New Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 Exams Deliver skill development for IT pros

Emphasizing that skill development was crucial for IT professionals, Microsoft indicated that it had new exams and certifications available, even for the latest examples of its technologies, some of which yet to be finalized. Microsoft Tech•Ed North America 2009 in Los Angeles was the stage where the Redmond company indicated that it was already ready to certify skills related to upcoming Windows client and server operating systems.

“Tech•Ed is the pre-eminent conference for IT pros and developers to take their skills to the next level,” stated Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning. “This year that mission is especially relevant given current economic conditions. As companies look to get leaner and more efficient, they are expecting more value from IT pros than ever before.”

Microsoft is not making it a secret that, especially in the context of the global economic crisis, IT pros are jumping at the chance of improving their skills in order to boost proficiency, productivity and ultimately ensure that their careers will advance to the next level. One example in this regard is the enthusiasm with which the “Configuring Windows 7” beta exam was embraced. According to the Redmond company, slots for the exam were filled in record time.

“We’re excited to share a lot of what we’re doing to help build people’s skills on key Microsoft offerings such as Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008,” Ziob said, indicating that the software giant had, to date, offered in excess of 100,000 Windows Server 2008 certifications, and more were on the way.

In this regard, Microsoft Learning is adding the “Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory” (No. 083-640) exam to the list of Microsoft Certification Exams. The novelty about the new Windows Server 2008 testing is that the software giant is providing a virtualized environment of a real computing infrastructure.

“An employee that is better trained is less likely to cause any harm to the company through poor use of the software or downtime,” commented David Elfassy, Microsoft Certified Trainers. “A highly skilled employee is more likely to get the most out of the software and therefore better value out of the investment. That individual is more likely to maintain a higher level of availability for the systems. And, they’re more likely to be happy in their position and feel invested in the company that has invested in them.”