There are a couple of new MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solution Expert) certification available now, adding to the new existing MCSE on Private Cloud, Server Infrastructure, Desktop Infrastructure and SQL 2012. These are by specialization on Messaging (Exchange), Communication (Lync) and Sharepoint on the 2013 platform.  Go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx for more details.

For existing MCITP holders (Windows Server 2008, SQL 2008, Messaging, SharePoint, Lync and Desktop), there are upgrade paths available for you to earn your new MCSE on your respective specialization platform. Basically people are going to upgrade their MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solution Associate) to 2012 platform.

To earn your MCSE Server Infrastructure on the 2012 platform, you can start from your MCSA 2012 or if you have existing upgradeable certifications, you can opt for the upgrade exams, among the upgradeable certifications are MCITP Virtualization Administrator, Enterprise Messaging Administrator, Lync Server Administrator, Sharepoint Administrator and Enterprise Desktop Administrator, for details, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse-server-infrastructure.aspx

To earn your MCSE Desktop Infrastructure on the 2012 platform, you just need to add on an additional 2 more exams, if you have an existing MCSA certification on Windows Server 2012; for details, please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse-desktop-infrastructure.aspx

For MCSE Private Cloud, you just need to complete 2 more exams if you have an existing MCSA on 2008 or 2012 platforms, this is certainly a great news for many people! These 2 exams are on System Center 2012: One is on the monitoring and operation of a Private Cloud using System Center 2012, another one is on the configuration and deployment of a Private Cloud using System Center 2012. The exam codes are 70-246 and 70-247 respectively. So don’t miss it!

It is definitely a good idea to have the required hands-on experience/knowledge on a product before you aiming at a certification exam, so you need to practice with it! For Windows Server 2012 evaluation, please go to http://aka.ms/winsrv2012; for System Center evaluation, go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh505660.aspx. There is also System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 in beta now, at http://www.microsoft.com/en us/download/details.aspx?id=34607

We just have 2 IT camps in  Microsoft Jakarta, Indonesia last week on the 17 & 18 of October and 3 very overwhelming IT camps in Malaysia on 22, 23 & 24 Oct. Participants are from partners as well as SMBs and other MNCs, end user or vendor; coming from heterogeneous environments but they all have one thing in common, they are all exciting IT Pros and Virtualization fans.

In the IT camps, we showcased the exciting new features in Windows Server 2012 in its Active Directory i.e. Recycle bin in AD, Fine-grained password polic support within UI and Dynamic Access Control. For those who missed it, no worries, they are right here:

AD recycle bin via AD Admin Center in UI - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/library/jj574144.aspx

Fine-grained password policy in UI - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc770394(v=WS.10).aspx

Dynamic Access Control in Windows Server 2012 - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831717.aspx

Most importantly, we have also shared with all the Virtualization enthusiasts and IT Pros on the most amazing scalability breakthrough / improvement on Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V, comparing it with its predecessor – Hyper-V R2, many of them are highly impressed and overwhelmed, some couldn’t even wait to contact our sales team! For its new benchmarked threshold, it’s here http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/server-virtualization.aspx, please download the datasheet to view the comparison between Hyper-V R2 versus Hyper-V in Window Server 2012, you are guaranteed to be overwhelmed!

Next we demonstrated in actual live configuration on the configuration of SMB3 Cluster in Windows Server 2012. We can now setup a cluster as easily as on a SMB3.0 share, removing significant investment on dedicated storage, http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/12272.introducing-smb3-0-with-virtual-machine-manager-en-us.aspx details on SMB3.0

We also featured the Live storage migration and Shared nothing live migration of Windows Server 2012. People are aware how easy it is now to move your VMs between cluster nodes such as adding / joining to and removing from existing  clusters so easily for better management and maintenance. Here are a series of printscreens on how Live storage migration is performed, http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/8523.windows-server-8-live-storage-migration-en-us.aspx and for VM Live migration overview, please go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831435.aspx.

Last but not least, the coolest feature of Hyper-V Replica is demo-ed. It can be done via HTTP authentication (without encryption) or HTTPS authentication (with encryption) using certificate-based authentication. We can now safely failover (both planned and unplanned failovers are supported) to our DR site Hyper-V host with just simple clicks. Here is how easy we can get it done: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831759.aspx

To try out this amazing cloud-ready server OS, please go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

For System Center 2012, please visit http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh505660.aspx, for its SP1, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=34607

We had a very successful Windows Server 2102 Launch Event just last Thursday, getting our customers and partners to be there and witness the greatest Server OS launch we have ever had! It was incredible to see the quantum of people and the sheer hunger to learn more of what this wave can bring for them. It was held at the luxurious Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of more than 1000 attendees attended the event, which comprised both customers and partners. out of over 600 companies which registered for the event. More than 10 IT/Business Media attended the Press interviews. More people are trying out Windows Server 2012 after this magnificent event!

