The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide

The VMware Certified Associate exam and certification is often the first step into launching a successful IT career with a specialization in virtualization. Since candidates for this certification are often less experienced, it’s more important to ensure they are thoroughly prepared so that they can succeed on their exam and advance on their career path.

 
The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide focuses specifically on the objectives for one of the most common Associate-level certifications: the VCA-DCV certification, which specializes in virtual datacenter design, troubleshooting, and deployment. Covering all the objectives and knowledge needed for the VCAD510 exam, experts Matt Vandenbeld and Jonathan MacDonald share preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping IT professionals identify areas of weakness and to improve both conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills.



This great VMware exam prep book features a great level of detail and offers assessment features, comprehensive design scenarios, challenging review questions and real-world exercises – while still being concise and easy to understand. “Do I Know This Already” quizzes open each chapter, allowing professionals to test their current knowledge and focus on the topics they need more preparation for. Topics covered in this exam guide include: 

• Datacenter virtualization: What is it and what are the components?
• Business challenges solved by virtualization
• Core components of vSphere: the virtual machine, ESXI, high availability
• vSphere storage, including physical versus virtual, storage types, thin provisioning, and more
• vSphere networking fundamentals, physical versus virtual switches, components, policies, I/O
• Mapping business challenges to vSphere solutions

If you’re ready to earn your VCA-DCV certification; The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide offers the knowledge and guidance you need to ready yourself for the VCA-Datacenter certification.</p>

VMware vs. CompTIA vs. Microsoft – Choosing the Right Virtualization Certification

Currently, the two most prevalent certification organizations are CompTIA and Microsoft. Both organizations offer a wide variety of certifications for different specializations within the technology field, offering certified professionals a variety of career opportunities.

For IT professionals looking for the right certification to take, the choices can be overwhelming. When it comes to the IT subspecialty of virtualization, candidates are faced with several choices. In this article, we’re going to be comparing the three most popular certifications that involve virtualization: Cloud+ from CompTIA, MCSE and its Cloud-focused programs from Microsoft, and the VMware Professional Certification from VMware.

Almost every IT professional is familiar with CompTIA. Designed to provide vendor-neutral information technology certifications, CompTIA certifications focus more on hardware and core IT concepts than individual programs. The Cloud+ certification focuses on the infrastructure that makes virtualization possible – setting up the servers and hardware required for an effective virtualization environment. While CompTIA Cloud+ does touch on software systems and utilizing them for managing virtual machines, datacenters and services; it does not cover the specifics of any one program in great detail, which can lead to knowledge gaps.

Being by far the largest software company in the world, it’s no surprise that Microsoft offers a vast array of certifications, including several which cover various aspects of virtualization. With the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification, professionals can choose from various specialties focused on Microsoft products. Certification specialties include Server Infrastructure (which would be comparable to VCP programs focused on ESXi); Desktop Infrastructure (comparable to VCP-DT – Desktop Virtualization), focusing on network architecture and incorporating some cloud components; Private Cloud, focusing on intranet cloud storage and services at the enterprise level; and individual programs such as SharePoint and Lync managed out of a virtual platform. While providing many options and subspecialties, no one certification pathway provides the full set of knowledge needed to become a virtualization expert. Microsoft’s programs cover a lot of different aspects – making them great for those working with various systems – but outside of Microsoft programs such as Windows Server, SQL Server and SharePoint; there’s not a lot of specialization involved.

VMware Certification only focuses on virtualization and the infrastructure and software needed to effectively run virtualization environments on the VMware platform. Much like Microsoft, there are many sub-specializations available for those seeking the VMware Certified Professional certification such as VCP-DV, focusing on datacenter virtualization; VCP-DT, which focuses on desktop virtualization and delivery of services; and Certified Professional on vSphere 5, which focuses on managing virtualization environments using the vSphere hypervisor. Since these tests focus exclusively on the VMware platform, they cover all aspects of using VMware and give knowledge on utilizing specific programs such as vSphere 5 hypervisor, vApps, and how to integrate programs such as Microsoft SQL Server 2005 into VMware environments. Considering that VMware is the world’s leading virtualization platform, this is typically the certification of choice for those wanting to really drill down into the specialty of virtualization. 

At VMware Certification Marketplace, we aim to help every customer achieve their career goals by earning virtualization certification. Visit our books selection not only for VMware books, but materials which cover all aspects of virtualization. If the VMware certification is right for you, visit us for exam vouchers and everything you need to earn your VMware Certified Professional designation.

Enhancing Your Education with VMware Certification

Many professionals in the field of information technology come from an academic background that focuses on technology skills such as management information systems, computer science, and advanced mathematics. Many IT professionals have also found themselves in the technology field not through their academic background, but through career experience – having become the de-facto technology expert at their company, and building their knowledge through the workplace.

For those who have spent years studying or working with information technology, a certification can still be extremely valuable. Many professionals with previous experience overlook the value of having a certification, believing that their academic and work experiences are sufficient enough to land the job they want. However, for both those just beginning their careers and those with years of experience, a certification provides an immense value that helps them achieve their goals in a number of ways.

• Hiring – Having a VMware certification, or other specialized certification, helps candidates stand out from the rest of the pack. As IT departments expand and systems become more complex, hiring managers and companies look for professionals with specialized skills to manage individual components of their technology infrastructure. Hiring managers are more likely to select those professionals with a certification which matches the job role. For companies looking for a virtualization architect or engineer, they are much more likely to hire those who have a VMware certification confirming that they are specialists in virtualization infrastructure.
  
