Category: Certification

Dec122017December 12, 2017August 27, 20180 Commentby Thomas Maurer

Passed Microsoft Exam 70-745 Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter

Posted in Certification, Cloud, Hyper-V, Microsoft, PowerShell, Private Cloud, Server Core, System Center, Virtual Machine Manager, Virtualization, Windows, Windows Azure Pack, Windows Server, Windows Server 2016, Work

This summer I took the Microsoft beta exam 70-745 Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter, which focuses on implementing Software-Defined Datacenter solutions, based on Hyper-V, Windows Server, Software Defined Networking and Storage, System Center Virtual Machine Manager, System Center Operations Manager and everything around it.

Plan and Implement System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) Core Infrastructure
Implement Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
Implement Software-Defined Storage
Implement Datacenter Compute Solutions with Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)
Secure your Software-Defined Datacenter
Monitor and Maintain the Software-Defined Datacenter

Passing Exam 745: Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter validates the skills and knowledge to implement a software-defined datacenter (SDDC) with Windows Server 2016 and Microsoft System Center 2016 Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM). Candidates have experience implementing and managing highly available SCVMM infrastructures as well as implementing software-defined storage, compute, and networking components.

This week I finally got the message that I passed the Beta exam. If you want to take that exam you should really be familiar with the products and solutions mentioned above, otherwise you will have a hard time passing the exam.

If you want to know more about the exam, check out this link: Microsoft Learning Exam 70-745 Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter

Also big congrats to all the others who passed the exam like Charbel Nemnom.

Oct172017October 17, 2017August 27, 20180 Commentby Thomas Maurer

My impressions from Microsoft Ignite 2017

Posted in Certification, Cloud, Containers, Hyper-V, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Stack, Microsoft MVP, Pictures, PowerShell, Private Cloud, Speaking, System Center, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Server, Windows Server 2016, Work

Okay, I know, Microsoft Ignite 2017 was already a couple of weeks ago. But still, I finally had time to write about my impressions from Microsoft Ignite, after the conference plus my visit in Seattle for the Intelligent Cloud Architect Bootcamp and spending my days in meetings and back at work in Switzerland. Since there is a lot of stuff and important changes coming, I think it is still valid to write about my impressions.

First, I have to say Orlando is great, I really loved spending my time there. This was my second Microsoft Ignite after the first one in Chicago. I have to say, it was very well organized and organizing such a huge conference is definitely not easy.

The Speaking part…

I had the great opportunity to speak in several Microsoft Ignite sessions and this was huge fun. It is always fun for me to stand in front of a couple of people and show them some stuff I am working on. I not only had the chance to do my Theather session about “Lessons learned from deploying Windows Server 2016”, I also spoke in two breakout sessions about our customer cases focusing on System Center and Storage Spaces Direct.

The Microsoft Ignite 2017 Networking part…

One of the most important parts of such a conference is networking with others. The point is that all the videos are going to be online available for later review, but you get time to meet with people from Microsoft, customers and partners, and talk, share and learn from them. The connections you make at such a conference will be helpful in the future, trust me…

The Learning part…

One of the main reasons for me to attend, was to learn. Not only learn about the latest and greatest technology, but also about where the industry is heading. I believe that our industry is heading to one of the biggest changes in history since the transition from Mainframes to client server topology. I think this is not new to most of us, but what is interesting and something I underestimated is, how fast that transition will be going forward. Cloud Computing, AI, Big Data, IoT and modern applications are going to be big topics in the future and technologies like containers and methods like DevOps are going to accelerate this change. My lesson learned from these events is that we all in the industry have to learn much faster and be ready to adapt to change much quicker.

With that, I hope to see you soon at other conferences and events or again at Microsoft Ignite on September 24 – 28 in Orlando, Florida.

Sep132017September 13, 2017September 1, 20180 Commentby Thomas Maurer

Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter Solutions

Posted in Certification, Cloud, Containers, Hardware, Hyper-V, Microsoft, PowerShell, Private Cloud, Server Core, System Center, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Server 2016, Work

I am sure you have heard already about the great new improvements of Windows Server 2016 which launched almost a year ago. Especially features like Hyper-V, Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica and the Software-Defined Networking part got some great updates and new features. Windows Server delivers a great foundation for your Software-Defined Datacenter. The Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter (WSSD) program is specifically designed to make even more out of it.

