New Microsoft role-based Certifications!

"Learning is evergreen" and to show case your skills to the global audience "Certifications" plays a major role, and with the current evolution of the technology we have different roles to manage and having the right skills to perform these roles are essential, with this being said Microsoft team again made significant changes to their certification path to align to the specific job roles.

You now have the next generation "Microsoft role-based certifications" available and also to support this new change, learning path is updated.

Access this guide to know all the available New Role based Certifications: Microsoft Role-based Certification guide

Access the Microsoft Certifications Index Poster here.

Browse here to know more on the New certifications:   Microsoft Role-based Certifications

As aforesaid now the learning path to obtain the New certifications are getting updated and you have a new one-stop resource for all your learning "Microsoft Learn" which will soon replace the "Microsoft Virtual Academy" and also you have other vital resources available in the community to help you reach your certification goals.

keep an eye on the "Microsoft Learning Blog" for latest updates.

Happy Learning !!!

Azure Essentials - Free Training

Microsoft launched the new Azure Essentials Free training Programme, the best place to get started with and Learn more about Azure.This is a new addition to the list of existing Learning resources for Microsoft Azure and helpful for IT Professionals and Developers both new to Azure and already work on Azure.

Access the Content here: Azure.com/Essentials 

Additionally, Review the newly launched Microsoft Tech Academy in Microsoft Tech Community site for more resources, This newly launched Tech Academy unifies Microsoft’s learning and readiness platforms for IT Professionals and Developers into a single place.

Access Tech Academy here: Microsoft Tech Academy

Start your Learning Journey today !!!

MVA Learning: Experience the Microsoft Cloud with Cloud Adoption Test Lab Guides

To get hands-on experience in the latest Microsoft Cloud technologies you can utilize the "Cloud adoption Test Lab Guides (TLGs)" as an essential resource, and to know more on how to use this resource you now have the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy course.

This course provides an overview of the Cloud Adoption Test Lab Guides and steps you through:

• The value of using prescriptive, modular Test Lab Guide (TLG) documents for technical ramp-up, demos, proof-of-concept configurations, and dev/test environments.

• Using cloud adoption TLGs to experience the integration of Microsoft’s cloud offerings, which include Office 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)/Intune.

• The Microsoft Cloud Adoption TLG stack.

Access the MVA course content here: Experience the Microsoft Cloud with Cloud Adoption Test Lab Guides

MVA Learning: Active Directory in a Hybrid Environment

Microsoft’s identity solutions span on-premises and cloud-based capabilities, creating a single user identity for authentication and  authorization to all resources, regardless of location. We call this Hybrid Identity. Today most Organizations adopt the Hybrid Identity Model to provide rich end user experience when accessing resources from anywhere, anytime on any device with enhanced Access controls.

Extending your AD DS to Azure, Integrating your On premises AD DS with Azure AD, and Extending your AD FS to Azure are some key concepts when you plan on this Hybrid Identity Model. To understand these topics in detail you now have the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy Course "Active Directory in a Hybrid Environment" a new addition to the list of authoritavie set of Course on Azure.

Microsoft MVP Corey Hynes presents this excellent course to cover the below key concepts to get you prepared to understand and implement the Hybrid Active Directory.

• Hybrid Active Directory: Learn the different ways that Azure AD can be connected to Windows Server AD.
• Azure AD Connect: Walk through Azure AD connect, the tool used to connect Azure AD and Windows Server AD.
• Manage and Monitor Azure AD Connect: Use the monitoring tools to maintain the health of Azure AD Connect.
• AD Federation: Configure Azure AD Federation and connect it to Windows Server Active Directory.

Access the Course here: Active Directory in a Hybrid Environment

You can further advance your learning by reviewing the below Resources:

Reference Architecture: Identity management

Microsoft Ignite session : Connect your on-premises directories to Azure AD and use one identity for all your apps

Microsoft Cloud IT Architecture Resources: Microsoft Cloud Identity for Enterprise Architects

Design Guide: Hybrid Identity Design Considerations Guide

Finally, A real world Technical Case study from Microsoft on their own Journey: Managing user identities and secure access at Microsoft

Hope these resources are useful for your Learning. Stay tuned for more updates...

MVA Learning : Skype for Business Infrastructure

If you are planning to learn, deploy and manage Skype for Business, and also preparing for the Microsoft Exams  70-333, Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015 and 70-334, Core Solutions of Microsoft Skype for Business 2015, you now have the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy course series to begin your journey.

