Microsoft MCPD Certification Training

Developing for Microsoft doesn't just mean writing code for Windows anymore. In fact, after a few relatively quiet years for Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential holders, the job market is heating up. While many jobs for professionals with MCPD training involve maintaining custom software, many Microsoft developers now work on projects designed to move data from legacy systems into more flexible online applications.
MCPD certification includes desktop, Web, and cloud

For years, earning an MCPD certification required dedication to the Wintel platform and the drive to develop custom code for employers and clients. The Internet continues to reshape the job market for coders, especially for developers who write desktop tools that must now interface with remote databases and online APIs. Microsoft certifies programmers who use the latest versions of its Visual Studio development suite and its SharePoint collaboration server:

Windows Developer 4. Programmers writing software for use on Windows desktops, utilizing the latest .NET framework.
Web Developer 4. Specialists who rely on Microsoft's ASP.NET server tools to drive interactive Web-based applications.
Windows Azure Developer. Coders who want to migrate application development and data storage to Microsoft's cloud computing platform.
SharePoint Developer 2010. Programmers using Microsoft's collaboration server to help teams distribute and discuss crucial documents.

In addition, Microsoft maintains support for MCPD certifications related to every platform the company currently supports. At this writing, Microsoft still validates professionals working in Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Studio 2005. Since many large companies migrate their systems slowly, employers often prefer to hire developers with experience supporting multiple generations of Redmond's operating systems and development suites.

Job outlook for graduates of MCPD training programs
Microsoft certified professional developer training qualifies developers for roles in many large companies that rely on Windows and SharePoint. Banks, law firms, and health care companies top the lists of employers tracked by Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine and other industry observers. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a booming job market for generalist computer programmers, MCPD training can help candidates qualify for competitive positions that pay 10 to 20 percent higher than the median salary for all developers.

According to the editors of MCP Magazine, MCPDs often quietly support the work of project managers in medium and large organizations. Although project managers usually get the bulk of the credit for successful projects, many MCPDs earn salaries close to those of their non-developer managers. In fact, the magazine's most recent salary survey shows that some professionals with Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certifications actually earn a few thousand dollars more than their supervisors. Both types of IT professional, however, earn close to six-figure salaries.

On the other hand, analysts at Foote Partners note a divergence between employers who require MCPD certification for new hires and those who will settle for IT professionals with demonstrated coding skills. Although the pay gap between the two types of workers continues to narrow, hiring managers still look for evidence that candidates have completed at least some MCPD training programs. Many more employers offer fee and tuition reimbursement for MCPD certification exams as a professional development perk. Either way, hiring managers demand demonstrated experience and a portfolio of work product that reflects exposure to MCPD training.

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Microsoft Office 2013 vs. Office 365 price calculator

Use this tool to determine the better deal -- Microsoft's new Office 365 subscription or traditional buy-now-use-forever licenses

Two weeks ago, Microsoft backpedaled from a sweeping change on how it licensed retail copies of Office 2013, deciding that it would, after all, let customers move the software from one machine to another.

That reversal mooted the original end-user licensing agreement (EULA), which had permanently tied "perpetual" licenses -- those paid for once, with rights to use them as long as desired -- to the first PC they were installed on.

And it again made for fairly straight-forward calculations when trying to decide the better deal between buy-once-run-forever copies of Office, and the rent-not-own deals that Microsoft wants consumers to adopt.

Office 365 Home Premium, which costs $100 per year -- or $10 per month -- includes the right to install a top-end edition of Office 2013 or the business-esque edition of Office for Mac 2011, on up to five Windows PC or Macs in a household.

The trouble with Office 365, however, is that once a customer has committed, he or she must continue paying the subscription fee or lose access to the software.

That's so different from the way people have licensed software for decades that some have had a tough time wrapping their heads around the concept.

Computerworld has pitched in by comparing perpetual licensing and Office 365 subscriptions several times, and discovered that the most important variables are first, the number of licenses a customer actually uses -- or needs, which may not be the same -- and second, the length of time between Office upgrades.

To help consumers calculate which is the smarter move, Office 2013 or Office 365, Computerworld's Online Managing Editor, Sharon Machlis, created a calculator that factors in three variables: The number of machines Office needed to be on, the time between upgrades, and the software required.