There were 14 Partner Organizations which contributed to the event, including MNA, LAR, CPLS, MPN and MVPs. We had 8 Breakout sessions – On ‘Hybrid Cloud’ and ‘Infrastructure’, out of which both were filled with packed audiences. There are more than 500 Customers requesting follow-up visits/information on Windows Server 2012 after the event.

I spoke on the technical talk track on “Identity and Access Control in Windows Server 2012” which is namely the great good new features of Active Directory Service in this 2012 version of Microsoft Server platform. The detailed agenda of my delivery was on the new DCPROMO in true UI environment, Dynamic Access Control, AD Recyle Bin and Fine-grained password policy. There was also a topic on DCCloning  

Kudos go out to the Microsoft Malaysia's CEO and COO for doing the Welcome and Keynote addresses and injecting huge dollops of excitement into the event.

For those who missed the event and would love to try out the new Windows Server 2012, please goto http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx?ocid=&wt.mc_id=TEC_108_1_33

To follow-up and learn more new capabilities and features of Windows Server 2012 in self-guided learning environment, please goto http://microsoftvirtualacademy.com

More news in details will be followed up in next coming blogs!

To enforce the post Launch momentum of Windows Server 2012 by Microsoft Malaysia, here are some headlines again:

On September 27, 2012, Microsoft Malaysia announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012, to members of the media.

Danny Ong, Chief Marketing & Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia, delivered the welcome notes and painted a holistic picture of the current business landscape in Malaysia. He elaborated that a number of increasing concerns are pulling CIOs and IT Pros in multiple directions which have resulted in a shift of priorities, with particular focus placed on cloud computing solutions in order for companies to be agile, and deliver more with. He further explained that Microsoft is uniquely positioned to deliver the Cloud OS, with Windows Server at its core. 

Eric Liew, Product Marketing Manager, Core Infrastructure, Microsoft Malaysia, then took over to explain in detail how cloud deployments are more flexible with Windows Server 2012. He further elaborated how its core new features including policy, security, identity, mobility, storage and support are addressed directly with Microsoft’s end-to-end stack of cloud solutions.

A total of more than 10 medias representatives from more than 10 news/ business and technology publications were present.

With Windows Server 2012, companies in Malaysia can leverage hundreds of new features to transform their business by accelerating automation, efficiency, and overall responsiveness. Windows Server 2012 enables companies to leverage cloud computing and accelerate their growth curve. A survey of more than 60 early adopter customers around the world reveals an expected reduction in planned and unplanned downtimes, workload deployment time and also expected reduction in server administration labor. In terms of costs, economical and operational feasibility, there is also expected reduction in server hardware, utility and real estate costs.

The need for a Cloud OS is clear. Companies must be agile, responsive, and deliver more with less. Many companies especially IT departments want more efficiency, high availability and automation in their businesses. They want to spend less time on day-to-day management and more time innovating new business capabilities and solutions. Microsoft has many years of experience from building and operating public clouds to deliver a highly dynamic, available and cost-effective server platform for the private cloud. Windows Server 2012 meets these needs, providing the foundation of a modern datacenter to help companies of all sizes realize the benefits of cloud computing.

Cloud computing is driving a massive transformation in the information technology (IT) industry, giving customers the opportunity to move faster, innovate for their businesses with more focus, and to reduce costs. In this context, there is no doubt that Windows Server 2012 is the most significant jump in operating system capabilities since Microsoft first introduced Windows as a server operating system. With a Microsoft private cloud infrastructure, we can provide IT at a lower cost and provide IT capacity faster. In short, we can react faster, which helps the business react faster. Windows Server 2012 is the biggest change yet since Windows Server 2003 with regards to maturity, functionality and maintainability. Many people are very excited about it.

To download a trial copy of this amazing Server Operating system, go to: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx?wt.mc_id=TEC_108_1_4

More self-guided learning on Windows Server 2012 are here: Windows Server 2012 – Technical Overview, Server Virtualization, Management & Automation, Storage, Networking

To get started with Windows Server 2012, please go to Windows Server 2012 on TechNet

For Overview, Datasheet and Downloads of Windows Server 2012, get it via Windows Server 2012 on Microsoft.com

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest Windows Server 2012 info on Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Check out related Microsoft Virtual Academy tracks on Microsoft Private Cloud and System Center 2012

There are new MCSE on Exchange, Sharepoint and Lync on their 2013 platforms now, all of which the pre-requisite certification is MCSA on Windows Server 2012, so you just need to add 2 more exams each to earn your respective MCSE on Messaging (Exchange 2013), MCSE on Sharepoint 2013, MCSE Communication (Lync 2013) http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx.

