15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013

15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013
Randy Muller, Global Knowledge Instructor, MCT, MCSE, MCSA, MCDST
Having earned an IT certification, many individuals think they are automatically entitled to a huge raise. The truth is that several factors, including geography, industry, experience, and yes, certifications, combine to play a major role in determining an individual's salary. However, certain certifications do have greater impact on the earning potential of an individual. Here, we take a look at the 15 certifications with the highest earning potential for 2013.
Note: The rankings below are derived from certifications that received the minimum number of responses to be statistically relevant in the Global Knowledge annual salary survey completed in October 2012. Certain certifications pay more, but are not represented due to their exclusive nature. These include CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and VCDX: VMware Certified Design Expert, for example.
1. PMP: Project Management Professional - $105,750
The Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is recognized as the most important certification for project managers. It is globally acknowledged, in heavy demand, and highly sought after by corporations and individuals alike. A Project Management Professional designation demonstrates that you have not only the experience but also the education to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP credential is for experienced project management professionals, as the qualifications and testing for this certification are rigorous, as are the required continuing education requirements. All of these factors ensure that the PMP credential is widely respected. The PMP experience and exam requirements focus on five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.
2. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional - $103,299
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is primarily intended for security managers and profes¬sionals who develop policies and procedures in information security. The CISSP certification has become the gold standard in information security certifications and education. Earning and maintaining a CISSP certification is required for many government, military, and civilian security positions. The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 17024:2003.

3. MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer - $97,849
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is the new Microsoft developer certification that replaces the old Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification. The new certification validates a candidate's ability to design and build application solutions. These solutions may span multiple versions of a single technology or integrate multiple technologies. Developers are expected to analyze and design enterprise solutions using different Microsoft languages and development tools.
Currently, there are three separate certification tracks for those seeking to earn this certification: MCSD: Windows Store Apps, MCSD: Web Applications, and MCSD: Application Lifecycle Management. Each MCSD track requires anywhere from three to six separate exams. Microsoft has introduced a recertification requirement for the new MCSD. Current certification holders will have to recertify every two years, ensuring that they remain current on the base technology that will have changed due to service packs, revisions, and new product releases. (Those holding MCSE certifications will have to recertify every three years).

4. MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator - $95,950
Access to information is critical in today's fast-paced, global environment. Corporations are even more dependent on quick and reliable systems to process and retrieve information. This means they must operate their own database servers and business intelligence software to access this information in order to grow and become more successful, and Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBA) are the ones who provide this expertise. An MCDBA-certified individual has proven his or her ability to design, implement, and manage SQL Server 2000 databases. This certification was retired on September 30, 2012, though if you achieved it before that date it will still appear on your transcript as a legacy certification. There are two new MCSE certifications for SQL 2012: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence.

5. CCDA®: Cisco Certified Design Associate - $94,799
The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) indicates that the certified individual has a strong foundation and apprentice knowledge of network design for Cisco converged networks. A CCDA certification is for network design engineers, technicians, and support engineers, who enable efficient network environments. The CCDA-certified individual has the skills to design a routed and switched network infrastructure and services involv¬ing LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations.

6. MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer - $93,349
The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) credential provides industry recognition for professional developers who build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. Responsibilities include implementing requirements, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services by using Microsoft tools and technologies. The MCAD certification is appropriate for Programmers, Analysts, Software Engineers, Software Application Specialists and Application/Software Developers.

7. VCP-DV: VMware Certified Professional Datacenter Virtualization - $92,400
Virtualization, and those who are knowledgeable on virtualization products, are in heavy demand, especially those professionals with datacenter virtualization skills. In the highly competitive virtualization market it is essential to distinguish yourself with a certification that validates your technical capabilities. VMware is one of the leading vendors of virtualization products and earning a VMware certification is the first step toward gaining industry-recognized expertise in virtual infrastructure. Earning the VCP-DV certification demonstrates that you have not only completed a VMWare-authorized training course but also have the necessary experience and training to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

8. CNE: Certified Novell Engineer - $91,350
The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) shows that those certified individuals have the expertise and knowledge to solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. They perform planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and upgrade services for networks. The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) has been recognized as one of the IT industry's leading certifications for advanced networking and troubleshooting professionals.

9. ITIL v3 Foundation - $90,900
The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv3) is a foundational process that provides for quality IT Service Management. The success of ITIL is through the use of documented and proven processes that cover the entire Service Lifecycle. The ITIL Expert level is the third of four levels. The ITIL Expert level certification is aimed at those individuals who are interested in demonstrating a superior level of knowledge of ITIL Version 3 (v3) in its entirety. Once you have achieved ITIL Expert level you will also satisfy the pre-requisite entry criteria for the ITIL Master Level; the highest level of certification within the ITIL v3 scheme, though the Master level is still under development.

10. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator - Citrix XenServer 6 - $90,850
The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate's skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenServer 6 certification validates the certified individual's ability to effectively install, configure, administer, troubleshoot, and maintain XenServer 6.0 Enterprise edition and Provisioning Services 6.0 in an enterprise environment.

11. MCITP: Database Administrator - $90,200
The MCITP certification validates that the IT professional is capable of deploying, building, designing, optimizing, and operating technologies for a particular job role. MCITP certifications builds on the technical proficiency measured in the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications. In order to earn the MCITP: Database Administrator you must first pass the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist certification in SQL Server 2008 (by passing the 70-432 exam) and then pass the 70-450 exam. The MCITP Database Administrator demonstrates knowledge of SQL Server instances and database solutions, database server security solutions, high availability databases, backup and recovery solutions, monitoring strategies, database management and maintenance strategies, and data distribution strategies.