• Specialization – Beyond just the hiring process, certification allows professionals to build their knowledge in a particular area. A general computer science academic program covers much of the theory of IT and gives professionals the framework they need for career success, but a certification allows them to drill down and assert themselves as an expert in one particular aspect. For example, a computer science graduate – or anyone with a background in IT – understands the concepts and basics of a datacenter. Those who have earned the VMware VCP-510 certification have shown that they not only understand the concepts of a datacenter, but they also know how to implement, design, and manage datacenters on the VMware virtualization platform. Studying for the VCP-510 and earning the certificate allows professionals to build their knowledge base, learn the skills they need, and be recognized for it.
  
  
• Value – The return on investment for those with certifications is incredibly high. For the cost of the exam and training, professionals have the ability to command a much larger salary, often tens of thousands of dollars more than those without certification. A certification provides an unmatched level of negotiating power, job security, and career opportunities because those who are certified have proven that they are a knowledgeable expert in their field.

If you’re an IT professional who works with the VMware virtualization platform, becoming certified as a VMware Certified Professional, Associate, Advanced Professional or Design Expert allows you to open the door to more opportunities and a higher salary while allowing you to be officially recognized by the world’s leading virtualization company as an expert on the VMware platform. Visit VMware Certification Marketplace for study guides, exam vouchers, and everything else you need to establish yourself as an expert in the growing field of virtualization technology.

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. 

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. 

Official VCP-DCV5 Practice Test from MeasureUp

As the use of virtualization technologies increases rapidly at the enterprise level, more companies look for those with VCP Certification to manage the cloud systems that are critical to their business. Those who have earned VCP certification have demonstrated advanced knowledge and competencies in using the world’s most popular virtualization platform. VMware technologies include Cloud Services, Data Center Virtualization, End User Computing, and Virtualization Design.

The VCP-DCV5 Certification is the VMware Professional Certification focusing on Data Center Virtualization; one of the most demanded skills at the enterprise level. IT professionals with this certification are recognized as experts in the practice of designing, deploying and maintaining virtual databases and datacenters at the enterprise level. MeasureUp VMware Official VCP5-DCV Practice Test offers professionals the ability to hone their skills with real-world exam questions so that they can earn this coveted certification.

Since 1997, MeasureUp has provided practice exams for IT certifications including certifications from Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, and other leading accreditation organizations. Now, they’ve bought the experience that has helped thousands of professionals earn their certifications to the world of VMware.

The VCP5 mock exam by MeasureUp is a digital, online-access practice exam featuring 255 questions based off the content of the VCP5-DCV certification exam. The practice test offers both open, and timed modes to help you fully prepare for your VCP5-DCV exam. Questions cover all aspects of the exam, from planning and installing vCenter server and ESXi, to managing vCenter server alarms and data recovery procedures. All test questions offer references to authoritative sources including the Official VCP5 Certification Guide, vSphere Security Guide, vSphere Web Services SDK, and VMware’s official website.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your IT career by earning the VCP5-DCV certification, MeasureUp can help. Prepare to advance your career today with this comprehensive and thorough mock exam for one of the world’s most in-demand IT certifications.

VMware Partner Exchange 2014

The VMware Partner Exchange 2014 has taken place in beautiful San Francisco, CA; running from February 10th to the14th. Throughout the year, VMware has several partner exchanges allowing professionals of the virtualization world to get together and explore the latest concepts in virtualization technology.

VMware offers insider information about new products and services, as well as boot camps, keynotes, networking events and more. The Solutions Exchange features 93 sponsors and exhibitors showcasing the latest virtualization consulting, design and administration services as well as VMware platform hardware. The VMware Partner Exchange also features VMware Design Expert defenses, where those looking to obtain the highest level of virtualization certification present revolutionary concepts in virtualization and must defend their projects to a panel of the world’s foremost VMware experts.

Among the topics highlighted at the February Partner Exchange is the use of Software Defined Datacenter technologies on the VMware platform. VMware’s new Virtual SAN technology allows service providers to accommodate the $30 billion enterprise storage market, allowing providers to expand storage and offer a lower ownership cost to customers. VMware service providers can expand their footprint in existing customer environments, and offer more complete data storage and disaster recovery solutions through the use of VMware toolsets.

Other topics of interest at the February 2014 Partner Exchange include:

• Hybrid Cloud - Combing VMware’s SAN services with traditional on-site data storage solutions to create effective enterprise data storage architectures. This includes the new vCloud Hybrid Service, offering powerful data management tools and a new level of security with better data recovery procedures.
  
• Public Cloud - Exploring how academic institutions, government departments and public companies can utilize cloud technologies to share data and applications more seamlessly with the use of the VMware platform
   
• Desktop-As-A-Service - Those with VMware certification already know the abilities of VMware to deliver applications and data from a cloud server to the desktop. VMware now offers the ability to run desktop-as-a-service technology, offering additional user control and better application reliability.

VMware Partner Exchange offers virtualization professionals the change to converge, network, and share knowledge while learning the latest in VMware technologies and techniques several times per year. If you’re interested in learning about this Partner Exchange or upcoming Exchanges, visit VMware Partner Exchange Blog for more information.