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Microsoft Announces New Certification to Meet Demand For Skilled Database Administrators
Industry Recognizes Need for Proficiency in Administering, Designing and Implementing SQL Server-Based Databases
LAS VEGAS - Nov. 16, 1998 - - Today at COMDEX/Fall '98, Microsoft Corp. announced its premier certification for database administrators (DBAs), Microsoft® Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), to augment the existing Microsoft Certified Professional Program. Creation of the new certification was fueled by the growing industry demand for skilled DBAs combined with the availability of SQL Server™ 7.0.
The MCDBA was designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in SQL Server and will benefit companies demanding a highly qualified DBA to manage a SQL Server-based platform that will run line-of-business applications, data warehousing, electronic commerce and mobile computing applications. Professionals with the MCDBA certification will be able to design and implement databases using Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, as well as help their businesses take advantage of the new features that SQL Server 7.0 offers.
A Microsoft survey conducted in July 1998 of Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, midsized organizations and enterprise organizations showed that DBA was one of the five jobs most in demand, with more than 50,000 openings in the United States and Canada projected in the next 12 months.
"Channel partners, IT professionals and employers told us they saw a
great demand for database solutions, with customers deploying Microsoft SQL
Server for everything from
e-commerce and mobile computing to data
warehousing and line-of-business solutions," said Donna Senko, director of
the certification and skills assessment group at Microsoft. "In response,
we're providing a certification that will qualify individuals to take advantage
of the full range of features."
Currently, there are more than 35,000 Microsoft Certified Professionals who have passed exams for SQL Server. This year, Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) will train over 120,000 people on database administration and development worldwide, including 50,000 people participating in special training offers as part of a $20 million SQL Server 7.0 training investment by Microsoft.
Certification Requirements
The MCDBA certification is aimed at those responsible for the logical and physical design, implementation, maintenance and administration of databases.
The new certification requires candidates to pass four core exams and one elective exam. Core exams include these:
Candidates can choose from the following elective exams:
"To get database issues resolved, you need someone with a background in Windows NT and SQL Server," said Ann Harris, manager of Internet and developer services at Innovative Solutions Inc., a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center and consultant group based in Sacramento, Calif. "Right now, companies end up hiring both an MCSE and a separate SQL Server DBA, but this incurs a lot of extra time and work, not to mention a lot more expense. If I could say to people, 'I'm going to give you one body with all this knowledge,' that would be great. I definitely think this certification is needed."
Benefits of the MCDBA certification include industry recognition and proficiency with Microsoft products, direct access to technical information through a Web site, and invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions and special events. Additional benefits from Microsoft for those gaining this certification will be announced on the Microsoft Certified Professional Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/ later this year.
To prepare for certification exams, candidates can choose from a variety of training methods, including online, self-study and instructor-led options available through Microsoft CTECs. Certification exams are offered at Sylvan Prometric Testing Centers and Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) Testing Centers. To register for exams, candidates can visit http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/mcp/certstep/examreg.htm.
Also announced today, as part of Microsoft's $20 million investment in training, is discounted training for SQL Server 7.0, which will help candidates get a head start in preparing
for the SQL Server exams. This offer includes a $500 training voucher for a five-day course: System Administration for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. Anyone who completes the training by Jan. 31, 1999, will receive a free voucher for the corresponding exam. Individuals can obtain details about the training at http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/sql7/offer/.
The Microsoft Certified Professional Program was founded in 1992. More than 360,000 people are currently certified and hold one or more MCP certifications.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT, Visual Basic and Visual C++ are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other
countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
For online information:
http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/
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