MCSE(Win Server 2k3) or MCITP/MCTS

[damiano]

Hi Everyone,
Could I get some feedback to the following:
Is it better to start the MCSE 2003 or go for the newer generation of certifications based on Windows Server 2008?
Approximately how long in the future will Windows Server 2003 certifications(knowledge) be relevant?

Thanks for any reply offered!

Regards

[ali_manzoor]

Now i recommend you start with 2k8 . forgot MCSE come in MCITP

[Ed]

Hi Damiano,

There is no one correct answer to this question. It really depends on what your current experience is, what you plan to do once you are certified, and what the employers in your area are looking for. You should, however, plan on eventually achieving your Windows Server 2008 certifications regardless of where you choose to begin. Many people find it beneficial to learn about older operating systems before learning about the latest and greatest. Some people don't have the time or resources to waste so they go straight for whatever is easiest or fastest.

Many of my students asked me the same question back in 2003 about whether they should learn Windows 2000 Server before Windows Server 2003. My recommendation was to learn Windows 2000 Server first if they could afford to do so. Typically an operating system will be valid for 2 generations. As a for instance, Windows 2000 Server knowledge was in high demand pretty much until the release Windows Server 2008 and I expect the same will hold true for Windows Server 2003. No one ever really knows exactly when Microsoft will release their next version, but I expect Windows Server 2003 to be valid until that time. Each of these operating systems have been built as an expansion of the previous so learning Windows Server 2003 will actually help you to understand Windows Server 2008. Another reason to learn Windows Server 2003 first would be that employers like to see some experience and history in the employees they hire. Having both the MCSE and MCITP certifications will show a prospective employer that you know more than just one trick.

All that being said, if you don't have the time or resources to get your MCSE and MCITP then there is nothing wrong with going straight for your MCITP in Windows Server 2008. All of the certifications will take work and dedication to achieve and prospective employers should take a good look at you regardless of which path you choose.

Ed

[ali_manzoor]

YEs sir you are Right ....


GOD BLESS YOU

[jeremyneedle]

But you are WAY off Ali. Most IT Recruiters are BARELY familiar w/ M$'s new line of certifications. I would say the vast majority of the ones looking to hire windows admins specifically look for the presence of "MCSE" on a candidate's resume.

Secondly, as a personal observation, the skill set covered by MCSE 2003 is more useful to companies. Their current domain controllers are 2003. Their file & print servers are 2003. Their enterprise database servers running SQL 2005/2000 are server 2003. Even their SharePoint servers are running on 2003. From what I'm seeing, 2008 may be trickling in w/ very specific application servers, possibly even preparing for an Exchange 2007 upgrade [even most companies dread upgrading email], but if you can't back up a 2008 skill set w/ solid 2003 knowledge & experience, you're going to have a much tougher time.

++++DAMIANO

I gotta rant here for a second so bare with me

I think that today the job role of a "systems admin" is gradually being replaced w/ the concept of a "business applications admin." Its really not enough these days to be able to configure file shares or active directory or even email accounts. You're just one of 200,000 admins w/ the same skill set, and having 2008 or 2003 servers won't offer the same visible benefits.

Companies want an enhanced set of services that go beyond just mapping shares & sending email. Things like content management, document collaboration, shared calendaring, etc. Think about it this way: how many employees have 20 different versions of the same Excel spreadsheet that they keep emailing around, and god only knows what modifications are in what version.

If you want to differentiate yourself, you have to become involved in showing the financial decision makers just what they can do.

If you truly want the highest cross section of in-demand skills [in the world of microsoft at least], get your MCSA 2003 w/ the elective in Exchange 2003. Then do the MCTS for Exchange 2007 [there are TONS of upgrades coming down the pipe, specifically to take advantage for SharePoint 2007] and then the MCTS for SharePoint. Save 2008 for last.

Believe me when I say that the Exchange/SharePoint skill set is an INCREDIBLE money maker.

Whether it's hosted on a 2003 server or a 2008 server will be irrelevant to the VP of Marketing or the CFO; but showing him/her how they can track document changes or how they can intelligently integrate a billion different excel reports into a nice pretty web interface as opposed to hunting for them on the file shares..that is showing them that you do more than just put out fires and install servers. It will immediately translate you from an "expense" to an "investment."

Take an old man's word on this.


Ok. I'm ending my rant.

[Lisa]

Thanks for the personal insight Jeremy! I think what you said about finical impact is a good thing to keep in mind.

If you are currently in a job try to document this as you go along. That way you are ready the next time you are job seeking.

[greenmatter]

Indeed, quite helpful rant thats appreciated!http://www.imgsnatch.com/img/w/N.gif

[Space1202]

Indeed, quite helpful rant thats appreciated!http://www.imgsnatch.com/img/w/N.gif

Yes, I agree. Thanks for the rant.
http://www.thepictureshare.com/img/4/B.jpg

[dcasanares]

Excellent suggestions that I will follow.

Derek

But you are WAY off Ali. Most IT Recruiters are BARELY familiar w/ M$'s new line of certifications. I would say the vast majority of the ones looking to hire windows admins specifically look for the presence of "MCSE" on a candidate's resume.

Secondly, as a personal observation, the skill set covered by MCSE 2003 is more useful to companies. Their current domain controllers are 2003. Their file & print servers are 2003. Their enterprise database servers running SQL 2005/2000 are server 2003. Even their SharePoint servers are running on 2003. From what I'm seeing, 2008 may be trickling in w/ very specific application servers, possibly even preparing for an Exchange 2007 upgrade [even most companies dread upgrading email], but if you can't back up a 2008 skill set w/ solid 2003 knowledge & experience, you're going to have a much tougher time.

++++DAMIANO

I gotta rant here for a second so bare with me

I think that today the job role of a "systems admin" is gradually being replaced w/ the concept of a "business applications admin." Its really not enough these days to be able to configure file shares or active directory or even email accounts. You're just one of 200,000 admins w/ the same skill set, and having 2008 or 2003 servers won't offer the same visible benefits.

Companies want an enhanced set of services that go beyond just mapping shares & sending email. Things like content management, document collaboration, shared calendaring, etc. Think about it this way: how many employees have 20 different versions of the same Excel spreadsheet that they keep emailing around, and god only knows what modifications are in what version.

If you want to differentiate yourself, you have to become involved in showing the financial decision makers just what they can do.

If you truly want the highest cross section of in-demand skills [in the world of microsoft at least], get your MCSA 2003 w/ the elective in Exchange 2003. Then do the MCTS for Exchange 2007 [there are TONS of upgrades coming down the pipe, specifically to take advantage for SharePoint 2007] and then the MCTS for SharePoint. Save 2008 for last.

Believe me when I say that the Exchange/SharePoint skill set is an INCREDIBLE money maker.

Whether it's hosted on a 2003 server or a 2008 server will be irrelevant to the VP of Marketing or the CFO; but showing him/her how they can track document changes or how they can intelligently integrate a billion different excel reports into a nice pretty web interface as opposed to hunting for them on the file shares..that is showing them that you do more than just put out fires and install servers. It will immediately translate you from an "expense" to an "investment."

Take an old man's word on this.


Ok. I'm ending my rant.