Microsoft Office price calculator
On how many PC or Mac systems do you want to use Office in your household?
With Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote
With Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook
With Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access and Publisher

How many years would you expect to use the above copies (if buying desktop licenses) before upgrading?
Because analysts have said the upgrade average is five years, Computerworld used that time span in its comparisons. But not everyone upgrades Office that often, or that infrequently. Some hold onto Office for ages -- many still use Office 2003, which is slated for retirement next year -- while others lust for the newest, and so are ready to ditch Office 2010.

Computerworld's conclusion: Households that needed Office on four or five machines should steer for Office 365. But those that required one, two or three copies of Office were better off sticking with perpetual licenses of Office Home & Student 2013.

But those calculations had a flaw some saw as fatal: They did not account for what applications Office 365 Home Premium gave consumers.

The subscription includes a top-of-the-line version of Office 2013, one that includes not only Excel, Word, OneNote and PowerPoint -- the quartet in the $140 Home & Student 2013 -- but also the Outlook email client, Publisher and the Access database.

Yet some people need Outlook at home, others Access, in effect tossing a wrench into any calculations dependent only on Home & Student 2013.

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Microsoft's cash-for-apps pitch to devs smells like desperation, says analyst

$100 per published app makes company look like a cheapskate, adds another

Microsoft yesterday kicked off a promotion that rewards Windows 8 and Windows Phone developers $100 for each app that they publish in the company's app stores.

Dubbed "Keep the Cash," the promotion is Microsoft's first overt cash-for-apps program, a tactic rivals Google and Apple have never used to attract submissions.

To one analyst, the $100-per-app pitch was an ill omen.
"It looks a little desperate," said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy. "It sends the message that Microsoft is having a hard time building out its app categories. And it doesn't bode well for the Windows Store."

Microsoft distributes Windows 8 and Windows RT "Modern" apps -- the full-screen, tile-based software formerly tagged as "Metro" -- through the Windows Store; smartphone apps, which do not run on Windows 8 or Windows RT, are channeled through the Windows Phone Store, a separate mart.

Keep the Cash will award a $100 virtual Visa card -- good only for online purchases -- to a developer for each app he or she publishes, with a maximum payout of $2,000 total for 10 Windows Store apps and 10 Windows Phone Store apps. Those apps must be submitted and published to the appropriate Store by June 30. Microsoft said it's capping the number of rewarded apps at 10,000, meaning it's putting $1 million on the line.

The promotion is intended to delivery quantity, not necessarily quality, the experts said.

"Clearly, they'd like to populate the stores as quickly as possible with more apps," said Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research. "But it seems they want to try to pull in the 13-year-olds, because $100 is not at all meaningful to an established developer. Maybe they're looking for the next generation of kid geniuses, and hoping to find the next killer app that comes out of nowhere."

Currently, the Windows Store has nearly 49,000 apps, according to the MetroStore Scanner, a website that uses a counting algorithm created by Wes Miller, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft. Miller stopped tallying apps last December.

"They're trying to spur interest," said Miller in an interview today. He agreed with Gottheil that Keep the Cash was aimed at amateurs and hobbyists. "But I'd rather see a smaller number of high-quality apps than a larger number of lower-quality apps,"

That was Moorhead's point as well.
"This doesn't solve their fundamental challenge, which is to get A-list apps onto the app store," said Moorhead. "What they're going for is the long tail, a very long tail [of the number of apps], which is important, but it doesn't solve the problem that they have, such as the lack of a Facebook app, the lack of support for important apps like Time-Warner's TWC-TV."

Both Moorhead and Miller have been long-time critics of Microsoft's Windows 8/Windows RT app strategy, and have repeatedly pointed out that the new operating systems' Modern user interface (UI) has a paucity of top-quality, must-have apps.

Miller wasn't keen on the idea of paying for apps. "I agree with Charlie [Kindel]," said Miller, talking about a blog post from September 2012 where Kindel said paying developers cash was a bad idea.

In that post, Kindel -- until mid-2011 the general manager of Microsoft's Windows Phone developer experience -- also predicted Microsoft would make the move.