Compute – Hyper-V delivers a highly scalable, resilient and secure virtualization platform.
Storage – Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), Storage Replica and ReFS file system improvements, deliver a affordable high-performance software-defined storage solution
Network – The new Windows Server Software-Defined Networking v2 stack, delivers a high performance and large scale networking solution for your datacenter

However, deploying a Software-Defined Datacenter can be challenging and expensive. The Microsoft Software-Defined Datacenter certification allows you to simplify deployment and operations with a certified partner solutions. I have worked on a couple of deployments and building complex solutions can be expensive and time consuming. The Microsoft Software-Defined Datacenter certification allows you to have a pre-validated solution which result in faster deployment times, accelerated the time to value, a more reliable solution and optimized performance.

Microsoft is working with different partners like DataOn, Dell EMC, Fujitsu, HPE, Lenovo, Quanta (QCT) and SuperMicro to deliver these solutions. Partners offer an array of Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) solutions that work with Window Server 2016 to deliver high-performance storage or hyper-converged infrastructure. Hyper-converged solutions bring together compute, storage, and networking on industry-standard servers and components, which means organizations can gain improved datacenter intelligence and control while avoiding the costs of specialized high-end hardware.

Three types of Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) solutions

These partners offer three types of Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) solutions:

Software Defined Storage (SDS) – Enterprise-grade shared storage solution built on server node clusters replaces traditional SAN/NAS at a much lower cost. Organizations can quickly add storage capacity as needs grow over time. Support for all-flash NVMe drives delivers unrivaled performance.
Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) Standard – Highly virtualized compute and storage are combined in the same server node cluster, making them easier to deploy, manage, and scale. By eliminating traditional IT compute, storage, and networking silos, you can simplify your infrastructure.
Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) Premium – Comprehensive “software-defined datacenter in a box” adds Software-Defined Networking and Security Assurance features to HCI Standard. This makes it easy to scale compute, storage, and networking up and down to meet demand just like public cloud services.

Windows Server Software-Defined datacenter solution features comparison

These three types offer different features depending on your needs.

If you are thinking do build your next software-defined datacenter or private cloud, I recommend that you have a look at these solutions. Find a partner at www.microsoft.com/wssd

Download a white paper about Microsoft hyper-converged technologies

Read a datasheet about the Windows Server Software Defined partner program

(Image Credits: www.microsoft.com/wssd)

Oct012016October 1, 2016November 1, 20182 Commentsby Thomas Maurer

Microsoft MVP 2016 Cloud and Datacenter Management

Posted in Award, Certification, Cloud, Containers, Hyper-V, InTune, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft MVP, Office365, Operations Management Suite, PowerShell, Private Cloud, System Center, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Server, Windows Server 2016, Work

I am proud to announce that I just received my 5th Microsoft MVP Award for my focus in Cloud & Datacenter Management.

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2016 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others. We appreciate your outstanding contributions in Cloud and Datacenter Management technical communities during the past year. Also in this email:
About your MVP Award Gift
How to claim your award benefits
Your MVP Identification Number
MVP Award Program Code of Conduct
The Microsoft MVP Award provides us the unique opportunity to celebrate and honor your significant contributions and say “Thank you for your technical leadership.”

Patrick Malone
Director
Community & Advocacy Programs
Microsoft

This is the 5th Microsoft MVP award in a row since 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Microsoft MVP award and the included opportunities add a huge benefit like the Microsoft MVP summit where you have the chance to talk to the Microsoft Product Groups, learn and place feedback. But of course the Microsoft MVP award also adds some other great advantages. In the past years I had the chance to travel all over the world and speak in different countries and events, and I met a lot of great people, which also became great friends.

Of course there are a lot of people I have to thank, but I want to keep the list as short as possible. I would like to thank my employer itnetX which is supporting me in the best possible way year over year, my current and former colleagues, the Microsoft MVP community and of course Microsoft employees in Redmond and all over the world.

Get more information about the Microsoft MVP award: Microsoft MVP Award Website

Oct012015October 1, 2015January 7, 20190 Commentby Thomas Maurer

Microsoft MVP 2015 Hyper-V

Posted in Award, Certification, Cloud, Events, Hyper-V, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft MVP, Private Cloud, System Center, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Server, Work

Since it is a really busy time, launch of the Windows 10 and the Previews of System Center, Windows Server 2016 and a lot of new Azure stuff. I almost forgot about the renomination of my Microsoft MVP status. So I am even more happy and proud that my Microsoft MVP status was renewed for another year.

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2015 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others. We appreciate your outstanding contributions in Hyper-V technical communities during the past year. Also in this email:
About your MVP Award Gift
How to claim your award benefits
Your MVP Identification Number
MVP Award Program Code of Conduct
The Microsoft MVP Award provides us the unique opportunity to celebrate and honor your significant contributions and say “Thank you for your technical leadership.”
Mike Hickman Director Community Engagement Microsoft

This is the 4th Microsoft MVP award since 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Microsofft MVP award and the included opportunities add a huge benefit like the Microsoft MVP summit where you have the chance to talk to the Microsoft Product Groups and enter your feedback. But of course the Microsoft MVP award also adds some other great advantages.

