Tim Chapman is a Dedicated Premier Field Engineer with Microsoft where he specializes in training andworking with large customers on performance tuning, high availability,and disaster recovery.
Tim has been working with SQL Server since the SQL 2000 days as a database administrator, database engineer, and data architect.
Before coming to Microsoft, Tim was a SQL Server MVP for 3 years for his contributions to the SQL Servercommunity. Tim is a regular speaker at SQL Server user group meetings, SQL Saturday events, and the PASS Summit.
Tim contributed chapters in the most recent SQL Server MVP Deep Dives 2 book as well as the SQLServer 2012 Bible.
The seventh SQL Microsoft Certified Master training and certification “rotation” is scheduled to kick off in October, leaving just a few more weeks for you to register (the registration deadline for a rotation is two calendar weeks prior to the rotation start date). If you haven’t heard of the SQL Microsoft Certified Master program, you can learn all about it on the Microsoft Certified Master Program website.
If you already know about the SQL MCM certification and you are interested in pursuing it, we have a few program fee discount promotions you should be aware of:
· This first program fee discount is available to everyone… If you apply for the SQL MCM rotation that is being held this year (October 5–24, 2009), you’ll save $3,550 (US dollars) on the program fee.
· If you are a SQL MVP (Most Valuable Professional), you’ll save $8,500 (US dollars) on the program fee.
The program fee covers three weeks of training (on the Microsoft Redmond campus) taught by well known database industry leaders. During the training you’ll receive three computer-based-testing exams and a six hour qualification lab that tests your hands on skills.
If you successfully pass each exam, you’ll be part of an elite community of SQL Server experts (as of today there are only 54 SQL MCMs in the world). This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will allow you to prove your technical mastery, build valuable contacts, and provide the knowledge you’ll need to help successfully address the most complex organizational or customer requirements.
Have questions you need answered before you take the leap? Email us at mcmprog@microsoft.com.
SharePoint MCM instructors, candidates, and community members have been going at a fever pitch through late summer and early fall. We made a number of updates to our content, labs, and exams following the release of SharePoint 2010 MCM Service Pack 1, and are halfway through a marathon of training and community activity that wrap up just before the US Thanksgiving holidays:
Among the busiest of these folks have been the ones attending R9 and those completing their retakes from prior rotations. Accolades for the following four new MCMs who've achieved the certification in recent months - here's a little about them in their own words:
Congratulations to all - great job!
Over the last few weeks we've added a few more people to our growing community, so I delighted to be able to publically congratulate:
Well done guys, really proud of you all.
Greetings everyone. Springtime in Redmond was exceptionally busy for the SharePoint MCM instructor team, with lots of globetrotting from our 11-member internationally-based instructor team, who delivered 5 weeks of training in an 8-week span! The hotels and restaurants in and around Redmond Town Center had become something of our home away from home...
Our candidates - including a few instructors who were pulling "double-duty" as they worked on their upgrades - were much busier than the rest of us, resulting in many new SharePoint 2010 MCM certifications and quite a few more nipping at their heels with retakes.
New MCMs:
MCM Upgrades:
Congratulations to all of you for your truly amazing efforts and an outstanding achievement!
A quick post-script... I often receive the question, "Are the people listed in the new certification announcements and the Meet the MCMs and MCAs page the only SharePoint MCMs?" The answer is no - there are more. Some MCMs choose not to opt in for the announcements, as we need their permission to publish this information. So three cheers for all the other folks from R1 through R8 and our upgrade rotations who've achieved the SharePoint MCM certifications but haven't had a posting to announce it. :) This doesn't mean they're incognito, however... the bona fide system of record for who is and isn't an MCM is always the MCP transcript - assuming you have their permission, if you need to validate someone's MCM credentials, just do this via the MCP Transcript Tool.
All current SQL 2008 MCMs to receive MCSM: Data Platform certification (Grandfathering)
The implementation of this policy will allow MCMs to hold both an MCM and an MCSM – it will be an additional certification and will not replace the current certification on their transcripts or elsewhere.
The new MCSM: Data Platform certification will appear on student transcripts. Currently this will be a manual process and we are awaiting system changes to support this policy (please be patient with us).
