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Windows Server Case Studies

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  • 22-10-2007 8:23pm
    #1
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭


    Microsoft's Trika Harms zum Sprecke has recently published some small case studies based on questions recieved from the Windows Server certifications. Thought they might be of some use to people.

    http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/10/19/windows-server-case-study-mak.aspx
    1. Do I need to complete MCSE2003 to move ahead with Windows Server 2008 Certs?

    No. Although there is a shorter path to 2008 from 2003-certified customers, there is no requirement to hold 2003 before you earn your 2008 certs.

    2. Can I, from MCSA2003 move directly to Exchange server 2007 Certification?

    No. There is no upgrade path from 2003 certifications (Server certs or :Messaging specializations) to Exchange Server 2007 certifications. The Exchange certifications are completely stand-alone now, making it more accessible and relevant (we hope) for people who specialize:

    MCTS: Exchange 2007 Configuring
    MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator
    3. Eventually I would also like to cover MCSE Security Specialist equivalent in Windows Server 2008. Can you provid me a detailed path for this?

    We are working on security-related certifications (more on this in another post--and in an upcoming Live Meeting) but we do not have a Windows Server 2008 security specialization in development.
    http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/10/18/windows-server-case-study-sam.aspx
    Sam asked: "I have been slacking off for taking my MCSE exams. now that there is a server 2008 coming out its making me wonder if I should wait and get the 2008 certification where I could save money and time rather than doing 2003 and then and upgrade. Currently I am NOT working on win2003 or exchange but I will be shortly. what do you suggest I do?"

    Short Answer: Get certified on the technology you are working with or plan to be on in the near future.

    Longer Answer: Our suggestion would be to work on your Server 2003 certifications, unless you are planning to work with 2008 straight off. It sounds like 2003 is in your near future, and if that is the case, your MCSA or MCSE on 2003 could help you be recognized/give you an edge.

    Then you could use the upgrade path to move to 2008 (between one and four more exams, depending on what path you take on 2008) whenever that makes sense for you--even if it is a few years from now.

    If your near future is predominantly 2008--or you want to get the attention of an organization that is moving to 2008 (of course Microsoft is hoping that is the case!)... then we'd say skip 2003 and start on the Windows Server 2008 exams when they are out early next year.

    In the meantime, you could work on your MCTS: Vista or your Exchange 2007 certifications--they both stand alone.
    http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2007/10/18/windows-server-case-study-kevin.aspx
    Kevin asked: "How long do I have to get my MCSE before it gets replaced with the new certification?"

    Short answer:

    Hi, Kevin.
    You have years, yet, to finish your MCSA or MCSE on Windows Server 2003.
    You have until March 2008 to finish your MCSA or MCSE on Windows Server 2000.
    In either case, the MCSA and MCSE will not be 'replaced' by the new certifications--they will live side by side.

    Longer answer:

    Hello, Kevin. Thanks for your question. How are you?

    The MCSA and MCSE won't be retired - but at some point, the associated EXAMS do retire, so it is no longer possible to earn the certifications. In the case of Windows Server 2000 exams, those are set to retire in March 2008.

    We don't have a planned retire date for the Windows Server 2003 exams... but you can imagine it won't be any time soon (2000 exams retiring in 2008...) and there will be a year's notice before the exams retire.

    The MCSA and MCSE (for Server NT, 2000, 2003) will continue to live side by side with MCTS and MCITP (for Server 2008). The new 2008 certs will be available sometime in early 2008 (after the technology releases to manufacturing)... but for a LONG TIME TO COME after that, you can continue to start and complete your MCSA or MCSE on Windows Server 2003.

    If you work wtih 2003, you'll earn your MCSE; if you work with 2008, you'll earn your MCITP; if you work with both, you can earn both.


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