12. MCTS: SQL Server 2005 - $90,100
Those who have earned the MCTS: SQL Server 2005 certification are IT professionals who may pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. They may also be people who do not work with Microsoft SQL Server as a part of their primary job functions but who want to show their breadth of technology experience, such as developers, systems administrators, and others. This certification validates that the IT professional can implement and maintain databases by using specific instructions and specifications.

13. MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer - $89,949
Those holding the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCTs) certification are the premier technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies. An MCT has earned at least one premier certification on a Microsoft product and maintains that certification. Some of the benefits of earning and maintaining an MCT include access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; members-only newsgroups and online community resources; and invitations to exclusive events and programs. MCT's must renew each year by completing an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet a number of program requirements to renew your certification for the coming year.

14. CCNP®: Cisco Certified Network Professional - $89,749
There are two tracks available at the Associate and Professional levels - Designing and Networking. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that you have the ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. A CCNP-certified individual is expected to work collaboratively with other Cisco specialists on advanced products such as security, voice, wireless, and video solutions.

15. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator - Citrix XenDesktop 5 - $89,499
The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate's skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The CCA for Citrix XenDesktop 5 certifies the expertise required to install, administer, and troubleshoot an enterprise environment containing a XenDesktop implementation, including Provisioning Services, XenServer, XenApp and the Desktop Delivery Controller
Summary
Earning a certification does not guarantee that you will walk into a higher paying job. Certification counts, but employers look at several factors, including experience. There was a time when certification holders were reasonably assured of landing a job. Today it is more of a qualifier - not having a certification means you may not even get an interview.
About the Author
Randy Muller (MCT, MCTS, MCSE, CEH) is an instructor with Global Knowledge, specializing in teaching Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, Lync Server as well as Windows Server 2008.

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Cisco gets closer to NetApp, further from VCE

Expanded alliance for Cisco is deeper, broader than that with EMC, VMware

Appearing to further distance itself from VCE coalition partners EMC and VMware, Cisco this week expanded collaboration with storage titan NetApp to deepen integration and market reach.

Cisco and NetApp, a storage rival of EMC's, are stretching their alliance around the FlexPod architecture -- - which combines Cisco data center switches and servers, NetApp FAS storage systems, and partner applications and devices -- to the branch office and public cloud. Their alliance already serves the data center and private cloud markets. The expanded partnership includes efforts in technology integration, system development and market collaboration around FlexPod architectures available in a variety of configurations and packages that support an array of vendors' virtualization hypervisors.

The VCE coalition Cisco formed almost four years ago with EMC and VMware supports VMware virtualization and orchestration in a pre-configured vBlock footprint aimed predominantly at data centers and private clouds, says Jim McHugh, vice president of marketing for Cisco. VCE is believed to be splintering as the three founding companies - Cisco, EMC and VMware - become increasingly competitive and overlapping in an effort to become a single source of IT and cloud infrastructure.

[WITH PARTNERS LIKE YOU, WHO NEEDS... Cisco relationship stressed with Nicira buy: EMC]

McHugh, however, dismissed any notion that the expanded NetApp partnership diminishes the emphasis or activity on VCE.

"Absolutely not," he says, when asked if the broadened NetApp collaboration signaled an end to VCE. "It's complementary to that."

McHugh says Cisco values all partnerships and that VCE is a "very particular, very specific" use case: data centers and private clouds. The NetApp engagement includes branch offices and public clouds, he says, and involves a multi-site data center and multi-hypervisor strategy.

The extended activity will include deeper integration across computing, networking, storage and orchestration components of FlexPod, combined with broader support for FlexPod partners.

The deepened integration includes the ability of FlexPod configurations to manage up to 10,000 servers, allow organizations to aggregate several FlexPod racks, and enable multi-hop Fibre Channel over Ethernet. This is intended to enable service provider and distributed enterprise infrastructures to scale.

The FlexPod architecture will also now support Cisco UCS Manager 2.1, UCS Central and Cisco's recently acquired Cloupia data center orchestration and automation products. FlexPod will also support Cisco's Intelligent Automation for Cloud management system. FlexPod can also now be orchestrated by partner applications such as Microsoft System Center and Citrix CloudStack, the companies said.

Cisco and NetApp will also integrate Flash technologies at the host and storage levels to accelerate performance. At the server, applications running on Flash-optimized Cisco UCS can be further accelerated with NetApp Flash Accel, while at the controller and array levels, technologies such as NetApp Flash Cache and Flash Pools can be used to access cached data faster, the companies say.

For the branch office, Cisco and NetApp are extending the capabilities of ExpressPod to meet the compute, network and storage needs of remote sites. ExpressPod is a converged infrastructure configuration similar to FlexPod, but designed for the branch office. It is upgradable to and interoperable with FlexPod so branch offices can take advantage of virtualization and cloud computing for resource efficiency and cost reduction. ExpressPod includes support for VMware VSphere and will soon include support for Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V, the companies say.

For cloud service providers, Cisco and NetApp are developing a FlexPod capable of handling multi-data center service provider architectures. The development will combine NetApp Clustered ONTAP and NetApp FAS storage systems with Cisco UCS servers and Nexus 7000 switches to create pools of server and storage resources that can be scaled up or down, depending on application requirements.