I have met a lot of great people from Microsoft, other MVPs, other Tech experts, friends or customers.
I have attended some great events like the MVP Summit, the E2EVC or the System Center Universe.
and much much more…

There are of course a lot of people I have to thank but I want to keep the list as short as possible. I would like to thank my employer itnetx which is supporting me in the best possible way, current and former colleagues, Microsoft MVPs (just a great community) and of course Microsoft employees.

Get more information about the Microsoft MVP award: Microsoft MVP Award Website

Jul132015July 13, 2015September 2, 20180 Commentby Thomas Maurer

MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect

Posted in Certification, Cloud, InTune, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Office365, PowerShell, Virtualization, Web, Work

Today I just passed the last Microsoft Azure exam for the MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect. Since I focus on Microsoft technology I always try to be certified in the specific areas where I am focused. With Public and Hybrid Cloud scenarios becoming more and more important, I started to work with Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft Cloud Services such as Office 365, so it made sense to learn more about the solutions and earn the certifications. For the Azure part, Microsoft has a certification called MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect which includes three different exam:

70-532 (Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions)
70-533 (Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions)
70-534 (Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions)

I already go 70-533 at the beginning of this year, since this was the topic I was working with for quite some time. With Developer and DevOps scenarios becoming more and more important, I decided to prepare also for 70-532, which is focused on the Developer site of Azure, and the 70-534, which is an overall architecture exam. Bringing IT Pro and Developer skills together in this Cloud focused world, makes totally sense. IT Pros will have to learn some basic developer skills to make sure they can keep up with the fast moving cloud world. I am proud the be the second certified MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect within itnetX, after Marcel Zehner. This shows our strong focus, knowledge and commitment to the Microsoft Cloud Strategy. If you want to do the exams as well, here are some recommendations:

Get a Microsoft Azure Subscription and start playing and testing. Btw, this is something you should have done a while ago.
Learn PowerShell, well I have been saying this for years now, learn PowerShell and get some knowledge on that topic, even if it’s not Azure related.
Install Visual Studio. Yes you will need this in the future, not just for the exams.
Check out the Microsoft Certification page and learn about the exams and which skills are measured. Login to Azure and start working with these topics. To be honest, it doesn’t take a lot of time to build some demos.
Check out the Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) courses. Microsoft offers some great exam preparations and courses with several hours of video content, examples and preparation questions.
Check out the current Azure Portal and the new Preview Azure Portal.
Look out for some great blog posts with study guides for example from Keith Mayer, Anders Eide and Marius Sandbu.

With that you will not only pass the exams, you will also learn a lot about how things are going to work in the future.

Feb152015February 15, 2015February 15, 20151 Commentby Thomas Maurer

Microsoft Learning: Know it. Prove it. Challenge for Hybrid Cloud

Posted in Certification, Cloud, Hyper-V, IIS, Licensing, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Office, Office365, PowerShell, Private Cloud, Sharepoint, Software, SQL Server, System Center, Virtualization, Visual Studio, Web, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server, Windows Server 2012 R2, Work

Some weeks ago I passed Microsoft Exam 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions which means I am now Microsoft Certified on Microsoft Azure technology. Microsoft has just lunched a new certification challenge called Know it. Prove it. which leverages free resources at the Microsoft Virtual Academy and take Microsoft exams afterwards.

A few things about the challenge:

There are 8 different learning tracks, ranging from Cloud Development over Web Development to Hybrid Cloud or Office 365.
Each track consists of a learning module which is accessible from anywhere so learners can watch video tutorials and do assessments whenever is easy!
During KiPi, learners can track their progress, earn badges and points, compete against other challenges, and share experiences with others who are participating.
Although the challenge officially kicked off on February 1^st, it’s not too late to get started.
The “Know It” portion of the challenge runs all of February and the “Prove It” part (i.e. get certified) will start March 1^st and end on March 31^st

For all Virtualization and Cloud Architects and Engineers this makes really sense to prepare what is coming next for Microsoft Cloud or Windows Server as well as System Center and Hyper-V. So checkout the the Know it. Prove it. challenge on the Microsoft Virtual Academy.

Category: Certification

Passed Microsoft Exam 70-745 Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter

Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter Solutions

Three types of Windows Server Software-Defined (WSSD) solutions

Windows Server Software-Defined datacenter solution features comparison

Microsoft MVP 2015 Hyper-V

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