"It is highly likely things are about to change and Microsoft is going to start directly incenting developers to build apps with cash," Kindel wrote at the time. "If I'm right, and we start to see clear evidence that Microsoft is paying for apps, then Windows is in even more trouble than most of us already believe."

Miller pointed out that Microsoft has quietly funded established app developers -- either directly or in some circuitous fashion -- to bring their already-available Android and iOS apps to the Windows platform. The company is probably still doing that, he added.

But even Gottheil, the most upbeat of the three analysts, knocked Microsoft for the small-change awards. "This gives people the perception that they're cheapskates," he said.

Microsoft has opened its checkbook. In mid-2010 the company launched a $250,000 contest for security researchers asked to create new anti-exploit technologies to better protect Windows users. The winner, Ivan Fratric, a researcher at the University of Zagreb in Croatia, was handed $200,000 for his work.

"I'm surprised that they didn't go that route," said Gottheil, referring to a competition with larger rewards.

Interested developers can review Keep the Cash's terms and conditions on Microsoft's website.

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Augmented reality poised to leave a mark on IT

Though true artificial intelligence remains futuristic in terms of practical applications, use of computers to augment our own perception of the world is pushing more prominently into view, with commercials already suggesting ways to overlay information on what we see. With augmented reality (AR) being developed to take advantage of cloud, mobile, big data and social technology -- Gartner's "nexus of forces" -- is it possible AR could become a fifth component of the nexus?

AR is generally defined as a direct or indirect view of a real-world environment that is augmented in some way by computer generated input. This means your view of the world around you can be enhanced by external information as desired.

The concept itself is not really new. In fact, most people are familiar with some common uses. In football on TV, for example, the yellow first down line you see on the screen is an example of AR that has been in use for several years. However, this is not the kind of AR that promises to change the world as we know it.

AR relies on different aspects of developing technologies such as GPS, computer vision and object recognition. As such, as we see advancements in these technologies, AR stands to benefit along with them.
Mobile, cloud, big data and social tech

Intel researchers have been working on new processors for smartphones and tablets partially in anticipation of demand for AR capabilities and the power they will require. As technology makes its push into cloud computing, however, this may not even be necessary.

Google recently released the Google Goggles application, which allows users to search the Web based on an image captured using the camera in their smartphone. While this does not exactly constitute the sort of real-time AR that has the tech world talking, it does show AR can make strides toward its true potential through the cloud. As with many consumer technologies these days, mobility is the key to success. Devices supporting AR will have to be light on hardware to appeal to a mobile market, which means that the heavy lifting and storage will have to be accessed via network.

The Google Glass project -- a computer worn as glasses -- may be the general public's introduction to cloud-based AR. Consumer models of the glasses are expected to make their debut sometime in 2014. Users will wear a small headband with a clear display positioned over one eye. It will record things from your environment such as conversations and images and store them in Google's cloud. From this input, Google can provide relevant information from its search engine or Google+. [Also see: "Google Glass: A lot of hype but little information"]

However, if many people used this, the amount of data generated would be astounding. The development of big data capabilities over the next decade predicted by IT researchers will play an important role in these grand-scale AR projects as providers seek to store increasingly data-rich media from the input. On the back end, the size of the database required to provide relevant information in enough contexts for AR overlays to have mass appeal, will not be modest. Image recognition for something as simple as a company logo on the Web requires scanning through petabytes of data. Already requiring several petabytes, AR endeavors like Google Glass could quickly push storage requirements into the next few data measurement units -- exabytes, zettabytes or even yottabytes.

Google is not the only contender in AR, though. Other companies are looking at ways to integrate AR by utilizing cloud and social technology. For example, NEC Biglobe and Vuzix teamed up to develop AR glasses focused on recognizing people's faces and pairing the information up with their Facebook and Twitter accounts. AR applications in social technology like this will appeal to the masses, but businesses will also likely find interest as they increasingly utilize less public social technologies such as Salesforce's Chatter.

