Certification - November 2008 - (Page 59)

sionals worldwide have earned the SNIA vendor-neutral certification in network storage technology. The SNIA credential is by design inclusive of a host of technologies that need to be mastered in today’s complex IT and storage environments, so there is no conflict in getting a vendor-based certification and a SNIA certification. SNIA offers a certification program that recognizes that storage professionals want to stay current with as much knowledge in their field as possible while continuing to hone their skills on a particular set of hardware and software tools. By blending the unique strengths of each type of certification, a storage professional can craft a set of credentials that are both industry- and productspecific, which is a great way to stay current and flexible in today’s fast-changing IT workplace. tures, management and protocols — such as Fibre Channel, Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI), Fibre Channel over Internet Protocol (FCIP) and Internet Fibre Channel Protocol (iFCP). Additionally, the certification’s blueprint and learning objectives cover key solutions including data sharing, network attached storage (NAS), disaster recovery preparation, extended storage area networks (SANs), business continuity, backup and recovery, and storage consolidation. More and more professionals are recognizing the value of this foundational certification. In fact, a recent Request for Proposal for the management of a U.S. government digital storage facility specifically requires all employees working on-site at the government data center be SNIA Certified Storage Professionals. Instead of spending time and money taking a variety of redundant introductory certifications, the Storage Network Foundations certification is increasingly viewed as a trustworthy and accurate validation that the SCSP holder has a broad and comprehensive exposure to the basics of storage networking. With training and certification budgets already tight and getting tighter, this certification represents an efficient use of resources. Foundational Certifications SNIA developed the Storage Networking Certification Program (SNCP) for storage professionals at all experience levels. The SNCP provides a strong foundation of vendor-neutral credentials that integrate with and complement individual vendor certifications. SNIA relies on a thorough and regularly updated job-task analysis to identify the core knowledge and skills areas at every level of the storage networking career. It then designs a comprehensive instrument that tests subject-matter knowledge. The resulting SNCP includes three certifications covering introductory concepts, management and design of storage networking technologies, as well as one overarching partner credential. Through the SNCP, the SNIA is establishing a uniform standard by which individual knowledge and skills can be judged. Passing the Storage Network Foundations exam earns an IT pro the SNIA Certified Storage Professional (SCSP) credential. The SCSP is the entry-level storage networking certification for both new entrants and experienced professionals crossing over from another realm of IT work. It covers the underlying technologies and terminology that drive storage networking. Training for this certification — offered by a variety of SNIA-authorized training companies — provides a vendor-neutral introduction to storage networking concepts, technologies and solutions. It explores fundamental concepts, disk technology, architec- Advanced SNIA Storage Certifications At the management level, the SNCP includes a Storage Networking Management and Administration exam that was updated in September and ultimately leads to the SNIA Certified Systems Engineer (SCSE) credential. This credential targets storage professionals who administer, manage, implement, integrate and support storage networking. Training for this credential includes passing the SNIA Storage Network Foundations exam, usually by taking training courses that last three to five days and cover the processes, technologies and solutions encountered in day-to-day management and administration of storage networks. Although training companies offer these courses worldwide, SNIA has created a hands-on training facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., where students can learn on real equipment in a lab where storage networking standards are being developed. At the design and provisioning level, SNIA offers the Storage Networking Design and Assessment exam November 2008 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE 59 http://www.snia.org/education/certification/ http://www.snia.org/education/certification/ http://www.snia.org/education/certification/scse/ http://www.snia.org/education/certification/scsp/

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Certification - November 2008 Editor's Letter Contents Tech Careers Dear Techie Virtual Village Data Stream Academic Connection Troubleshooting What We Like Look Ahead The Gender Gap: IT Lacks a Woman’s Touch IT for Free: Volunteering Today Interface Technical Architect: Learning, Growing, Innovating Inside Certification Endtag Ad Index

Certification - November 2008

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