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February 14, 2000

Microsoft Pushes Win2000 Training
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People who want some level of certification will need to take more-intensive courses. The certified training centers offer in-depth studies in areas such as directory services infrastructure, security for the network, and network infrastructure. Many entail up to 40 hours of coursework and start at around $900 for a single learner license for IT pros.

Microsoft certification indicates that IT pros have achieved a certain knowledge level and provides access to secure areas on Microsoft's Web site that distribute technical information and bug fixes. It also gives them access to an online community of certified professionals, where they can share ideas and suggestions for technical problems.

To achieve the first level of certification, Microsoft Certified Professional, students must pass an exam on one core concentration and two related elective subjects. This credential is considered a stepping stone to more prestigious titles: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer for networking professionals and Microsoft Certified Solution Developer for software developers-each of which requires passing exams on five core areas and two elective subjects. Tests are given at 1,400 locations worldwide by independent organizations such as Sylvan Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises.

Whether to pursue certification is an individual decision. But IT managers may want to encourage their staffs to pursue certification, as it can be a valuable career credential and a benefit in a climate that requires IT pros to keep up with the latest technologies.

Those pursuing certification will have to be up for the challenge. "It's tough," Masie says. "It's not for the faint of heart." Microsoft plans to start making exams available in about three months.

For training, many IT pros turn to some of the top providers, which include DigitalThink, ExecuTrain, IntelliNet, and NETg. In addition, system vendors such as IBM and Hewlett-Packard will offer online and on-site training for planning, designing, and implementing Windows 2000 infrastructures.

Microsoft maintains an enormous list of courses available from various providers at its Web site. However, it may be worth contacting a training provider to help select appropriate coursework, because Microsoft's list can be overwhelming.

Kelly Caule, program head of IS networking for Stanly Community College in Albermarle, N.C., had difficulty sifting through Microsoft's site. "It's a mess," he says. "There are so many courses, it's hard to make heads or tails of the listings to see which courses correspond to which exams."

Another option is to hire a trainer who can work with a company on-site and even prepare people for certification. Marsha Kabakov, director of training channel programs at Microsoft, advises CIOs to "go to a training provider who can really focus on hybrid solutions." Trainers can examine a company's intranet as a training delivery method and consider the need for in-depth classroom work, the needs of various end users, and the most-efficient training methods for each workplace.

For Beers, in-depth, custom training for Windows 2000 was a must. "Lots of folks are eager to get into Windows 2000 by installing it and then learning as you go," Gude says. "But you don't want to design yourself into a corner. It's hard to compare training with previous releases. It's a different type of animal."

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