It may be too early to say how large a role AR will play in the next few years, but tools that can boost profits are bound for success. AR developers are certainly keeping big business in mind.
Commerce

As AR develops, the most visible utilization will be in commerce. AR can facilitate a 3D view of a product traditionally advertised in 2D. Lego has already been using AR to allow people to get a preview of what is inside the boxes on shelves. Several other retailers are also looking at ways to integrate AR content into catalogues and magazines.

Retailers may also use AR to supplement what customers see in their stores with additional online options. Details and specifications for products can also be made readily available through AR.

In the office, AR could be used to increase the effectiveness of collaborative efforts by allowing teams to meet in person or virtually while viewing and manipulating a single set of data. Companies like Gravity Jack have already developed an indoor AR office. If this could be accessed via the cloud, it could potentially bring the bring your own device (BYOD) revolution to an entirely new level.

Augmented reality business cards are also becoming more common as people find it an engaging and more useful way to share business information (the amount of information you can make available this way is vastly greater). An AR business card has an image that, when read by a mobile device with a camera, can display everything from a headshot to a resume, LinkedIn account information, personalized video, etc. [Also see: "Slideshow: Techie business cards"]

AR has yet to prove itself in business software, but with the growing BYOD trend and the natural tendency for businesses to incorporate software that increases efficiency, AR will likely be considered as long as its progression stays on track with its promise.

Nichols is a systems analyst with a passion for writing. His interest in computers began when Deep Blue beat Garry Kasparov in a regulation chess tournament. When Nichols isn't drawing up diagrams and flow charts, he writes for BMC, leading supplier of cloud software solutions.

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Microsoft MCT Certification Training

Microsoft MCT Certification Training
Technology training helps professionals survive the job market, now more than ever. Office workers and administrators now receive the same kind of instruction on file servers and databases that would have qualified them for highly technical roles just a decade ago. Meanwhile, professionals from a variety of fields have discovered how they can boost their salaries by blending their experience with specialized IT knowledge. This upward surge within the technology community could be your key to a bigger compensation package, if you can leverage your existing Microsoft certification into a computer training job.

Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) have enjoyed consistent salary growth over the past few years, at a rate that has outpaced earnings for most other IT specialties. According to researchers at Foote Partners, the MCT designation signifies mastery of another technical certification as well as the teaching and communication skills necessary to assist other professionals. A report in IT trade magazine CIO suggests that effective companies must budget as much as 13 percent of their technology spending to training and professional development programs. MCTs stand to collect many of those funds, either in dedicated teaching positions or as occasional team trainers.
Earning MCT Status

MCT training helps prospective instructors apply their skills to a new environment: the classroom. The Microsoft Certified Training program builds on previously earned certifications, enabling you to customize your career. According to Microsoft's Learning team, MCT candidates must first pass a Microsoft Certified Professional premier exam in any of these specialties:

Systems Engineer
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator: Security
Desktop Support Technician
Microsoft Certified IT Professional
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
Microsoft Office 2007 Specialist
Microsoft Office 2010 Specialist
Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Specialist
Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Professional
Microsoft Certified Master
Microsoft Office 2007 Master
Microsoft Certified Architect

After that, MCT candidates can use one of four options to certify their presentation skills:

Pass the CompTIA CTT+ exam.
Attend a Microsoft-approved presentation skills course.
Provide instructor credentials from Microsoft or from a trusted partner, such as Cisco, Citrix, or Oracle.
Submit proof of instructor or professor status from an accredited academic institution.

MCT remains one of only a handful of IT credentials that enable you to blend multiple existing certifications instead of sitting for a dedicated exam.
Top Employers for Microsoft Certified Trainers

Microsoft Certified Trainers enjoy even more job security than many of their peers, due to their flexible skills. If demand for training within an organization dries up, an MCT can fall back on his or her foundational skills or find another training job elsewhere. Compare that experience to a more typical IT career, threatened by potential outsourcing or offshoring.

Generally, there are three options or career pathways for MCTs:
Full-time Microsoft trainers working in colleges, universities, and career development centers. The MCT certification, by definition, qualifies technical professionals to train students in formal classroom settings. When combined with the appropriate undergraduate and graduate degrees, an MCT can solidify faculty and staff positions in the higher education market.
Full-time MCTs working in-house at major employers. Some companies have such complex development needs that they budget for dedicated personnel to handle ongoing training projects.
MCTs in other functional roles, called upon to handle occasional training for their employers. Many companies offer bonuses or enhanced compensation packages for internal staff who can flex into training roles when needed.

