windows application developers, Web application developers, and enterprise application developers. Experts with these skills can build targeted applications using different platforms in the Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0.

MCPD certification (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) is for students who need to distinguish themselves as an expert in comprehensive Windows application development, enterprise application, and Web application development using platforms that use the Microsoft.NET Framework. This certification is a stepping- stone to other Microsoft certifications.

MCTS.NET 2.0 certification (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) is designed fir IP professionals who target specific technologies and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of .NET 2.0 and other specialized Microsoft technologies.

MCTS.NET 2.0 certification (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) is for IT professionals who work with enterprise environment databases. It provides students with in-depth training and skills for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 product.

MOS certification (Microsoft Office Specialist) is designed for IT professionals who need the skills and knowledge to understand and use the advanced features of Microsoft Office software.

MOS MI certification (Microsoft Office Master Instructor) qualifies you to teach MOS courses.

Microsoft Certified Architect Program is designed for IT professionals who can apply successful frameworks and methodologies to create an architecture from beginning to end, through the IT life cycle.

CLC certification (Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant) is a credential for expertise in designing and delivering customized learning solutions for other IT professionals.

MCBDA certification (Microsoft Certified Database Administrators) are trained to design, implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.

MCT certification (Microsoft Certified Trainers) are instructors who are qualified to deliver Microsoft training courses. MCTs are authorized to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) or Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN).

you are welcome here to share information and experience about upgrading your MCDBA certificate to MCITP

you need to get MCTS  by passing exam (70-431) first

 you can start with next download

http://rapidshare.com/files/66686576/070-447.pdf.html

Exam 70-622 PRO: Installing, Maintaining, Supporting, and Troubleshooting Applications on the Windows Vista Client-Enterprise, is a mouthful and it's also a good test of your ability to roll out applications on this or any Windows-based network. Exam 70-622 is one of two exams that you'll need to pass (along with completion of a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist exam, such as 70-620: Vista Configuration) in order to obtain a Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician certification.

Read the full 70-622 Exam Review here.

70-623 Exam Review

Exam 70-623 PRO: stands alone as a Microsoft certification. The exam targets IT professionals who work within the consumer market supporting end users. Familiar with The Geek Squad? Well, that's the target audience. Exam 70-623 gives this group a way to prove their knowledge supporting users with installation, configuration and troubleshooting retail versions of Windows Vista installed on consumers' machines.

Read the full 70-623 Exam Review here.