VMware uses knowledge as a weapon in the developing virtualization market battle with Microsoft and Citrix. New certification is aimed at architects, not technologists, moving VMware expertise up the management ladder. Even as Microsoft rolls out ever-more-refined beta versions of its hypervisor, VMware is emphasizing technical knowledge about virtualization in general and facility with its own products in particular as a way to maintain its market dominance. Its most recent evolution is a certification program designed for the architects behind virtualization deployments, a move that is generally applauded by IT managers. The VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) for VMware Infrastructure 3 is an extension of the company’s VMware Certified Professional (VCP) program. Candidates for the VCDX must be certified as VCP’s on VMware Infrastructure 3 and pass the VMware Enterprise Administration Exam, which is currently available and take a Design Exam, which VMware expects will be available late this month. Candidates must also submit, present and defend a VMware Infrastructure design, configuration and implementation plan. The VCDX program is being met with some acclaim by IT architects and other personnel. “I am interested in this certification as it does show professional development in the field,” says Brett Shavers, president of e3Discovery, a computer forensic and electronic discovery company in Seattle. “This particular certification would be important for my job skills as for the implementation and use of VMware—it is important for my clients to know that what I do is done right, and that my knowledge has been certified by the manufacturer.” Some assert that in addition to being of value to clients, certification is also important to an employee’s advancement. “VCP certification has been very beneficial to the role I play in my organization, in addition to the knowledge I share with my peers who work with VMware products,” according to Jason G. Boche, a systems support analyst for a large financial services firm in Minnepolis who has two VMware Certified Professional certifications and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Administrator, and is a Citrix Certified Administrator. “I would be interested in pursuing the advanced VCDX/architect certification,” says of the new credential. “In addition to the value added to my career, my marketability and earning potential, the certification process helps me stay technically sharp, as well as providing value to my employer for whom I apply my knowledge.”Not all IT experts though view certification as a requirement for the job, preferring experience instead.“As a manager, I’ve had a few poor experiences relying on certifications over experience,” says Art Beane, IT enterprise architect for IFCO Systems in Houston.“While I support certification by paying for the exams and providing on-the-job time for the people getting certifications, it helps morale and definitely is a good way to verify training, its on the job performance that is the true measure of knowledge,” Beane says. VCP certification and testing is available from a number of sources. The first portion of the VCP certification includes: VMware Infrastructure 3: Install and Configure — it costs about $3,000 from a licensed training center; VMware Infrastructure 3: Deploy, Secure and Analyze — costs about $3,300; VCDX training and certification will also be available through VMware’s education partners. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Freshworks When your AI chatbots mess up AI ‘hallucinations’ present significant business risks, but new types of guardrails can keep them from doing serious damage By Paul Gillin Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Generative AI brandpost Sponsored by Dell New research: How IT leaders drive business benefits by accelerating device refresh strategies Security leaders have particular concerns that older devices are more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. By Laura McEwan Dec 08, 2023 3 mins Infrastructure Management case study Toyota transforms IT service desk with gen AI To help promote insourcing and quality control, Toyota Motor North America is leveraging generative AI for HR and IT service desk requests. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 08, 2023 7 mins Employee Experience Generative AI ICT Partners feature CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process. By Moira Alexander Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Certifications IT Skills Project Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe