Thursday, March 27, 2014

VMware vSphere and Virtual Security

The VMware platform is now used by thousands of enterprises and businesses to deliver mission-critical data and applications to millions of devices. However, the popularity of virtualization systems in today’s environment has also made them a security risk. Managing security risks on the VMware platform can seem daunting – but Edward Haletky, a leading VMware expert, has offered a comprehensive guide to VMware security. Haletky helps virtualization professionals address security risks and implement effective security measures and practices to ensure the safety of enterprise data and the stability of critical applications.



VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment not only offers the basics of using VMware security tools and identifying security threats, but details exactly how to mitigate and address current security threats and configure VMware infrastructure for more security. From the basics of virtual server security, to explaining the unique features and risks of VMware platforms, Haletky’s guidance covers everything needed to effectively secure VMware platforms.



One of our most popular VMware books, VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment covers many topics, including:

•    Security threats that VMkernel addresses and those it does not
•    Mitigating risks of backup, performance management and other operations
•    Secure virtual desktop infrastructure
•    Securing virtualized storage
•    Protecting clustered environments which use VMware High Availabilty, vMotion and more
•    Auditing infrastructure for risk and conducting investigations after a possible breach

Today’s enterprises demand both performance and security on their VMware environments. With Haletky’s guide, you can learn the skills needed for effective security on VMware platforms and get the knowledge needed to be an expert in the field of virtualization. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Desktop vs. Datacenter - The Right VCP5 Certification for You

Like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and other organizations which grant IT certifications, VMware offers a variety of different certificate programs; each of which focus on a different skillset and specialty within the world of virtualization. There are several levels of VMware Certification – Associate/Professional and Advanced.

The VMware Certified Professional designation recognizes those who already have previous experience working with virtualization systems and are looking to establish themselves as knowledgeable professionals within the sphere of virtual systems. However, there are several subspecialties available when earning the VMware Certified Professional designation. Two of the most commonly pursued certifications at the professional level include VCP5-DCV – Data Center Virtualization and VCP5-DT Desktop. While both are recognized as VMware professionals, each certification has different requirements and topics covered, preparing the professional for a different role within the IT field.

The VMware Certified Professional 5 – Desktop (VCP5-DT) Exam certification is for individuals just beginning their virtualization careers or for analysts and technicians who work with individual users at the desktop level. This specialization focuses more on the end-user experience when working with VMware, making programs and data accessible to users, and working with the VMware View management system. To earn this VMware certification, professionals must either first attend a qualifying VMware course OR currently hold VCP5-DV Data Center Virtualization or VCP-Cloud Certification credentials. Candidates must be able to configure the vSphere environment, possess a deep understanding of VMware core components and their relation to storage and networking, and be proficient in datacenter design methodologies.

VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DV) Exam is for individuals who already have experience with VMware systems and those who work on wide-scale, enterprise-level virtualization environments. This certification focuses more heavily on design, planning, and implementation, rather than focusing on the end-user. VCP5-DV certification is available to those who have a minimum of six months of experience working with VMware and complete the required course or currently have VCP-DT certification. For those who already have VCP4 training and have completed a qualifying course, the VCP5-DV exam is available after completing a “What’s New in VCP5” course. VCP-DV certification confirms that you have the education needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

Which certification is right for you? There are several options available to you based on your job function, experience with VMware, and your career goals. VMware offers comprehensive information about the VCP5-DV and VCP5-DT certifications on their website. When you’re ready to take the next step and earn your certification, visit us at VMware Certification Marketplace for books, study guides, practice tests, exam vouchers and everything you need to earn your virtualization certification