These architectures will include common management and orchestration technologies, the companies say, as well as support for open source cloud computing technologies such as CloudStack and OpenStack.

Expanded partner support includes the addition of more validated business and private cloud applications for the data center. These include Oracle Database and applications, SAP Business Intelligence and SAP HANA applications, and Microsoft Private Cloud and Citrix CloudPlatform private cloud offerings.

And in addition to branch offices and public clouds, Cisco and NetApp will attempt to simplify deployment, management and orchestration of the FlexPod architecture for consumer-to-enterprise and cloud-to-cloud connectivity.

FlexPod has more than 2,100 customers and over 700 channel partners, the companies say.

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Hottest Android news and rumors for week ending Jan. 18

All quiet on the Galaxy S IV front, but plenty going on elsewhere.After a CES week during which the Android world was all a-twitter over a device that wasn't even revealed at the show, the previously hyperactive Galaxy S IV rumor mill has quieted down, mostly. It's likely to only be a momentary respite, however, as the device is heavily tipped to be released at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month.

MORE OFFBEAT: The dumbest products of CES 2013

Perhaps the biggest news on the most hotly anticipated Android device so far in 2013 is that an ostensible screenshot of mobile benchmarking results has been published by a Japanese-language blog), which points out that the 1.8GHz CPU speed matches up with Samsung's Exynos 5 Octa eight-core SoC. (More on the Octa later.)

Given the source, it's important to remember that this should be taken with many grains of salt - even the inclusion of the point about the Exynos 5 Octa could easily be read as a little too circumstantially convenient. (Like Manti Te'o confessing to Lance Armstrong on Oprah or something.)

Still, I can't deny that the pairing of Samsung's two biggest headline grabbing topics makes sense. We'll see what happens (probably) at MWC at the end of February.

Speaking of the Exynos 5 Octa, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs is unsurprisingly not a fan, according to a report from Unwired View. Essentially, he told reporters in China yesterday, Samsung is just covering for the fact that the four high-performance Cortex-A15 cores drain a ton of power by jamming four slower but less demanding Cortex-A7s into the SoC alongside them, and attempting to reap a publicity windfall by boasting about their eight-core processor.

While Jacobs is correct in noting that all eight of the Octa's cores won't operate at the same time, I'm not sure why he's saying this means the SoC is going to suck. OK, so it's not a "true" eight-core SoC, but the idea of using the low-power cores for light work and switching to the A15s for more serious tasks still makes sense, and could well back up Samsung's claims of improved battery life and better performance. Seems like fairly ineffectual spin to me.

The Nexus 4 official wireless charger has appeared on the site of Norwegian store Dustin Home, providing a slick pad on which to charge the Nexus 4 that you still probably don't have. Presumably, this means that it'll become available soon in the U.S., but this is a product release story involving the phrase "Nexus 4," so who really knows?

(Hat tip: Android Central)
But wait! The Nexus 4's availability problems will soon be a thing of the past, according to an LG executive who spoke to Challenges.fr Wednesday. LG France director of mobile communication Cathy Robin says production of the Nexus 4 is due to increase by mid-February, which could ease the supply crunch. As of this writing, both the 8GB and 16GB models are still sold out on the Play Store.

(Hat tip: r/Android)
Android Police has what it says is an internal Sprint document, which asserts that the company plans to offer a $400 device credit to new family plan customers who port at least one line in from a competitor. The deal's supposedly set to roll out tomorrow, so you don't have long to wait, if you're interested.

All quiet on the Galaxy S IV front, but plenty going on elsewhere.

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Chrome 24 vs. Firefox 18 - head to head

A quick look at the two latest versions of the biggest non-Microsoft browsers on the market

With major new releases of both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox happening within days of each other, it's been a big week for the browser market. Chrome 24 began to be rolled out to stable channel users via Google's automatic background updater on Thursday, while Mozilla announced the release version of Firefox 18 on Tuesday.
Chrome vs. Firefox

FURTHER READING: Google revs up Chrome, crushes bugs

FIREFOX 19 BETA: Firefox getting built-in HTML5-based PDF viewer to improve security

But which browser got the biggest upgrade? Who's the fastest? The safest? The easiest to use? We took a look at Chrome 24 and Firefox 18 to try and find out.
CHROME 24

Both Google and Mozilla highlighted performance boosts in their latest releases. Google said during Chrome 24's beta phase that the browser had achieved a more than 26% improvement in JavaScript speed over the course of the past year, and Chrome has always had the reputation of being snappy and responsive.

But that isn't all that's been added to Chrome 24. New support for MathML, or math markup language, means that it's a lot easier to display mathematical notation on web pages, and a Flash update will keep that plug-in working on Chrome for the near future. (It should be noted that MathML has been natively supported on Firefox for some time.)

Google made a number of security updates in Chrome 24, as well -- 11 out of 24 of which were rated "high" risk by the browser's security team. Three of those highly rated vulnerabilities resulted in bug bounties for their discoverers, with one prize of $4,000 and two of $1,000 handed out.
FIREFOX 18

One of the knocks against Firefox has long been its supposedly poky performance compared to the fleet Chrome, but Mozilla is apparently working to change that in Firefox 18 -- the new IonMonkey JavaScript compiler should provide a 25% speed boost compared to the previous JavaScript engine used by the browser. Whether that's enough to close the gap on Chrome isn't clear, but it's still a substantial improvement, if Mozilla's figures are correct.