SQL Server 2008 MCMs will be awarded the MCSM: Data Platform with an “inactive period” (will become inactive on January 1, 2014 if not recertified) .
If the student does not do the upgrade their MCSM certification will change to inactive (similar to other programs).
This does not apply to MCM certifications – these will not expire.
Adi is a Consultant at Select Infrastructure, based out of Tel Aviv,Israel
Adi has been working with SQL Server for 11 years, primarily managing large-scale production environments. Adi is an automation freak. He is obsessed with automating every possible aspect of his work as a DBA. When he'sdone with that, he automates the work of other departments. Another thing that makes Adi tick is Central Management. He has designed and created aninfrastructure that allows him to manage and monitor hundreds of SQL Servers from one Central instance.
Adi currently lives in Tel Aviv with his wife, two children, and dog. He and his family are moving to Seattle at the end of the summer, and he is looking forward to new professional challenges in the Pacific Northwest.
As Jimmy May (@aspiringgeek) alluded to yesterday there is big news in the MCM / MCSM world for SQL Server.
In the early days (i.e. when I went through the SQL Ranger program) there was on campus, required training in order to obtain the MCM certification.
At some point in the distant past, the training was no longer required.
And to be fair, it is still not required.
However, in May of next year we will be debuting our MCSM training option.
It will consist of one week of insructor led training on campus in Redmond (as opposed to 5 weeks on campus for SQL Ranger).
During this week in addition to obtaining world class instruction, you will get to network and build the community that was a large part of the older programs.
We will get as many SQL Server Product Group PMs in during this week to the meet the members of the rotation.
After that, what would normally have been weeks two and three of the training will be delivered by Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT). Currently envisioned as 10 weeks of twice a week VILT for two to three hours per session.
Watch this space for more announcements, details etc.
As always if you have questions, would like to participate etc. please reach out to me.
When the rotation dates are firmed up, you will be able to register for the training via our Advanced Certification Portal .
Please look me up if you are at #sqlpass #summit2012
Back by popular demand: SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) Accelerated Exam Preparation Program
Our first online live accelerated training program for SQL Server MCM was such a hit that we’re bringing it back starting March 6. Whether you’re preparing for SQL Server 2008 MCM exams, or just looking to take your SQL Server skills to the next level, don’t miss out on this unique training opportunity.
Starting March 6: Accelerate your path to SQL Server MCM
This series of live online sessions with a SQL MCM presenter offers a low-cost and convenient solution for MCM exam preparation, or for those looking for advanced training around MCM topic areas. In seven weeks, with two weekly sessions of two hours each, the focus each week will be on one of the exam topic areas. There will be time for Q&A after each session. In our first series, participants even formed online study groups, which enriched the experience even more. Plus, we offer practice lab subscriptions with twenty labs and two months of lab access, providing an easy to use, anytime access lab environment in which you can practice the required skills associated with the weekly session. The sessions start March 6, so Enroll Now, as places are limited in the weekly sessions.
BONUS: All paid program enrollments before February 22nd will receive a $1000 Discount for the SQL MCM Lab Exam!
Available today: Hands-on Practice Labs for Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
The hands-on labs used in the Accelerated Prep training series are also available any time in one week or one month increments. The labs cover advanced SQL Server topics geared to helping you prepare for the pursuit of advanced certification. This is a great alternative for those who may not need the time commitment of two months of lab access.
Register here for the hand-on practice labs.
Learn more about the Microsoft Certified Master Program.
Follow the Master Blog for future announcements on SQL Server MCM programs.
I’m very happy to announce that Ryan M. Lence (blog) has successfully earned his SQL Server 2008 Master Certification. Please join me in welcoming him.
Here is a brief introduction to Ryan:
Ryan Lance has been working with Enterprise Infrastructure for the last 15 years. During this time he has mastered several different technologies and positions including Desktop Engineer, Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, SAN Administrator, Management and Monitoring Consultant, and Database Administrator. Currently he works as a Consultant Level SQL Server DBA for Intermountain Health Care and as a part time SQL Server Consultant for Betterlogic LLC. Ryan’s current focus is on SQL Server HA and consolidation technologies. He also works to improve performance issues of difficult systems. Ryan excels in and enjoys the challenges associated with finding solutions to unanswerable questions, eliminating problematic issues through creative planning, and designing stable, profitable, and redundant environments that enable businesses and their clients to focus on their primary missions.