In some cases, you might even use your MCT certification to make extra side money by teaching occasional training classes or offering personal consulting for clients outside your main employer. Pursuing the MCT shows employers that you're committed to keeping your skills current while investing in the development of your peers.

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Microsoft Patch Tuesday targets Internet Explorer drive-by attacks

Microsoft Patch Tuesday targets Internet Explorer drive-by attacks
Microsoft's SharePoint, drawing application Visio get patched

Internet Explorer vulnerabilities warrant notice in this month's set of Microsoft Patch Tuesday bulletins and need to be fixed quickly even though the sheer number of patches may seem daunting.

The weaknesses leave users open to drive-by attacks where malicious code is downloaded without the user's knowledge while browsing. Not patching them because they are time-consuming will just widen the window of opportunity hackers have to exploit them, says Alex Horan, a senior product manager at CORE Security.

"Preventing future drive-by style attacks and protecting end-users appear to be the theme of this month's Patch Tuesday," Horan says. "These patches can be a hassle for users to deploy and have the potential to create a long enough delay where hackers can take advantage."

So far the weaknesses haven't been exploited. "Fortunately, this issue has no known attacks in the wild," says Paul Henry, a security and forensic analyst at Lumension. "However, you should still plan to patch this immediately. "

Four of seven bulletins for March are rated critical, with the first addressing browser problems. "It fixes critical vulnerabilities that could be used for machine takeover in all versions of Internet Explorer from 6 to 10, on all platforms including Windows 8 and Windows RT," says Qualys CTO Wolfgang Kandek.

Microsoft's Silverlight media application framework is also critically vulnerable, according to the company's Security Bulletin Advance Notification. It affects Silverlight whether deployed on Windows or Mac OS X operating systems, where it is used to run media applications such as Netflix, Kandek says.

This vulnerability is more of concern to consumers because it only affects the Silverlight plug-in. Henry says plug-ins should be avoided in general. "[T]hey add another threat vector and are frequently an easy target for the bad guys," he says.

Also in critical need of patching is Microsoft's drawing application Visio, which comes as a surprise to Kandek. "It is puzzling to see such a high rating for this software that typically requires opening of an infected file in order for the attack to work. It will be interesting to see the attack vector for this vulnerability that warrants the 'critical' rating," he says.

Critical vulnerabilities are those that could allow code execution without user interaction if they are successfully exploited. This type of exploit includes network worms, browsing to infected Web pages or opening infected emails.

The final critical vulnerability lies in SharePoint Server, Microsoft says.

Three of the bulletins are rated important and include two that could allow data to leak and one that could allow attackers to elevate privileges on an exploited machine. Important bulletins include vulnerabilities that could lead to compromised confidentiality, integrity or availability of user data, or of the integrity or availability of processing resources, Microsoft says. Such exploits may include warnings or prompts.

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Windows 8 Update: Supply-challenged Surface Pros to go on sale in 6 more countries

Windows 8 Update: Supply-challenged Surface Pros to go on sale in 6 more countries
Also: Windows 8 upgrade rumored for summer, more Windows 8 ads queued, deals on Windows 8 machines

Microsoft has run out of Windows Surface Pro tablets twice in a month but is forging ahead with plans to make them available in six more countries.

According to today's Surface blog the six countries are Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan. The Surface Pro and Surface RT will be available there "in the coming months."

With luck the supply of the machines will be better in these countries than it has been in the U.S. and Canada, where Microsoft has run out of Surface Pros twice. Microsoft hasn't spelled out the reasons for the shortages.

"We are focused on meeting demand in current markets for Surface Pro and are working super hard to get new inventory into retail but recognize demand exists in other countries as well," the blog post says. "We are committed to working with our retail partners to ensure we are delivering a great experience in the above mentioned countries for our customers."

