Would doing VMWARE training be worth it?

[roadster198]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I still can't make my mind up. Most of my experience lies with windows/citrix/blade servers. I have noticed a number of jobs are advtertising VMWARE more and more. I have a smallish lab in the house which should be able to cope with ESX server so It is my intention to dable with it soon.

[Stan]

There's been a lot of talk recently about virtualisation and its looking hot. I've seen a lot of solutions recently that add real value for litte cost. I wouldn't have thought there was much to learn with VMWare but I guess there must be.

[MarillionFan]

I'd recommend it. In fact, I'd definitely recommend it.

VMWares policy is to recruit partners that have the relevant qualfied Vmware professionals. They're doubling revenue every year, and they're doing this through resellers and distributors.

VMWare is now the fifth largest software company in the world after their recent IPO. It aint going away.

When partners lose they're VCPS, they get 3 months to replace them or get dropped. So, VMware are making this a worthwhile qualification for you as well as their partners.

[bellymonster]

I luckily picked up training in VMware ESX when I was last a permie and I eventually pluckde up the courage to take the VCP off my own back.
I passed it and got my VCP.

It is quite a tough exam in respect to the type of questions you get but I seem to remember the pass mark is not too high (75%?). The real tough bit is getting the hands on experience. Taking the course wont expose you to the storage side of things in any depth and troubleshooting only comes with plenty of practise. Linux skills are as important as Windows skills because alot of fixes/troubleshooting need you to be ok with the command line. And knowing your way round a SAN is pretty important, as is a good understanding of VLAN's and genera networking.

If your serious about learning you really need to get yourself a lab, at least one SCSI based server but prefrably 2 servers and some extrernal storage of some kind. I think VMware will let you try ESX for 30 days free but you might not get the extras like Vmotion.

Don't be fooled int thinking you can use VMware server or workstation as an alternative because they are very different beasts.

On the whole, since becoming a contractor, a VCP has helped get me contracts but I don't think it was a show stopper. The training is dear but good and I'm sure that it's an expanding market.

[al_cam]

Mate, VMWare is a piece of p!55 to install and configure. It's all done with wizards. That price for a "qualification" is definitely a rip off. Just grab yourself a copy of the VMWare software and play with it. There's really not much to it.

I agree - easy to install & use, but so is Windows server, its when things go wrong that you need someone with real-life experience with it. I wouldn't hire someone to do a VM job that had just "played" with it.

I should also say that I couldn't care less about whether someone is VMware certified either but sadly, no pimps and too few hiring managers know enough to be able to tell if someone is good so they use certification as a filter. I guess it is better than nothing but it means the good experienced guys have to get the certification just to get the interviews.

I speak from experience with PRINCE2 - most PM gigs ask for it. I got it, it didn't make me a better PM, but it did get me more interviews. I needed it for my current gig - once I got here I found out I was the only certified practitioner so why did they require it?

[Cowboy Bob]

Mate, VMWare is a piece of p!55 to install and configure. It's all done with wizards. That price for a "qualification" is definitely a rip off. Just grab yourself a copy of the VMWare software and play with it. There's really not much to it.

[richard-af]

For what it's worth: I took a peek at Jobserve - looks like VMware & Micro$oft qualifications are required. I think.

[al_cam]

I agree with what pacman says - VMware seems to be huge just now and definitely a factor in my getting my current gig (and I'm just a PM with experience with virtualisation projects)

The exam is supposed to be a real bar steward and only really passable if you have experience.

Should you do it? - If you have experience to go with it then possibly, then again, like with any contract, if you don't have the experience, the paper isn't worth a fig.

Are job ads/pimps asking for it? Do you really think you need it to get jobs? I'm guessing that there is sufficient demand that you don't need it, but may do in the future. If you find you aren't getting gigs without it, then go for it at that time and save for that rainy day just now.

[Pacman]

I'm doing it the end of next month...my current gig runs out 18th November, and I think they're going to try and get me to be a permie, so I'm doing this training to help get my next gig...with the whole climate change thing going on, VMWare is only going to get bigger as companies want to consolidate servers, so I'm doing it now before the VMWare qualification turns into the MCSE, i.e. worthless.

[roadster198]

Long time lurker first time poster. I'm into my last 2 months of a contract which looks like it will be extended until the end of Dec 07. I was considering taking a vmware install and config course which will cost me £2135.00 and then doing the exam. problem is my timing. I only have my corp tax stashed away and I promised myself the last 3 months of the contract I would save and save (no laughing at the back please) to cover any non working time. I have been contracting 2 years and don't have any money to cover time off during contracts.

anyone done this course?
is it worth it?

thanks