For MCSE Messaging on the Exchange 2013 platform, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-exchange-server.aspx

For MCSE Sharepoint on its 2013 platform, visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sharepoint-server.aspx

For MCSE Communication (Lync 2013), it’s here http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-lync-server.aspx

MCSA 2012 is undoubtedly the integral part of all these awesome MCSE tracks. (Note that it’s called Microsoft Certified Solution Expert now, as to System Engineer last time, because IT comes in a form of solution today )

Question: Why Microsoft certifications are so valuable to an individual? Because it certifies your hands-on experience on a particular Microsoft product i.e. Windows Server, System Center, Sharepoint, Exchange, MSSQL, Lync, etc. On the other hand, if you are from a developer background, MCPD (Microsoft Certified professional Developer) is good for you. We have MCPD on Visual Studio 2010, 2008, Silverlight 4, Windows Phone and Sharepoint 2010. Details are here http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcpd.aspx#tab2

So when you are certified on a product, your technical depth on that product is undoubted and undisputed. It is extremely a wise idea to get certified on a product if you have been working on it for 2 years and above. Assuming that there are 2 candidates competing for the same job interview, one has 4 years of working experience on Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, one equally has 4 years of hands-on experience on Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 but he has been certified on this server product by Microsoft, as a MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional) on Windows Server 2008 R2. Who will have an edge over here? It is definitely the certified candidate, correct?

Microsoft has a certification called MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) which certifies one’s credibility on his technical presentation skill. So, if you have a premier product certification (let say MCITP or MCSE) PLUS + a MCT, then you are at least an impressive individual because you are a certified Solution Expert on a product PLUS a certified trainer credential by Microsoft as a technical presenter / trainer.

This being the reason, my urge to all IT Pros if you want a good career, awesome promising future, go for certifications. And the IT industry world now is evolving around Clouds (We have Public, Private (on-premises) and Hybrid Cloud) which require Virtualization, which sits on a server operating system to run. This posts a very interesting hence important question: What one single certification covers all these platform from bottom up? i.e. Server Operating to Virtualization then towards the ultimate Clouds in the worldwide IT trend today? Well, the answer is the awesome Microsoft’s MCSE Private Cloud certification (available now at worldwide Prometric test centers)! So if you are a Microsoft enthusiast like me, you can proceed to complete your MCSE Server and MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certifications as well. This will certainly a value-add to your CV / resume.

So for MCSE Server Infrastructure on Windows Server 2012, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse-server-infrastructure.aspx

For MCSE Desktop Infrastructure on the 2012 platform, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse-desktop-infrastructure.aspx

For DBAs, no worries, Microsoft has certification on database too, on its profound database product, namely Microsoft SQL Server. It has MCITP on SQL 2008 platform covering SQL database administration, database development and BI (Business Intelligence). Details are here at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2. For SQL 2012 platform, Microsoft has just introduced the MCSE SQL 2012 certification not long ago, details at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server.aspx

Take note that the MCSE SQL 2012 also comes in a couple of extremely professional specializations, namely MCSE SQL 2012 in Data Platform and Business Intelligence. Either way, the pre-requisite is a MCSA on SQL 2012. The good news is, there are various upgrade paths for individuals who have existing SQL certifications on 2008 platform. Please go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-mcsa.aspx for details

For MCSE Data Platform on SQL 2012, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-data-platform.aspx.

For MCSE Business Intelligence on SQL 2012, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-business-intelligence.aspx

For other Microsoft SQL certifications on the 2008 platform, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-all.aspx#tab2

Last but not least, once you are certified on these exceptionally excellent certifications by Microsoft, if you intend to impress your interviewers / managers / superiors for higher and better career ladder, go for your MCT certifications! Many people believe that MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) is for instructors / trainers who work in the training industry. Well, they are true, but it is also definitely a good idea to prove that you are a good presenter by earning your MCT title.

This is because researches have always shown that most IT Pros who get promoted, who are working at the senior executive levels like managers, supervisors and directors, are all good presenters! Agree? So it is not untrue that you would have nothing to lose to go for your MCT after earning your premier Microsoft certifications. For requirements on MCT, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mct.aspx#tab3. You can enjoy myriads of benefits being a MCT. To apply, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mct.aspx#tab5.

I will share with more on Microsoft certifications on the developers track on my next blog.

Well, the same piece of genuine advice here as always, try out a product before attempting for its exam, for more real hands-on knowledge and experience, so as to derive the best value out of these myriad of quality Microsoft certifications!

For Windows Server 2012 Eval, please go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

For System Center 2012 Eval, please go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh505660.aspx

For System Center 2012 SP1 Eval, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=34607

To learn all range of Microsoft products on self-guided pace, visit www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com