More promos
"Microsoft is about to embark on a second wave of Windows 8 client hardware promotions and user education," according to a Computerworld article from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The story quotes Christopher Flores, director of communications for the Windows client division, who was interviewed at the show, where Microsoft is said to be keeping a low profile but meeting with partners off-site.

This new promotional wave might have something to do with the launch this week of Office 365, which has been redesigned for the touch capabilities that are such a key part of Windows 8. Demonstrating new Office features that Windows 8 supports better than Windows 7 might move some customers to accelerate their decisions to adopt the new operating system.

Windows Blue
Rumors have swirled for weeks that Microsoft is working on Windows Blue, the next iteration if its operating system. If the company follows past release patterns, this won't be the major transformation that Windows 8 was. More likely it will represent what might be called a service pack in earlier Windows operating system releases.

There's even a projected date for when Windows Blue (that's just a code name) will reach the release-to-manufacturer stage: June 7, according to a post on a Chinese-language site that was discovered by Mary Jo Foley.

The site, Win8China, doesn't attribute where it got its information, but seems to assert that Windows Blue will become the commercial version by the end of the summer. It's hard to tell exactly from the translation of the site provided by Google Chrome.

Here's how the translation reads, in part: "The development cycle time RTM version completed in the mid-term of 2013 (the beginning of the end of June -7), MSDN and other users will then use the priority, and then in August it will be open to all Win8 user upgrade download, as well as pre-installed into the new devices inside a PC, Tablet PC, laptop, ultra-extreme."

Windows 8 tablet discount
Best Buy is knocking $100 off any Windows 8 touchscreen laptop, which in some cases represents an 18% discount.

Some people have linked the sale to the rumored availability of Windows Blue this summer, leading them to conclude that Best Buy is trying to unload current Windows 8 machines before the new version makes them obsolete.

Or the chain might have overstocked Windows 8 tablets and wants to clear its inventory. Or it might be getting ready to stock up on newer hardware due out later this year that blends features of tablets and laptops.

Windows 8 for dunking
Speaking of new hardware, Fujitsu is coming out with a Windows 8 tablet that can sit in a tub of water for half an hour and still work when it gets out.

It's called Arrows Tab Q582/F and is on display at the Mobile World Congress. It costs about $1,350 to start.

Here's how Fujitsu describes it: "With the terminal cap and slot cap tightly closed, IPX5 and IPX8 water resistance features protect the tablet from water damage. IPX5 designation indicates that the tablet can normally function after being sprayed with water from a nozzle with a diameter of 6.3 mm at a rate of 12.5 liters per minute from a distance of approximately 3 meters for a period of at least 3 minutes. The IPX8 designation indicates that the tablet will function normally after being immersed in room-temperature tap water to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. When the terminal cap and slot caps are tightly closed IP5X dust resistance features protect the tablet from dust damage. IP5X indicates that the tablet can be left in an environment with dust particles with a diameter of 75 µm or less for 8 hours and still function and remain safe to use."

Windows 8 Pro mobile phone
A company called i-mate says it is coming out with a mobile phone that runs the full Windows 8 Pro operating system. That's Windows 8, not Windows Phone 8.

When it comes out later this year, it can be purchased with a docking kit that hooks the device into a desktop phone, monitor, keyboard and mouse. The kit includes a tablet driven wirelessly by the phone, which is called Intelegent.

As a standalone, Intelegent costs $750; with the kit, $1,500 and the company hopes to launch the products this summer.

All of this is according to a column in the Seattle Times.

A company spokesman says an i-mate team is at Mobile World Congress this week and couldn't do an interview. "The i-mate Development Inc. team is busy at Mobile World Congress. We'll reach out if they become available at a later date," he spokesman says in an email.

The spokesman also says the Seattle Times column is accurate on details about the phone.

It will be interesting to see whether this device actually comes into being, what its battery life will be (driving an Intel Clover Trail processor) and whether the company can line up service providers that will support it.

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Microsoft Technical Training Courses

Microsoft Technical Training Courses

Vendor certifications play an important part in the IT world, and Microsoft sets the industry standard. Training to gain proficiency in Microsoft products and technology allows professionals to get up to speed on the essential tools that hiring managers value today. Whether students come to technical training programs after completing a degree program or on their own, Microsoft technical courses offer a valuable service--so valuable, in fact, that the software giant claims its certification reduces downtime by 20 percent and makes teams 28 percent more productive.