Firefox 18 also packs several new features like support for Retina display resolutions on sufficiently recent versions of OS X, and the underpinnings of support for the developing webRTC standard, which is designed to enable real-time communication via the Web.
SO WHO'S ON TOP?

Broadly, it's still a matter of personal preference -- Chrome's cleaner design, blazing speed and instant updating will be more attractive to some, while Firefox's flexibility and customization options will tempt others.

In this latest round of updates, however, it seems like Firefox has received more of a boost -- the new JavaScript engine should help address one of the most common complaints about the browser, potentially giving it a more compelling user experience.

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Cloud Specific IT Certifications 2013

Few areas within the IT industry have seen the kind of growth that cloud computing has. As a result, many IT professionals are now seeking cloud specific certifications. Here is an overview of what is currently available to help you figure out which certification may be best for you.

2013 is here and as we look back at 2012, few areas within the IT industry have seen the kind of growth that cloud computing has experienced.

If your company is locked into a specific cloud service vendor then choosing which IT certification to get may be simple. However, because cloud computing comes in many flavors and is still in its infancy, deciding which cloud certification to get is difficult for many IT professionals.

To help you figure out what vendor offerings are out there and where to begin, CIO.com has put together a list of currently available cloud certifications. This list isn't all-inclusive, simply because the cloud computing market is in a state of transformation. Please add any certification we may have missed to the comments section.

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CompTIA Cloud Essentials
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials specialty certification demonstrates that an individual knows what cloud computing means from a business and technical perspective, as well as what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud.

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials exam covers:
Characteristics of cloud services from a business perspective
Business value of cloud computing
Technical perspective/cloud types
Steps to successful adoption
Impact and changes on IT service management
Risks and consequences

The Cloud Essentials exam objectives were originally developed by ITpreneurs in cooperation with the Cloud Credential Council, a membership body dedicated to vendor-neutral training in cloud computing and comprised of companies including IBM, Cisco, EMC, HP and ING.

While it is not required, CompTIA recommends that a candidate have at least six months working in an environment that markets or relies on IT-related services

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EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation
The exam focuses to a limited extent upon Cloud technology. The main focus of the programme is the procurement, implementation and management of Cloud Computing, hence the slogan ‘Get into the Cloud – and stay in control’.

EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation is part of the Certified Integrator program and is one of the prerequisites to attain the title:

EXIN Certified Integrator Secure Cloud Services.

Target group
The exam is suitable for IT managers, business managers, IT professionals and procurement specialists, who want to qualify for a role within the rapidly growing field of Cloud Computing. For organizations and trainers, EXIN Cloud Computing serves as independent certification of their own course or training.

Context
Cloud Computing ties in well with other EXIN examination programmes, such as IT Service Management and Information Security.
EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation was created in close collaboration with industry and trade organizations.

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HP ExpertOne
HP ATA – Cloud V1
Click to Chat With an Online Representative
For students pursuing HP ATA certification

This certification training provides you with the skills and knowledge to understand a customer’s business objectives and support end-to-end IT solution design and deployment, including on premises, hosted, and cloud solutions for small- to medium-size businesses.

To prepare for this certification, you will learn industry-standard cloud and virtualization technologies. You will also learn how to support disaster recovery plans, install, configure, and upgrade servers, storage, data, networks, clients, applications, and users in new and existing environments. Achieving this certification validates your ability to optimize, troubleshoot, and administer cloud solutions.
Why earn this certification?

As a student you have access to HP training developed in an academic format. You will gain higher job and earning potential through an industry-recognized certification and a high-quality education that provides practical experience with HP and industry-standard technologies.

The HP Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) certification is for individuals interested in pursuing careers in technology and lays the foundation for success.

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HP ASE - Cloud Architect v1
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This certification verifies that you have the ability to specify and architect a spectrum of cloud services based on a converged infrastructure. These include private, public and hybrid cloud environments, and IaaS, PaaS and SaaS platforms. The Cloud Architect training provides you with the ability to navigate through the HP CloudSystem solution offerings and identify, describe, position and specify the right solution based on identified needs. The training also provides an understanding at the level of purpose, function, positioning, and capabilities of HP CloudSystem offerings. The available training will also help you learn the technical consulting skills needed for planning and designing complete cloud solutions.
Why earn this certification?

Businesses are moving rapidly to take advantage of the cloud to speed innovation, accelerate business processes, and reduce time-to-revenue. However, enterprises and service providers seeking to build cloud environments are confronted with fragmented solutions, leading to complexity, security issues, and management costs that organizations are trying to avoid. You can increase your business and professional value by validating your unique breadth of knowledge to plan and design a complete, integrated and open solution based on HP CloudSystem built on a converged infrastructure. You validate The Cloud Architect V1 training and certification provides the skills needed to effectively plan and design the right cloud solutions based for both business and IT needs.

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IBM Certified Solution Advisor - Cloud Computing Architecture V2
An IBM Certified Solution Advisor - Cloud Computing Architecture V2 is a person who can clearly explain the benefits and underlying concepts of cloud computing. They can also demonstrate how the IBM Cloud Computing offering helps customers realize these benefits.

Key areas of competency include:
Explain the cloud computing concepts.
Describe how the customer can realize the benefits of cloud computing within their environment.
Identify cloud computing architecture and design principles.
Map customer-s requirements to the IBM Cloud Computing offerings.