Welcome to the community, Ryan!
Asen is a mechanical engineer and graduated from the Technical University of Sofia 8 years ago. He has 10 years of professional experience in IT, the last 3 of which focused on designing and implementing Microsoft infrastructure technologies including Active Directory, PKI, Identity, DirectAccess and Exchange. He has taken a leading role in several AD and Exchange migration projects where both Microsoft and third party tools have been used. He has also developed specific software based on .NET for different customers, including an independent AD migration tool. For the past six years he worked at HP – from deep technical support engineer, to Active Directory lead and finally Technical Solution Designer. He recently joined Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS). In his spare time he likes to listen to hard rock and metal music, read books and if it is winter – I try to go skiing as much as possible.
In a colloborative effort between Microsoft Learning IT, SQL Server Marketing, SQL PASS, and Advanced Certifications we will have a testing center, exam cram, and study hall at SQL PASS 2012!
The facilities will be open for both pre-con days as well as during the entire conference.
I have a limited (i.e. first come, first served) discount vouchers for the MCSM: Data Platform Knowldge Exam, the MCM 2008 Knowledge Exam, and MCM 2008 Lab Exam.
Additionally, the Microsoft Learning team will be providing discount vouchers for all MCP exams.
If you are interested, please mail our alias to provide us with your contact information and the exams you are interested in.
GetCert@microsoft.com
Ricardo is a Sr. Database Administrator at ITGroup on São Paulo / Brasil, with 13 years experienceworking in SQL Server. He has focus on high performance computing, distributed systems, high availability and disaster recovery.
You can found Ricardo online in Blog: http://leka.com.br and Twitter:@bigleka
With Rotation 11 of Lync MCM done and dusted I'm pleased to welcome four new Lync MCMs to the ever expanding community.
Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Adrian
Paul is a freelance SQL Server professional who first started working with SQL Server 14 years ago.His first exposure to SQL Server was using version 7.0 as a Visual Basic 5/6 programmer. He continued on using .Net and C# working on Windows forms and web site development before moving on to concentrate purely on SQL Server.Paul has worked on projects in all areas of SQL Server from development, reporting, ETL and administration. He still also enjoys writing C# and is making more extensive use of Powershell in his administrative tasks.Paul lives just north of Manchester in the UK and when he's not busy in front of a computer enjoys playing golf at his local golf club and getting out riding his mountain and road bikes.Further information about Paul can be found on his Linkedin page at http://www.linkedin.com/in/sqleganand on twitter @SQLEgan
We're kicking off an initiative to conduct regularly-scheduled LiveMeetings on Advanced Certification offerings. These will be hosted by the program managers and include detailed program overviews as well as time for live Q&A. You can find them here on MS Events - if you want to learn more about our programs from the folks who run them (and are all MCMs themselves), sign up today!
And for those of you who can't attend the live sessions, they'll be archived in MS Events for your asynchronous viewing pleasure. As always, if you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our team at mcmprog@microsoft.com for MCM questions and mcap@microsoft.com for MCA questions.
These pages will outline the topics covered by the Knowledge and Lab Exams for the MCSM: Data Platform Certification
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exam.aspx?ID=88-986&Locale=en-us
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exam.aspx?ID=88-987&Locale=en-us
Looking for options for taking the SQL Server Certified Master lab exam? For a limited time, Microsoft Learning will be offering remote delivery of the SQL Server Certified Master lab exam for a reduced price of $2000 US (normally $2500 US). Remote delivery allows you to take the exam from a quiet location of your choosing and saves you the cost of travelling to a distant testing center. Remote delivery requires a working webcam, the full Microsoft Lync client, and a reliable internet connection.
Some restrictions apply. For details or to schedule remote delivery of the SQL MCM lab exam, contact mcmsqlexam@microsoft.com.