Following Courses are available now in this series:

• Learning Skype for Business
• Skype for Business: Infrastructure Planning and Design
• Skype for Business: Infrastructure Implementation and Conferencing
• Skype for Business: Voice Concepts and Planning
• Skype for Business: Infrastructure Advanced Configuration
• Skype for Business: Voice Hybrid and Routing
• Skype for Business: Voice Advanced Workloads
• Troubleshooting Skype for Business

As an add-on learning take a look at the below video to know the available deployment models for Skype for Business Cloud PBX presented by MVP Tom Arbuthnot.

View here: Skype for Business Cloud PBX - your four deployment models explained

Update:

Read the real time Microsoft IT Showcase Business case studies below to know how Microsoft as an Organization adopted Skype for Business in the cloud and received enhanced benefits

Deploying Skype for Business in the cloud

How Microsoft IT planned and deployed Skype for Business to the Office 365 Enterprise E5 cloud

How cloud-based PBX and PSTN save Microsoft IT more than $120,000 per day with Skype for Business

Cutting costs in the cloud with Skype for Business and Office 365

Stay tuned for more updates...

MVA Learning: Optimize Your Network for Microsoft Cloud Offerings

Is your organization moving to a cloud-inclusive infrastructure or planning your Journey,  As an IT Pro, part of your responsibility is to prepare your network environments to handle the increased traffic and to create stronger infrastructures. Access the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy course to know how to optimize your Network for Microsoft Cloud Offerings.

This MVA course is based on the content in the Microsoft Cloud Networking for Enterprise Architects poster and covers the below essential topics,

• The fundamental shift in networking for cloud-based computing
• On-premises network path optimization
• Optimizing intermediate systems in your network edge
• The role and use of ExpressRoute connections

Access the Course here: Optimize Your Network for Microsoft Cloud Offerings

Review the real time case study of Microsoft's own Journey here: Driving digital transformation with modern network infrastructure

MVA Learning: Exchange Hybrid Deep Dive

Planning for migrating your On Premises Exchange Environment to Office 365 using Hybrid deployment model, now you have different options available and you can select the best one for your migration.

To know more on this you can review the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy Advanced course on 'Exchange Hybrid deep dive"  to explore full hybrid, minimal hybrid, and Express Migration to see which is the best option for your migration. Also learn about common migration myths, best practices, and deployment blockers. Plus, see what’s coming in the future of hybrid.

Access the course here: Exchange Hybrid Deep Dive

Get ready for Microsoft Tech Summit 2016-17

Get ready for the upcoming Microsoft Tech Summit 2016-17, Free, two-day technical training for IT professionals and developers with experts who build the cloud services across Microsoft Azure, Office 365, and Windows 10.

This is a event scheduled to occur in different parts of the world, similar to last years' Microsoft Cloud Roadshow.

Access the Official site here and Register for the event today: Microsoft Tech Summit 2016-17

Also Access Microsoft Tech Summit Spaces here:  https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-Tech-Summit/ct-p/MicrosoftTechSummit

Stay tuned for more updates...

Learn How global organization can adopt the Microsoft cloud

Adopting Cloud in a Global Organization is an evergreen process, Choosing the Right Cloud Platform and also having the right knowledge and skill set in that platform becomes essential when it comes to planning, deployment and Managing the new Cloud IT Infrastructure.

Microsoft Cloud Advisory Board team published the new Contoso in the Microsoft Cloud poster shows how the Contoso Corporation, a fictional but representative global organization, is embracing a cloud-inclusive IT infrastructure that includes all of Microsoft’s cloud offerings (Office 365, Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Intune).

These resources gives you the right confidence to embrace your Journey to the Cloud.

Access the Resource here: Contoso in the Microsoft Cloud

Source Blog post here: "Contoso in the Microsoft Cloud” poster describes how a global organization is adopting the Microsoft cloud

Be sure to read the additional Content provided in the Blog post

Want to Know more, Access the below essential Video Series from Microsoft Virtual Academy 

How Microsoft does IT” with regard to the cloud? - Cloud at Microsoft

Why wait start your Journey to the Cloud!!!

Go to Microsoft Fasttrack Center or contact a Microsoft CSP to begin, Stay tuned for more updates..

MVA Learning: Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Hybrid Topologies

After the release of Exchange Server 2016, Organizations started to upgrade their On premises Legacy Exchange Environment to the latest version of Exchange, and most of the large Organizations have adopted the Hybrid model, having strong understanding of how to set up a hybrid topology with Office 365 is now essential for an Exchange Administrator.  To make your learning easier Microsoft team has published a new Microsoft Virtual Academy video Series on Exchange Server 2016 Hybrid Topologies.

You will learn the below key topics in the sessions,

• Plan and implement a hybrid deployment.
• Plan and implement Exchange federation.
• Plan for Exchange federated sharing.
• Implement Azure AD Connect.
• Plan and implement Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) for a hybrid deployment.
• Examine deployment topologies.
• Manage a hybrid deployment and advanced hybrid functionality.

Access the Series here:  Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Hybrid Topologies

MVA Learning: Microsoft Azure for IT Pros Content Series: Live Kick-Off

Its time for another fast-paced live virtual session on Microsoft Azure from Microsoft Virtual Academy, starting tomorrow September 13, 2016 9am-12pm PDT. If you are an IT Pro and interested to know more on Microsoft Azure then this is the right course for you.

Know more and get Registered soon here: Microsoft Azure for IT Pros Content Series: Live Kick-Off

Microsoft IT Showcase - Enterprise Mobility at Microsoft

I recently wrote a whereto post on the new Microsoft Virtual Academy expert level course for Deploying Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite, this course provides complete in-depth training for you to know more on EMS and enhance your skills to deploy and administrate EMS in your Organization. As an add-on to the learning, you want to know how Enterprise Mobility can be implemented in a large Organization, and the best practices that you ideally need when you plan for your's, now take a look at the IT Showcase Course on Microsoft's own Journey.

Learn how Microsoft implemented mobile solutions globally to support its 180,000 internal users, Be sure to take this IT Showcase course, as you continue your exploration of “how Microsoft does IT.” Get insight into the best practices Microsoft has employed to plan, design, deploy, and manage mobile solutions, and hear practical details from Microsoft IT subject matter experts (SMEs).

Below are the key topic covered in the course,

1 . Introduction - Get an overview of Microsoft IT, the IT Showcase team, and the background on the Microsoft IT story of how Microsoft went to the cloud.

2 . Evolution of Mobility and Storage - Explore the history of storage and how its evolution has enabled the modern mobile computing trends.

3 . Mobility Management - Learn about the Microsoft IT mobile strategy and how the team manages the mobile environment.

4 . Application Development - Find out how Microsoft IT develops applications in the modern cloud-first, mobile-first world.

5 . MS Approvals Case Study - Get the details on MS Approvals, an application that leverages legacy applications and cloud technologies to deliver a modern application experience.

6 . Security in Mobility - Explore the Microsoft IT approach to mobile security, from the basics to preparation for cyberattacks.

7 . Identity Management - Gain insight into the Microsoft IT transition to the mobile workplace and how identity and authentication changed.

8 . Access Management - Find out how Microsoft IT created a policy-driven enforcement of access to resources.

9 . Mobility Future - Learn about how Microsoft IT sees mobility evolving in the future.

10. Conclusion - Learn how it all comes together. Hear the story of a day in the life of a Microsoft employee.

Access the IT Showcase here: Enterprise Mobility at Microsoft

MVA Learning: Deploying Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite

Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite which is now Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS), is the ultimate solution for securing your Organization's Identity and Information protection. Microsoft team is enhancing their product line to support the on demand needs of today IT world and EMS is one of the key solution that is adopted globally, having a good knowledge to deploy EMS is essential for an IT Administrator, and this new Microsoft Virtual Academy course focuses on the same and provides in-depth technical training.

Below are the essential topics covered in the course,

1 . Introduction to Deploying Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite

2 . AAD Overview, Hybrid Identity, Self-Service Functionality, and Application Integration

3 . AAD Application Proxy, Multifactor Authentication, and Reports

4 . Azure Active Directory Identity, Access, and Security

5 . Azure Active Directory Connect Health

6 . Introduction to Rights Management Services (RMS)

7 . RMS Deep Dive

8 . RMS Integration with Server Workloads

9 . Intune Overview, Provisioning, and Configuration Policies

10 . Intune Device Enrollment, Application Delivery, and Profiles

11 . Intune Management, Troubleshooting, and Planning

12 . Microsoft Intune Hybrid Mobile Device Management with SCCM

13 . Microsoft Intune Mobile Application Management Without Device Enrollment

14 . Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA)

15 . Introduction to Cloud App Security

16 . Deploying Cloud App Security, Policies, and Customization

17 . MPN Training Feedback

Access the course here: Deploying Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite 

Additionally, Download the below e-Book handy and give a read

Download here: An implementation guide to help you manage mobile devices and applications

Make use of the Office 365 and EMS dev/test environment to setup up your test lab and experience EMS.

MVA Learning : What's New in PowerShell v5

Learn about the latest and greatest features that Microsoft has built into new PowerShell Version 5 with the latest Microsoft Virtual Academy course.

Explore the new features in PowerShell and much more with the below sessions,

1 | Introduction to PowerShell v5 -
Get an overview of the new features in PowerShell v5.

2 | Package Management
Learn what's new with package management in PowerShell v5.

3 | PowerShell v5 Security
Get the details on what's new with security in PowerShell v5.

4 | PowerShell v5 Debugging
Take a look at what's new with debugging in PowerShell v5.

5 | PowerShell Classes
Learn about classes in PowerShell v5.

6 | Just Enough Administration
Hear about the new Just Enough Administration feature in PowerShell v5.

7 | Desired State Configuration
Find out what's new with DSC in PowerShell v5.

Access the Course here: What's New in PowerShell v5

Add-on Read:

Review the below post to get answers to Top 5 PowerShell FAQs of today,

PowerShell FAQ: Top 5 Questions about PowerShell from the Field

Microsoft Password Guidance

Cybercrime is increasing day by day, data breaches, Credential Leaks, Phishing etc., are now seems to be reported everyday from different parts of the World and every Organization is tightening their security walls using the latest technologies available in the market, but everyday one new breach is reported and even a small hole in your entire security paradigm will make your environment vulnerable to these cyber attacks.

Microsoft team recently published a guidance paper and an AD team blog post that explains today's security threats, and how Microsoft is Managing them with real time examples and best practices that provide IT Administrators with the recommended Password guidance, and the best identity management approach they need to follow and enforce in their environments for better Information Security.

Download the Guidance e-book here: http://research.microsoft.com/pubs/265143/Microsoft_Password_Guidance.pdf

Access the Official AD Team blog post here: 117M leaked creds (from LinkedIn?). New best practices + #AzureAD and MSA can help

Add-on Read:

Actionable recommendation on how to better protect privileged identities from Microsoft - Securing privileged access: Preventing and detecting attacks

Access the latest MVA course launched recently to understand security requirements for AD and Defending Against Cyberattacks.

Access the course here : Defending Active Directory Against Cyberattacks

Update:

Get to know about PAM and Just in Time Administration here: Privileged Access Management – demystified

Also a nice demo on JEA here: Windows Server: Just Enough Administration

Stay tuned for more updates...

Microsoft IT Pro Cloud Essentials and Career Center Now Available !

I am writing this reference post today and happy to share the availability of  Microsoft IT Pro Cloud Essentials and Career Center. We can refer this as a one stop resource for Microsoft's Cloud learning which also give you guidance to choose the right Career path with Microsoft Cloud Technologies.

Below is the extract from the Official Announcement,

IT professionals need to rapidly familiarize themselves with cloud technologies, and evolve their skills. Microsoft is listening to the needs of IT professionals and today is addressing the most common questions we hear: “How do I to get started with cloud?” and “How can I advance my career using cloud?”

1)  Get started in the cloud with the FREE Microsoft IT Pro Cloud Essentials annual subscription.

Microsoft IT Pro Cloud Essentials provides IT professionals with access to cloud services, training, support and certification. Details include:

• Free Azure credits to try cloud scenarios like backup, disaster recovery, security & dev/test.

• Free Pluralsight subscription for on-line training.

• Free Priority support in the TechNet forums.

• A free phone support incident for Azure or on-premises products.

• A free certification exam voucher.

• Extended trials of Enterprise Mobility Suite and Office 365.

2) Advance your IT career in cloud technologies with the FREE Microsoft IT Pro Career Center.

Microsoft IT Pro Career Center provides IT professionals with cloud career paths, curriculum to learn the cloud roles, and industry insights. Details include:

• Map your IT cloud role.

• Follow a learning curriculum for your chosen cloud role.

• