How IT Training Is Evolving to Address New Tech
-
How IT Training Is Evolving to Address New Tech
New certification and education programs are essential for addressing emerging technologies--including IoT, converged infrastructure and SDN. -
Vendor-Neutral Training at CompTIA
New CompTIA A+ 900 exams reflect IT professionals' changing responsibilities in security, networking, operating systems, IT operations, troubleshooting and technical support. They cover the basics of cloud computing, virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment. -
Certs for MSPs
The MSPAlliance enhanced its MSP/Cloud Verify Program (MSPCV) for cloud computing and managed service providers (MSPs). The update includes improvements related to MSP responses to ransomware and other cyber-security attacks on client systems. -
SDN Skills From Open Networking Foundation
The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) forged a partnership with ITpreneurs to launch entry-level SDN certification testing. As part of the ONF-Certified SDN Professional (OCSP) program, the ONF-Certified SDN Associate Certification provides a foundation of vendor-neutral knowledge and skills validation, which complements vendor-specific certifications in SDN. -
Cisco Updates Its Certification Lineup
Cisco has updated its certification portfolio to align with evolving industry job roles around emerging technology and business insights including IoT, cloud, SDN, security, big data and network programmability. -
Public Cloud Cert From Barracuda Networks
Barracuda Networks added new training courses and Public Cloud Certification to enable partners to deploy its security solutions on Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and VMware vCloud Air. -
Juniper's Network Design Training
Juniper Networks developed a network design and training and certification program to meet changing network demands, covering SDN and network-functions virtualization (NFV). Three levels of certifications are available: design associate, specialist and professional. -
CyberVista Makes Its Debut
CyberVista is launching to offer education and workforce development programs for both executives and practitioners. The initial product offering will provide executives with an understanding of cyber issues and the tools to manage those risks. A cyber-security certification preparation program for practitioners and IT pros is planned. -
Avnet's Technical Education Courses
Aimed at helping drive partner growth, Avnet's top technical education courses cover big data and analytics, cloud, converged infrastructure, IoT, mobility, networking and security. Additionally, Avnet recently acquired certified IT training company, ExitCertified, to boost its education business. -
Security Studies at ISACA
ISACA's Cybersecurity Nexus offers a vendor-neutral CSX Practitioner (CSXP) Certification. Candidates must pass an exam in an adaptive, performance-based laboratory environment. In addition, ISACA's Cybersecurity Nexus has two new free tools to help security professionals develop their CSX career road map. -
ISACA's CISA Updates
ISACA updated the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam to better reflect new job requirements. The revised job practice will be effective starting with the June 2016 CISA exam. -
GIAC Cert for Continuous Monitoring
GIAC (Global Information Insurance Certification), a developer of cyber-security certifications, launched a new certification for Continuous Monitoring. The GMON certification targets architects, engineers, analysts and managers. -
Revamped VMware Certs
VMware revamped its certification road map when it moved from Version 5 to Version 6. The new SDN track includes data center virtualization, cloud management and automation, and network virtualization, while the desktop road map now includes mobility. -
OpenStack Foundation Cert for Cloud Admins
The OpenStack Foundation launched a professional certification program for OpenStack Cloud administrators. The virtual Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA) test will be available anywhere in the world. -
RedHat Offers OpenStack Training
Red Hat added two engineer-level training and certification offerings—Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) in Red Hat OpenStack and Red Hat OpenStack Administration III (CL310)—designed to help organizations meet demand for Red-Hat distributed OpenStack Clouds.
What Partners Need to Know About HP, Inc. 
MSPs Face Big Cybersecurity Talent Gap 
Why Tech Companies Are Eager to Invest in 5G 
The Problem With Partner Referral Programs 
Microsoft Taps Channel for Digital Business 
New Technologies Will Fuel Channel Opportunities 
Channel's Transition to the Cloud Requires More Time 
Microsoft's Cloud Channel Begins to Mature 
Defining MSPs' Goals, Challenges and Tools 
Why Metrics Matter to the Channel Top tech growth drivers—including the cloud, data analytics, mobile and security—pose training challenges across the channel, from vendors and IT distributors to managed service providers and value-added resellers. But they also create more business opportunities for qualified solutions providers. For organizations to capitalize on growth opportunities, IT training and education need to evolve as well. This goes hand-in-hand with new training skills for security, mobility, and data and analytics layered on top of fundamental skills. Emerging technologies, including the Internet of things (IoT), converged infrastructure and software-defined networking (SDN), must be addressed with new certification and education programs. IT professionals also need a good knowledge base for working with mobile devices running on different operating systems, which will be connected to both secure networks and the cloud. Certifications and training need to reflect this new reality. Here is a sampling of vendors, distributors and industry associations that are playing a role in the move to next-generation education.