Next on our SQL MCM profile series, meet Gaurav Aggarwal:
Gaurav Aggarwal, Senior Architect, Microsoft. Gaurav is a Senior Architect with 16+ years of experience. He has been working with Microsoft Consulting Service in India for the past 7 years. In his role, he helps senior management in aligning their IT capabilities to innovate and achieve momentum for their business goals. He has been architecting and delivering solutions using various technologies for nearly 17 years. He has delivered solutions in the areas of Investment Banking, Insurance, HR, Manufacturing, Retail Banking and ITES. These solutions were based on a wide range of technologies including Microsoft and Java platform based solutions. He is a Microsoft Certified Master (SQL Server), Microsoft Certified Architect (SQL Server), Microsoft Certified Architect (Solutions), IASA Certified Architect Professional and a practicing Six Sigma and PMP (Project Management Professional) professional.
Gaurav Aggarwal, Senior Architect, Microsoft. Gaurav is a Senior Architect with 16+ years of experience. He has been working with Microsoft Consulting Service in India for the past 7 years. In his role, he helps senior management in aligning their IT capabilities to innovate and achieve momentum for their business goals. He has been architecting and delivering solutions using various technologies for nearly 17 years. He has delivered solutions in the areas of Investment Banking, Insurance, HR, Manufacturing, Retail Banking and ITES. These solutions were based on a wide range of technologies including Microsoft and Java platform based solutions.
He is a Microsoft Certified Master (SQL Server), Microsoft Certified Architect (SQL Server), Microsoft Certified Architect (Solutions), IASA Certified Architect Professional and a practicing Six Sigma and PMP (Project Management Professional) professional.
Getting down the list with only a few more profiles to go…
We're kicking off a new and continuing series of posts for our program today that I hope you find both valuable and enjoyable.
One of the most common requests I get from prospective MCSMs about the program is for testimonials explaining the value of the program. No one delivers that better than those who've been through it, and many SharePoint MCMs/MCSMs/MCAs have authored outstanding blog posts telling the stories of their certification journeys. The intent of this series is to connect those seeking these stories with those who are excited to share them.
Winning the draw for the first post by virtue of alphabetical order and having submitted the first story, Aleksandar Draskovic has not one, but two detailed posts telling his SharePoint 2010 MCM story. Thanks to Aleks for sharing, and enjoy!
Now that is a great question if I do say so myself.... and one I am often asked.
I'll answer for the Exchange Program, the oldest, the wisest, almost certainly the best, and certainly the one I know most about... and tell you that over the last five years we have had a lot of people through. How many exactly? No idea. Back when it started the people that ran the Program didn't actually use computers to keep track of these things, they scratched on pieces of bark, scribbled lists of names on the backs of their hands, that sort of thing. Sadly in a recent office move we lost the pieces of bark. Some of the hands still showed smudges, which tells you something about their cleanliness, but sadly, we couldn't read the names. Long way of saying, I wish I knew, but I don't.
In a recent audit however we did a lot of work though to make sure the data we did have was correct and I'm confident that the following numbers are pretty close now. Pretty close because they change all the time. As I type this I have two MCM 2003's taking their upgrade Qual Lab virtual exam to get their 2007 certification. So if they pass, add two to the MCM 2007 number below.... If they don't... don't.
Microsoft Certified Master | Exchange Server 2003 - 150
Microsoft Certified Master | Exchange Server 2007 - 44
Microsoft Certified Architect | Exchange Server 2003 - 65
Microsoft Certified Architect | Exchange Server 2007 - 11
Bear in mind some people hold multiple certifications, and all those with an MCA also old at least one MCM, so the 65 with the MCA | Exchange Server 2003 certificatio are also MCM 2003's. Hope that makes sense.
Our two newest MCM Exchange 2007's are Jason Deskin, from MCS in the US and Ash Gabal, also from MCS in the US, who is also an MCM Exchange 2003. It's not all Microsoft folks I can assure you, but there are quite a few...
As people pass I'd like to annouce them here, and perhaps even ask some of those who have been through the Program to blog about their experiences here.... anyone want to get the ball rolling? Contact me if you do...
Please join me in welcoming our newest SQL Server Certified Master, Eric Strom.
Here is a brief introduction to Eric:
Eric Strom is a Database Consultant with Digineer, Inc, a business and technology firm in the Twin Cities metro area. He has been working with SQL Server for over 10 years and specializes in performance tuning, database design and architecture. He served on the PASSMN executive board from 2009-2010. While a board member, he presented at and helped plan the first SQL Saturday (on a Friday) in Minnesota.