Required Prerequisite Skills:
The following qualifications are requirements for success:

Working knowledge of Cloud Computing principles
Working knowledge of implementation of Cloud Computing concepts
Working knowledge of the various types of clouds
Working knowledge of the various types of -as a service- offerings
Working knowledge of various Cloud Computing business models
Working knowledge of key concerns and how they are addressed in Cloud Computing such as security,

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Microsoft MCSE - Private Cloud certification
Private Cloud certification
Solutions Expert The globally recognized standard for IT professionals

Prove your expertise in managing and implementing Microsoft private cloud computing technologies. With Windows Server and System Center, you will build your Microsoft private cloud solution to optimize IT service delivery and gain the automation and flexibility you need for your IT infrastructure, now and in the future.
Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
Administering Windows Server 2012
Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
If you’re already certified as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator or MCITP: Server Administrator, you only need to complete steps 4 and 5 above to earn your Private Cloud certification.

This MCSE certification requires you to show continued ability to perform in your chosen solution area by completing a recertification exam every three years.

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Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud X2-2 Certified Implementation Specialist certification
Exalogic Elastic Cloud X2-2 Essentials

New! Register for OPN Exchange and take this exam for FREE at Oracle OpenWorld 2012.

The Exalogic Elastic Cloud X2-2 Essentials exam is intended for system administrators who have implemented and are managing an Exalogic Elastic Cloud environment in a data center. The exam targets a broad range of topics from fundamentals and initial machine setup to storage and network configuration. In addition to on-the-job training, preparation can include attending Oracle University's Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud Administration course.

The Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud Implementation Specialist certification recognizes OPN members as OPN Certified Specialists. This certification differentiates OPN members in the marketplace by providing a competitive edge through proven expertise.

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Best of CES 2013: In pictures

Best of CES 2013: In pictures
Here’s what’s grabbing our attention right now at the sprawling CES 2013 gadget show in Las Vegas

CES 2013

Christmas, as usual, comes late for the serious phone addicts, tablet-o-philes and general gizmo junkies among us. Here’s a look at some of our favorites, so far, from CES 2013, which is happening right now in Las Vegas. We’ll be adding to this slideshow throughout the week as we come across cool new products from CES, so please check back.

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Vizio MT11x-A1 Best known for its LCD TV line, Vizio announced a pure Windows 8 slate-style touch tablet, the MT11x-A1. (It previously offered an Android tablet). It’s powered by an AMD Z60 dual-core 1 GHz processor, with 2 Gbytes RAM, and AMD’s Radeon HD graphics. It’s just 0.4 inches thick, weighs 1.8 pounds. The 11-inch screen is 1920 x 1080 pixels. Other features: micro-HDMI port, 64GB solid state disk, 2-megapixel front camera, SRS Premium Sound HD. Availability, pricing not announced. Details on the Vizio web page are scant.

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Samsung Exynos 5 Octa Samsung announced its most advanced mobile system-on-chip: the Exynos 5 Octa, so called because it has eight ARM CPU cores. Four are ARM Cortex A15’s, designed for high performance, which are found in the earlier Exyno 5 Dual which powers the Nexus 10. Four are ARM Cortex A7’s, which are similar but designed for power efficiency. The setup lets the SoC shift different types of tasks among the cores for optimal efficiency. Using a 28 nanometer process, the new SoC is somewhat smaller than the Dual. Rivals Qualcomm and NVIDIA also announced new mobile chips. No word on whether Samsung will upgrade the companion GPU.

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Panasonic ToughPad for Android The second new Panasonic ToughPad is the JT-B1 running Android 4.0 with a Texas Instruments OMAP 4460 1.5GHz dual core CPU, 16 Gbytes ROM, 1 Gbyte RAM, micro SDHC; 7-inch, daylight viewable, 1024 x 600 pixel touch screen; rear 13 megapixel auto focus/LED cam, and front 1.3 megapixel fixed focus cam; 5,720 mAh battery, user-replaceable, with 8-hour life; 8.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches, 1.2 pounds; Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n, optional embedded LTE or 3G; Micro USB; MIL-STD-810G spec. Ships in February, starting at $1,199

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LaCie 5big external hard drive The LaCie 5big external hard drive is a RAID monster that also includes a super-fast Thunderbolt connection. Aimed at video and photo professionals, this drive transferred a whopping 30GB of data in about a minute (at least in the demo we saw).

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Lenovo IdeaPhone P770 Lenovo's IdeaPhone P770 packs a high capacity 3,500 mAh battery with enhanced power management software, for up to 30 hours of talk time between charges. Native anti-virus software, and dual-sim capability. That’s about all the info in the press release. There’s not even a Webpage for “Ideaphone.” In November 2012, details were leaked or uncovered: 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean; 4.5-inch (960 x 540 pixel) display; 5 MP camera on the back, front-facing VGA cam; 4GB storage. Ships: January, first in China; price not announced. See the P770 video ad.

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Panasonic ToughPad for Windows Panasonic announced two rugged ToughPad tablets. The first is the FZ-G1, running Windows 8 Pro. It has a third generation Intel Core i5 processor, at 1.9 GHz (up to 2.9, with Intel Turbo Boost); 128G-265GB solid state disk options; 4G-8GB, RAM; sunlight viewable 10.1-inch touch screen, user-replaceable battery runs up to 8 hours; 10.6 x 7.4 x 0.75 inches; 2.43 pounds; Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n, optional 3G or LTE radio; full USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, HDMI, Ethernet, serial port or dedicated GPS; complies with MIL-STD-810G spec; ships in February, starting at $2,899.

