February 2012

Tackling the Microsoft Windows Server Exams

Given my previous blog post about shifting focus to Microsoft technologies, I have decided to take on the Microsoft Server certification, MCITP: Server Administrator which involves passing the

It will give me a solid foundation on administering Server 2008. So my current plan is

  • Reading Sybex subject books
  • Labbing using VMware Workstation
  • Utilizing TechNet subscription w/ Workstation
  • Microsoft Virtual Labs (free)
  • Notes using OneNote

I hope the resources above will help me pass the exam.

Initially, I thought about just reading through the books and various TechNet resources without taking the certification exam but I later changed my mind. People in the office are proud to display their degrees and certificates. It made me realize that I should also be proud of my knowledge and expertise. So why not have it validated.

Hopefully, my study resources will help me pass the exam and you will know whether or not it will work since I’ll be posting my updates. Check back soon!

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One Month In

It’s been a month since I’ve been at my new employer. What’s different is that I’m more focused on a smaller set of technologies. On one side, I’m less exposed to the cutting edge. But now I can really focus on just a few technologies and become a subject matter expert.

That leads to me to say that you will be reading more about Microsoft technologies. It will be leaning on Active Directory, Exchange and SharePoint. Those are currently my primary areas of focus. I think they’re great topics and have lots of room for growth.

Networking will still be a large part of what I do since its what transfers the 1s and 0s. And it’s quite possible that I may be on a networking project.

My environment is definitely different. I’m going from a non-profit to a private equity firm. Huge change. I’m enjoying it. The people are great and fun to be around.

The current projects I’m looking at will help increase the productivity and reliability for the whole firm. It’s an exciting time to be in IT for the firm.

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