Microsoft BizTalk Server Training Courses
Microsoft BizTalk Server training can help the pros connect with the skills necessary for an enterprise career. With BizTalk Server courses, IT personnel can explore the uses of this integration server for business tasks like multi-channel interactions, supply chain visibility and decision-support/reporting.

Microsoft Visual Studio Training Courses
Microsoft Visual Studio training prepares students for IT careers as professionals who build, test and debug software solutions. Developers can use this platform to launch or build an advanced career in enterprise applications analysis and systems management.

Microsoft Exchange Server Training Courses
Enterprise communications are of vital importance to today's business world, and professionals with Microsoft Exchange Server training can provide employers with peace of mind about messaging and mail server administration.

Visual Basic .NET Training Courses
A core component of Microsoft Visual Studio, VB.NET returns to prominence as companies prepare to move custom applications to the cloud.

ASP.NET Training Courses

Once reserved for the likes of Fortune 500 companies, Microsoft's ASP.NET platform has reached a wider group of employers who demand skilled Web developers.

Microsoft SQL Server Training Courses

With such diverse applications, Microsoft SQL Server training and certification can help IT pros prove their value to a variety of different enterprises.

Microsoft Dynamics Training Courses

From simple CRM to advanced ERP, it pays to make the most of Microsoft Dynamics. Learn about some of the training and certification options available for this software.

.NET Training Courses

Developers with .NET training are among the most in-demand pros in today's competitive job market. Explore how .NET courses can make a difference in your IT career.

Who is best suited for Microsoft technical training?
Students come to technical training programs from a range of backgrounds. Many are adding on to existing training and degree experience, while others pair training with work experience. Some students come back to training to bring their knowledge up to date or explore new career paths. Students are often self-motivated and interested in advancing their current careers or taking their job futures in a new direction.

Which professions require Microsoft training?
Microsoft reports that 75 percent of managers in an IDC survey believe certifications are important to team performance. Because of this, workers trained in Microsoft products and technologies are found across a range of businesses. Take a look at the mean annual wages from 2009 for a few popular careers in the field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Network and computer systems administrators: $70,930
Computer systems analysts: $80,430
Computer support specialists: $47,360
Computer programmers: $74,690

While no training or certification can guarantee a particular career or salary, hiring managers are often looking for educational experience and proof of high-level skills, and Microsoft training works to provide just that.

Popular technical certification exams
While it's not usually required to log training hours, a little formal training can mean the difference between passing and failing a costly certification exam. Consider the following certification exams offered through Microsoft:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Basic certification for individuals looking for proof of in-depth mastery in a particular technology, such as .NET Framework, BizTalk Server, and Small Business Server 2008. ($125)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Intermediate certification for those looking for proof of knowledge within network and systems environments. ($500)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): Advanced certification for individuals hoping to design and implement server infrastructure. Candidates must pass seven exams on networking systems, operating systems and core design. ($875)

Other certification exams include Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). The Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the highest level of certification, and requires 10 years of experience, 5 years of architectural experience and a $5,125 fee.

Some topics covered by Microsoft technical training
.NET: This framework allows developers to apply their work across many devices, including phone, browser, server, client and cloud
Microsoft SQL Server: A powerful database management system. Editions include Enterprise, Web, Workgroup and Fast Track
Microsoft Dynamics: Offering enterprise resource management and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions
Microsoft Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET): An evolution of the standard Visual Basic programming language, including object-oriented programming
Microsoft Exchange Server: Business email and contacts across devices, including phone, browser and PC
Microsoft Windows: Family of operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Server: Manage IT needs, security, applications platforms and more
Microsoft BizTalk Server: Integrate systems between businesses and communicate flawlessly with a range of devices
Microsoft Visual Studio: Integrated development environment that ensures quality code through the application's lifecycle
ASP.NET: Web application framework designed to help programmers build dynamic websites

With a host of certifications available for a host of products, Microsoft technical training can boost an existing or be the first step in a new career in IT.

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