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Qualcomm announced a fire breather Qualcomm announced a fire breather: the Snapdragon 800 mobile processor series, aimed at “premium” mobile devices. The 800 uses a four-core Krait 400 CPU (based on ARM cores), the company’s Adreno 330 GPU, Hexagon v5 Digital Signal Processor, and its latest 4G LTE Category 4 modem. All components offer dramatic performance gains over the current generation Snapdragon S4 Pro, which is used in smartphones like the Google Nexus 4 and the HTC Droid DNA. Also new: the 600 series, which offers a lower performance level at a lower price, though still a major step up from the S4 Pro. See this blogpost for more information.

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Intel Haswell Intel banged the drum for a new generation of lighter, thinner, and cheaper ultrabooks: shown is this sleek prototype, dubbed Northscape, running Intel’s next-generation, ultra low-power Haswell mobile processor. Haswell is due out in mid-2013, several months earlier than expected. Press a button and the 13-inch display is released, to be used as an 11-inch touch tablet (the change in screen size lets you hold the bezel-less tablet). The 0.67-inch thick ultrabook has 13 hours of battery life; the tablet, 10 hours.

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A company called TrackingPoint (currently only showing a video and countdown clock) combined an array of sensors, a processor, digital tracking display, an optical scope, laser, digital signal processor, and even Wi-Fi, along with something never before seen at CES: a custom-built, bolt-action rifle from Surgeon Rifles. The result: the $20,000 Precision Guided Firearm. Data on temperature, barometric pressure, distance to target, orientation of the barrel, let you lock on to the target, with a big red dot that dynamically compensates for a battery of variables. The Wi-Fi link lets the scope’s image appear on an iPad mini (included). PC World has details.

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Samsung LED curved TV We thought we’d left curved TVs behind with cathode rays, but no: Samsung announced a prototype 55-inch concave organic LED TV, with a gently curved surface. The curve makes all viewing angles equal in terms of the eye’s distance to the screen. Gizmodo’s Brian Barrett says the effect is enveloping, and both “disorienting and majestic.” No information on price or on when, or whether, it will be available.

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IT investments will increase in 2013 thanks to software and device spending

Gartner expects worldwide IT spending to total $3.7 trillion

Enterprises buying new mobile devices and investing in security and storage management will give IT spending a boost in 2013.

Worldwide IT spending is projected to total US$3.7 trillion in 2013, a 4.2 percent increase from 2012 spending of $3.6 trillion, according to research firm Gartner, which is becoming a bit more optimistic about the global economy.

The company divides IT spending into five segments: devices, data center systems, enterprise software, IT services and telecom services.

All five segments will grow in 2013, but devices and enterprise software are the two segments that will see the biggest increases in spending during the next twelve months, according to Gartner.

Worldwide device spending, which includes PCs, tablets, mobile phones and printers, is expected to reach $666 billion in 2013, up 6.3 percent from last year. That compares to 2.9 percent growth in 2012, according to Gartner's data.

However, the current estimate for this year's growth is lower than Gartner had previously forecast.

"The main reason [for the lowered growth estimate] is that the shift away from the traditional PC form factors, the desktop and the laptop, toward new form factors, most notably the tablet, is happening a lot faster than we thought," said Richard Gordon, managing vice president at Gartner.

For example, there is a growing trend in emerging markets where users are getting a tablet as their first device, and not bothering with getting a PC, according to Gordon.

Last year also saw the ascent of cheaper tablets such as the Android-based Nexus 7 from Asus and Google. That was and continues to be good news for consumers and enterprises, but also puts pressure on overall spending.

Worldwide enterprise software spending is expected to end up at $296 billion in 2013, a 6.4 percent increase from 2012. This growth will primarily be driven by security, storage management and customer relationship management, according to Gartner.

Enterprises are trying to get more value out of their IT spending with investments in supply chain and customer relationships, while at the same time trying to handle an exponential growth in the amount of data coming in, Gordon said.

Telecom services, on the other hand, will see just a 2.4 percent increase in 2013, which may not measure up to the other segments but is still better than the 0.1 percent drop it recorded last year.

Growth will be flat over the next several years as revenue from mobile data services struggles to make up for the declines in spending on fixed and mobile voice, according to Gartner.

Telecom services are by far the biggest segment of total IT spending at $1.7 trillion this year.

In 2014 spending growth will slow down somewhat with overall spending increasing by 3.8 percent.

Growth will once again be powered by investments in software, as enterprises spend more on big data and other information management initiatives, Gartner said.

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Learning New MCSE on windows Server 2012 Certification in 2013

Learning New MCSE on windows Server 2012 Certification in 2013

Microsoft has updated their certification site with a WHOLE load of new certifications for the release of windows server 2012. If you now go to the MCSE site on Microsoft’s site you can now see new exams for Windows Server 2012 & Windows 8

Windows Server 2012 formerly codenamed Windows Server 8, is the next release of Windows Server currently under development by Microsoft. It is the server version of Windows 8 and the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2012 will be the first version of Windows Server to have no support for Itanium-based computers since Windows NT 4.0. A developer preview (a pre-beta release) was released on 9 September 2011 to MSDN subscribers. On March 1, 2012, Microsoft issued a public beta (build 8250). On April 17, 2012, Microsoft announced the product name would be Windows Server 2012. On May 31, 2012, Microsoft announced the release candidate (RC) for Windows Server 2012.

The best path to cloud certifications is to complete your Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) or Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification. Show your continued dedication and expertise by then upgrading to the equivalent MCSE certifications when they become available.
Get Current Now With a Two for One Offer!

