Building a Virtual Datacenter in vSphere 5

Building a virtual datacenter is one of the most critical skills for individuals who design and manage virtualization environments. More and more companies are turning to the use of virtual datacenters for data storage in applications including data mining, customer analytics, web analytics and more. Those companies seek IT professionals with the necessary skills to build effective virtual datacenter solutions.

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to build a virtual datacenter for the first time or a veteran looking for a reference guide, VMware vSphere 5: Building a Virtual Datacenter covers every aspect of creating a virtual datacenter on vSphere 5. From design to troubleshooting, it offers information applicable to datacenters both large and small.

This comprehensive guide comes from two talented VMware professionals: Eric Maille and Rene-Francois Mennecier, who begin with reviewing the fundamentals of datacenter design. From there, this VMware datacenter guide dives into the business of datacenter creation – budgeting, scheduling, planning and how to compare and evaluate different datacenter designs and solutions. They then cover technical aspects critical to a successful virtual datacenter. These include the integration of vSphere with datacenter elements such as storage, backup and disaster recovery. This VMware datacenter guide also shows you how to seamlessly integrate other VMware solutions such as ESX and vCenter Server, allowing you to easily manage all components of your virtual datacenter. Once your datacenter is successfully running, Maille and Mennecier provide a wealth of knowledge on how to optimize performance and troubleshoot common issues within vSphere 5 virtual datacenters. 

From beginners to experts, there’s something for everyone in this guide, jam-packed with everything from the fundamentals of datacenters to advanced topics such as integration and optimizing your vSphere environment. Looking for more? Visit us at VMware Certification Marketplace for additional VMware books and reference materials that will help you master every aspect of the VMware platform, from designing and deploying vSphere to the development of applications using the VMware SDK! 

Master the VMware SDK to Get the Most from Virtualization

While offering an incredible amount of power and flexibility out of the box, VMware’s leading virtualization platform can be fine-tuned and adjusted to provide even more functionality! Like many software programs and platforms, VMware’s programs, such as vSphere, have a SDK (software development kit) available to developers and architects, allowing them to custom develop software solutions to implement on the VMware platform, as well as fine-tuning VMware performance. VMware also offers an API (application programming interface) kit, allowing for the development and delivery of custom applications on the VMware platform.

VMware’s SDK and API allow professionals to customize their VMware experience, making it possible to do everything from automating maintenance, to optimizing server performance, and delivering better end-user applications. 

There are many resources available to developers, architects and other professionals who want to unleash the full power of the VMware platform by developing within the SDK and API toolsets; however, one resource stands above the rest - VMware VI and vSphere SDK. Written by Steve Jin – a software architect and developer with extensive experience working on the VMware platform – this VMware API guide and SDK manual serves as both a learning guide and reference material, covering all the major aspects of both toolsets. Jin uses his extensive experience in VMware development and management to guide readers through common uses of the SDK and API, and introduces them to using the API to develop custom applications for end-users.


Not only does Jin’s guide cover all aspects of using the SDK and API, it also covers how the VI SDK and vSphere API fit into the VMware environment – showing you how to use them from the ground-up, starting with basic theory and instruction before moving on to more advanced applications. Everything from virtual machine management to using the SDK in monitoring VI performance is covered.

While the guide is useful to both beginner and advanced users, there are many other resources available, including official SDK and API documentation from VMware. There are also open-source vSphere simulators that allow you to practice your VMware development at home, like the SimDK kit from Sourceforge. However, be aware that open-source vSphere simulators are not endorsed by VMware and not certified to be accurate.

VMware Recertification - What You Need To Know

Every professional knows that continuing education is required to excel in his or her field. Everyone, from lawyers to doctors and medical professionals, must stay up to date on the latest developments in order to succeed in their career. This is exceptionally true for the rapidly changing world of information technology, and even more for virtualization technologies. 

In order to address the rapid changes in the world of virtualization, VMware has instituted a recertification policy to ensure that VMware certification holders stay up to date on the latest developments in virtualization technologies. The new recertification policy is designed to give employers confidence that the IT professionals they hire are up to date and have the required skills to manage and implement the most recent, and most effective VMware methodologies.

VMware’s software releases have taken on a faster development cycle, leading to updates and new releases being pushed out faster. This has led VMware to institute their recertification policy. The new policy is similar to that of other IT certifications, such as CompTIA.

From VMware:

“VCP holders must recertify by taking a VCP level exam or advancing to VCAP or VCDX level certification within two years of earning their most recent VCP certification. Prerequisite course requirements are waived, but the exam and exam cost are the same as those required for initial certification. Failure to recertify by the required date will result in revocation of your certification.”

There are several ways to fulfill the requirements and guidelines set forth by the new VMware certification policy. These include:

• Retake the same exam for your current certification - If you have VCP3 certification in the Datacenter virtualization, you can take the VCP5 – Data Center exam to keep your current credentials.
   