Eric lives in St. Louis Park, MN with his wife Lori and 3 children. He enjoys camping, hiking, biking, gaming with friends and spending time with his family. Eric can be found on Twitter at @CoveringData.
Please join me in congratulating Benjamin Wright-Jones (blog|@superlatch) who became a double SQL Server MCM this past week. Benjamin is already an MCM in SQL Server 2005, and now he is now an MCM in SQLServer 2008 as well. Here is a brief bio of him:
Ben has worked at Microsoft (UK) for nine years specialising in data solutions; specifically large relational databases, high availability, performance tuning, benchmarking and scalability. Prior to Microsoft, he worked at various services and ISV companies using SQL Server 6.5 and onwards. More recently, Ben has started to focus on business intelligence solutions using Microsoft technologies (using Integration Services, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Performance Point and even ProClarity!). With Denali on the horizon, Ben is focusing on workshops for customers and partners to demonstrate some of the new capabilities and is engaged with early adopters so hopefully lessons learned will appear soon. Ben is half way through a two year post graduate degree in Business Intelligence which focuses on the Microsoft and Teradata platforms; he is enjoying every minute of it but consequently he is now spending evenings working on assignments and reading papers. He likes to stay in touch with the communities and has recently presented for the British Computer Society, demonstrating real-world application of SQL Server for mission critical solutions. Ben was originally on the Masters beta rotation and he testifies that it was one of the most intensive but valuable experiences of his career. Outside of work, Ben likes to travel, read (non-fiction), play football (soccer) and support Aston Villa.
Benjamin blogs at http://blogs.msdn.com/benjones and can be found on Twitter at http://twitter.com/superlatch.
Today brings in a new SQL MCM to our advanced certification community. Meet Christophe LAPORTE:
Christophe LAPORTE (blog | twitter), freelance consultant and trainer. Christophe is based in Toulouse, France and has worked with SQL Server since 1997, starting with SQL Server 6.5. In 2009, after 6 years working as a production DBA, Christophe formed the Conseit IT company, focusing on high availability, VLDBs, high transaction databases and performance tuning. Christophe delivers performance audits on SQL Server and also helps companies in choosing the appropriate HA architectures. In addition to his newly earned MCM certification, Christophe is also a SQL MVP, MCITP, speaker at the French Techdays in Paris and Microsoft Certified Trainer since 2000. Father of 2 children, he’s a great fan of rugby and Moto races.
Christophe LAPORTE (blog | twitter), freelance consultant and trainer. Christophe is based in Toulouse, France and has worked with SQL Server since 1997, starting with SQL Server 6.5. In 2009, after 6 years working as a production DBA, Christophe formed the Conseit IT company, focusing on high availability, VLDBs, high transaction databases and performance tuning. Christophe delivers performance audits on SQL Server and also helps companies in choosing the appropriate HA architectures.
In addition to his newly earned MCM certification, Christophe is also a SQL MVP, MCITP, speaker at the French Techdays in Paris and Microsoft Certified Trainer since 2000. Father of 2 children, he’s a great fan of rugby and Moto races.
Congratulations on this achievement Christophe!
Microsoft Learning announces the release of the first Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certification.
The MCSM: Data Platform certification provides validation and recognition of deep technical expertise on Microsoft SQL Server technologies to IT Professionals world-wide. Companies who employ individuals holding an MCSM: Data Platform certification can be confident that they have the technical depth and breadth expertise needed to manage the most complex data environments.
An MCSM: Data Platform certification is one of the highest levels of Microsoft SQL Server technology certification for the database engine offered by Microsoft. This certification can be achieved by passing these two exams in the following sequence:
How to Prepare:
Although there is currently no instructor-led training for the MCSM: Data Platform certification, we have developed a rich set of practice labs that provide candidates the opportunity to practice advanced skills in a virtual environment. These scenario-based labs allow candidates to work through complex business problems to design robust real-world solutions. The release of these practice labs will coincide with the release of the Lab Exam. Practice Labs will be available for purchase in 30-day and 7-day increments. Please check our website for availability and purchasing instructions.
Schedule the Exam:
Schedule and take your MCSM: Data Platform Knowledge exam at your local Prometric testing center.
To learn more about the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master certification visit the Microsoft Certified Solutions Master web page on Microsoft Learning.