To help you move to the cloud, Microsoft is offering a limited time* "Two for One" exam offer. When you purchase and take a qualifying exam at full price between April 11, 2012 and June 30, 2012, you will be emailed a voucher valid for the next version exam of your chosen technology path, at no additional cost. Your voucher for the second qualifying exam will be emailed to you when the new exams release and will expire 90 days after the new Certification in your technology path becomes available.

The data explosion is happening at every level of the business—across devices, applications, and individual roles. Become certified on Microsoft SQL Server and prove your knowledge and skills in designing, building, and maintaining the next wave of cloud-ready database and information solutions.

Two MCSE certifications are available for SQL Server 2012: Data Platform and Business Intelligence. Earn an MCSE: Data Platform certification to demonstrate your indispensable expertise to build enterprise-scale data solutions on-premises or in the cloud. Showcase your skills in developing and deploying visually rich business intelligence solutions and reports by earning an MCSE: Business Intelligence certification. The MCSA: SQL Server 2012 certification validates a set of core SQL Server 2012 skills that are relevant across multiple solution areas.

Server 2012 and the Microsoft ecosystem
Windows Server 2012 doesn't standalone. If you're evaluating it, you really need to be running it alongside the next generation of Microsoft's management tools in System Center 2012, especially the beta tooling for SP1. You'll need to understand how the two fit together, as there's key functionality in System Center that simplifies implementing and running private clouds, including handling self-service. System Center isn't the only management tool you'll need to deliver the full range of services offered by Windows Server 2012, especially if you're looking at Windows RT as part of a BYOD platform. Active Directory federation with the cloud is the basis of single sign-on with Office 365 and with the device management tools built into Windows Intune (which provide an AD-controlled way of managing non-AD managed devices).

Much of Microsoft's messaging around Windows Server 2012 focuses on its role as a key building block for private clouds. Although Hyper-V and the new Storage Spaces tools go a long way to delivering on this vision, it's important to understand that Microsoft is not abandoning Windows Server's traditional roles. You'll be able to drop it in as a replacement for Windows Server 2008, as a file and print server, as an application server or as a web server. It's just that the new Hyper-V release makes it easier to virtualise these roles (and handle the physical-to-virtual transition), helping you make the move to private cloud on your own timetable, not Microsoft's.

Cloud or not, Microsoft isn't just using Windows Server 2012 to introduce new ways of delivering applications or managing devices. It's also introducing a new way of managing information. There's a quiet revolution going on in the IT security world, one that understands that organisations are now distributed, and that today's work patterns mean that users will be working at home, and on their own devices. BYOD is only part of this trend, but one that's finally concentrated attention on the shift away from traditional corporate firewalls to user- and information-centric ways of handling security.

Active Directory is key to this shift, and it's important to use any Windows Server 2012 RC test programme to map how you will take advantage of the new tools and features built into AD — particularly around the new Dynamic Access control tools. DAC is an important tool, as it gives you a simple rule-driven tool for managing who can interact with what information, either just controlling access to files and directories via Active Directory users, or by using Windows' Information Rights Management tools to apply more complex controls around viewing, editing, sharing and printing documents. DAC rules can be used to automatically classify documents by content (for example specific health record formats or credit card numbers), or by metadata (whether it's classed as public or confidential).


A good MCSE on windows Server 2012 training should be the founding base to any MCSE 2012 study. From the outset, selecting one of the best MCSE 2012 trainings available will ensure your study will get off on the right foot and be the most efficient and time effective. There are a large number of MCSE 2012 trainings on offer from a number of different online IT training industry with the price averaging at about thousands of USD each exam. To answer the question of “What is the best MCSE 2012 study training?” we spent hours training reviews and peoples own personal experiences on numerous MCSE 2012 certification forums and the answer of the best MCSE 2012 training was very clear. The obvious winner was the Self-Paced Training Kits by certkingdom.com with $50 Unlimited Life Time Access Pack you will get every thing you need to pass your exam on the first attempt.

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9 IT Career Resolutions for 2013

As 2012 comes to a close, IT job seekers should already be formulating a plan for career growth and professional development in 2013

Even if you are happy with your current IT job or role, there is a chance you might find yourself looking for a new position this year due to downsizing, outsourcing or reorganization.

According to recent statistics, the average worker has been in their current position for no longer than 4.4 years, a number that has been on the decline for decades. The days of working for one employer for your entire career, it seems, are over. So what can you do to shield yourself from the turmoil and layoffs that swirl through IT? Be ready for anything. You can't stop progress; the only choice is to evolve with the technology or get left behind.

With that in mind, here's our list of nine career-related resolutions to make for 2013.

1. Work Better to Understand My Industry

"Know specifically how and where you fit in it, where and how you can help. Then you'll be considered invaluable," says Ross MacPherson, president of Career Quest and a specialist in advanced career strategies.

You may be the best programmer in the world, but what companies really want are people who understand the business side of things as well. So attend an event, set up Google News Alerts for industry keywords or join LinkedIn, Yahoo groups and get involved. Knowing what's going on in your industry will give you a leg up over your competition.

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave "up. -Thomas Edison

2. Build a Career Map

Many companies today, both big and small, don't have well-defined career paths for their IT workforces. That's why creating your own can be helpful in determining your strengths and weaknesses as well as in identifying clear career objectives.

"No one is responsible for your career but you--not your company, not your boss-- just YOU. Design a great career and make it happen," says Macpherson.

