Upcoming Microsoft Releases and Courses

Microsoft has been making information more and more readily available concerning some of their new upcoming releases. Its very exciting times to say the least.

Upgrade Paths to Server 2008 for MCSE’s and MCSA’s

The exams for Microsoft’s popular MCSE and MCSA for Windows Server 2003 certifications are not set to expire any time soon, and you have plenty of time to earn these valuable certifications. However, for Windows Server 2008, the MCSE and MCSA certifications will be replaced with Microsoft’s next generation MCITP Certification.

On Windows Server 2008, the equivalent certification to an MCSE 2003 Certification is the MCITP Enterprise Administrator 2008 Certification, which requires five exams as a stand-alone certification. The equivalent certification to an MCSA on Server 2003 is the MCITP Server Administrator 2008 Certification, which requires three exams as a stand-alone certification.

The MCSE and MCSA Certifications are still good certification choices as many large companies have yet to convert to the new Windows Server 2008 technologies, and HR Departments and hiring managers are very familiar with these certifications. These certifications in and of themselves will never expire, even when the exams are eventually phased out.

For those already holding their MCSA or MCSE 2003 or considering getting this certification, keep in mind that there is a simple upgrade path to the MCITP on Server 2008 that consists of a single exam. For MCSE’s this is exam 70-649 and for MCSA’s this is exam 70-648. This may be the simplest route and by broadening you skill set, will make you marketable to even more companies.