VMWare Training

The hot topic in the world of business and government technology is virtualization. Virtualization of software, hardware, and all the skills, programs and techniques associated with virtualization are undoubtedly where the tech world is going these days. Qualified professionals are in high demand in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro areas especially, due to the number of government agencies and related businesses, as well as to the government's renewed interest in keeping its computing practices in line with the latest technologies. If you live in these areas, acquiring your certification in Virtualization Management could be the big break you need in searching for your ideal job. Especially in this job market, you need all the breaks you can get.

 

What is virtualization management, and what skills does it entail?

The theory behind virtualization is that instead of all the machines on a network running their own programs, with their own hardware requirements, they are instead hooked up to a single machine running software from VMWare, which serves them virtualized sets of hardware. This way, all each machine needs is a high-speed network connection to the central machine, and it can utilize the virtual system provided by VMWare.

In order to do this, an IT professional needs to be able to:

  • know how to use VMWare to split a server's resources into multiple virtual machines to be fed to different systems in a network
  • copy one virtual machine into different systems
  • perform troubleshooting and maintenance on both virtual machines and the physical hardware which feeds the various virtual machines
  • maintain acceptable levels of security and distinction between different virtual machines being fed from the same server
  • and much more!

What is VMWare?

VMWare is the pre-eminent provider of virtualization software for business networks. If you're interested in knowing how to provide Virtualization Management. They are also the only company that offers a IT certificate program in Virtualization Management, which is important, as the job market is based almost exclusively on certification.

Why is there such a need for individuals trained in the use of VMWare?

With the increased use of business networks for which every employee needs to use the same programs, virtualization of software has already been implemented in many work environments. If there's a problem, the IT professional can fix it from a central location. Upgrades can be performed at a single location; they don't have to be taken to every system in the network.

Errors in virtual machines are both confined to their own compartment on the centralized machine, and they don't harm the operating system on the laptop or desktop they're feeding.

Virtual machines can be easily moved from one system to another, which is useful for a number of reasons. For instance, the machine used by an engineer to develop the demonstration for a program can be easily moved to the laptops of sales reps showing the program to potential customers.

Finally, it saves money on hardware costs. A business only needs to purchase one super-powerful server; the rest of the machines only need to be able to run the VMWare software.

How do I get my certification?

VMWare offers three online courses, only one of which you have to take. You need to take one of the courses before you can be eligible for the exam; self-study alone is not an option. The three courses are:

  • VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage – for those new to virtualization
  • VMware vSphere: Fast Track – for those with some experience
  • VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting – lab-intensive, focused on troubleshooting

Once you take one of the courses, you can sign up for the exam. The exam contains seventy-five questions, is ninety-minutes long, and has a passing score of 70%.

What types of businesses, agencies, or organizations could use VMWare products?

Any business that needs to be on the cutting edge of technology likely uses or could use virtualization. Software, financial, defense, and insurance companies are pretty sure bets for those in need of VMWare's products and your services as a VMWare Certified Professional. However, as stated before, more and more businesses of all sorts are implementing virtualization networks. If you're interested in a particular company, it couldn't hurt to ask!