Your personal career map should include the following:

An employee profile that list jobs and roles you have held (be specific).
An idea or goal position that includes positions within and outside of your company.
An analysis of your skills and a plan to bridge any skills gaps.
A network of professionals who you can work with and use for advice when necessary.

Building a career map of your own will help you do a better job focusing your job search. So get it done. To find out more about career mapping, here is a recent article covering the basics.

"Control your own destiny or someone else will." - Steve Jobs

3. Update Your Resume

Having your resume up-to-date and ready to go can do wonders when it comes to setting your mind at ease. You can be sure that occasionally checking in to update your resume is a lot easier than having to do an overhaul of your resume in crisis mode.

"Your resume is a marketing document. You need to sell your expertise and stand out among your peers who may be just as qualified as you," says Macpherson.

Build your resume with the position you want in mind. Highlight your skills that are relevant to that position. Look around on job boards and see what keywords recruiters are using and add them where they fit into your resume. Include honors, awards and any charity you actively participate in. Seminars or course are often over-looked here as well.
Don't feel like dealing with the actual mechanics of resume writing? Well, there are plenty of career services companies out there that will work with to achieve your IT career goals. Whether you want to craft a resume, build a social presence or change careers altogether.

For more information on resume writing check out our resume makeover series.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius

4. Build a Personal Website for Your Brand

Most professionals could perhaps do without a website containing their professional brand but you work in IT, the web is a part of your life. This approach works best for people who want to display a lot of information on past jobs and products. It serves as their online portfolio. Macpherson's advice: "Don't make your site a data warehouse&make it dynamic, make it market your value."

Yes, there are many things to consider: hosting, domain names, content creation, programming and maintenance, not to mention cost but you have to ask yourself how much is your career worth to you? Like most things in life the more you put in the more you get out. It's also good to improve your SEO rankings.

If you already have one maybe it's time for an update. Make sure your contact information is easily found. You can also include the URL on resumes and cover letters. With the current IT unemployment rate at 3.6 percent competition is fierce in the tech market. Building a personal brand can be a great way to cut through the noise.

"Think not of yourself as the architect of your career but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a lot of hard hammering and chiseling and scraping and polishing." - B.C. Forbes

5. Create or Refine Your Social Profiles

Social networking profiles have become critical for recruiting in the tech field. Jobs have been won or lost over them. Maybe you've been hesitant to join the social networking fray, but you can't afford to avoid it any longer. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ have become necessary evils as they relate to search traffic, web presence and IT hiring.

Recruiters and companies are getting savvier at gleaning information from these social networks to target the right candidate. "Build, maintain and nurture a great online presence/brand and opportunity will start knocking on your door," says Macpherson. Get your profiles up-to-date and professional-looking and your next job might find you.

Google or Bing yourself and see what comes up. Anything negative out there? Chances are HR people are going to do a web search before an interview just as you would do to find out as much information about a company you're interviewing with. Whatever it may be--stupid comments you made years earlier, a pending lawsuit, a bad picture--get out in front of it and be prepared to explain it somehow.

There are services out there that claim they can help clean up and maintain your online reputation. If you've had had a positive or negative experience with them we'd love to hear about it in the comments section.
"By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be a boss and work 12 hours a day." - Robert Frost

6. Build a Social Network

You've heard the adage "it's not what you know it's who you know." With the emergence of professional networking sites like LinkedIn and BranchOut on Facebook, there are multitudes of ways to grow your professional network. "Networking is still the #1 way to make opportunity happen and don't forget about face-to-face networking," says Macpherson.

With LinkedIn, for example, you can follow companies that you've targeted. Connect with people whom you've worked with or admire. There are plenty of industry leaders to be found on LinkedIn as well. Connect with and follow them. Join a group and engage in some of the conversation. It sounds like a lot of work and it is but doing so may be the proverbial "foot in the door" you've been looking for.

"For many people a job is more than an income-- it's an important part of who we are. So a career transition of any sort is one of the most unsettling experiences you can face in your life." - Paul Clitheroe

7. Improve Your Follow-Up Skills

"The right follow-up is critical--make it timely and professional every time," notes Macpherson. In a competitive job market like IT you don't want to leave things to chance. Improving your follow-up can help keep your name in the head of the HR people. Send thank you notes after interviews and exchange business cards.

Some experts recommend that after an interview that you should wait two to three weeks before checking back in with your contact. Maybe someone else will get the job but new positions open up all the time. Follow-up and staying in touch could land you a role you didn't even apply for.

"A good manager is a man who isn't worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him." - H. S. M. Burns

8. Personalize Your Cover Letters

A cover letter is designed to personalize your message. It is a showcase for your communication skills as well as transferable knowledge to prospective employers and recruiters. Use your cover letter to convey how your experience and knowledge will add value to the company. If your cover letter is compelling chances are someone will read it.

Make sure there are no typos. If you aren't sure get a friend or colleague to read it. If there was a person listed in the job posting make sure to address your cover letter to him or her. Macpherson's advice on cover letters is simple: "Make them concise and to-the-point. Avoid huge paragraphs and clearly articulate your qualifications and interest."

"Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it." - Katherine Whitehorn

9. Expand Your Horizons

"If you're not growing, you're dying. Grow, expand, be distinct and make yourself invaluable," says Macpherson. Get out of your comfort zone and learn something new. There are plenty of free options available to you. That may be the library, a local course, college classes or seminars. The bottom line is never stop learning and growing.

"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it." - Buddha

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