• Earn a different certification at the same level – For those holding VCP certification, they can keep their VMware certified status by taking ANY VCP exam and earning that certification. A VCP3 – Data Center certified professional could earn the VCP5-Cloud certification and fulfill recertification requirements.
  
  
• Earn a higher level certification – VMware also allows recertification by earning a more advanced certification. VCP3 holders can get certified at the VMware Advanced Professional or VMware Design Expert level and retain VMware certified status.

You can learn more about the VMware recertification policy from VMware’s site.

No matter which certification path you choose, VMware Certification Marketplace is here to help – with exam vouchers, practice exams, learning resources and everything else you need to stay up to date on the newest VMware programs and procedures!

Preparing for Your VCP5-DT Exam

One of the most popular VCP certification paths is the VCP5 – Desktop certification. While VCP5-Datacenter focuses on server virtualization and creating virtual environments for data management, and VCP5-Cloud focuses on the administration of a cloud environment with vCloud director and vSphere, VCP5-DT focuses on end-user computing – working with the VMware View environment, making vSphere environments accessible to end users and ensuring that their clients can tap the full power of the VMware platform.

VCP5-DT is an ideal certification for desktop support specialists and user-facing system administrators, since it focuses on the end-user. Professionals with this designation have not only shown the ability to effectively administrate VMware View to end-users, but also have a strong understanding of vSphere and VMware core components as related to networking, storage, and datacenter management. VCP5-DT provides a great introduction to working with client-facing VMware solutions. The VMware Desktop certification track runs all the way up to the Design Expert level, which focuses on delivering mobile and desktop solutions with Horizon Suite.

If you’re looking to jump into the world of desktop virtualization and already have some experience working at the desktop level, then VCP5-DT is the place to start. There’s also a VMware Associate Desktop exam for those who are just being introduced to these methodologies. If you’re looking to earn either of these valuable certifications and get started on your path to a great virtualization career, VMware Certification has several ways to help.

For the first step in preparing for the VCP5-DT exam, we recommend the VCP5-DT Official Cert Guide, which includes a textbook, e-book, and basic practice exams. This VCP5 study guide is the only guide officially endorsed by VMware, covering all the topics that are included in the VCP5-DT certification. Not only does it cover all the information you need for exam success, but it also makes it easy to prepare for the exam. This guide features “Do I Know This Already” lists before each chapter, so you can choose which sections to spend more time on than others, and end-chapter review exams to ensure you understand each topic before moving on.




 

When you’re almost ready to take the exam, the Official VMware Certified Professional Desktop (VCP5-DT) Practice Test by MeasureUp helps validate that you’ve mastered the content. MeasureUp is one of the leading names in IT test preparation, and they’ve paired with VMware’s experts to create one of the most thorough, effective VCP5 practice exam options currently on the market. MeasureUp is so confident that their guide will help IT professionals in their quest for the VCP5-DT certification, that they even include a Test-Pass Guarantee!





VMware Certification Marketplace offers everything you need to earn your VMware certification, from guides on topics ranging from virtualization basics to enterprise-scale datacenter management. Visit us today to get on your path to a great career in the growing world of virtualization! 

Kickstart Your Career and Stand Out with VCA

Today’s hiring market is competitive and rapidly changing as new technologies and methodologies are used at the enterprise level. However, hiring managers still look for the same qualities they have for years – is this person a self-starter and motivated? Are they professional and deliver results? Do they have the knowledge, both broad and specialized, to succeed in a particular role?

In a recent interview in IT World, former CIO Eric Bloom talks about what he looks for when hiring new IT professionals. Bloom speaks about IT certifications – those candidates who have earned a certification show motivation and the ability to follow through, as well as having the specialization needed for success, particularly in IT roles working with specific systems. Bloom notes IT hiring managers also look for real-world experience – but more than just experience, they demand professionals who have been trained on the latest technologies and have the most relevant knowledge combined with a can-do attitude. 


For those looking to make their first foray into the world of IT, or are at the junior level and looking to distinguish themselves and position themselves for career advancement; the VMware Certified Associate (VCA) certification is a great place to start. It’s a fast, cost-effective way to establish yourself as a specialist in virtualization and land a job in the rapidly growing specialty of virtualization.

While there are other virtualization certification programs available, the VMware Certified Associate program provides several advantages to IT professionals. For one, it focuses exclusively on VMware platform – the world’s leading virtualization platform, trusted by more enterprise-level firms than any other virtualization technology. There are three separate certifications available under the VMware Associate level of certifications: Datacenter, Cloud, and the new Workforce Mobility – all of them focusing on various topics critical to that particular aspect of virtualization. IT professionals can choose to specialize in one aspect, or earn all certifications. VMware certification has a clear certification path as your career advances – VCA holders become eligible for Professional, Advanced Professional and Design Expert certifications as they move forward, gaining more experience and knowledge.

If you’re an IT professional with a few years’ experience looking to establish yourself as a specialist, then the VMware Certified Associate is the program for you. Visit us at VMware Certification Marketplace for everything you need to earn this certification, including exam vouchers, practice exams, books and more.  

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.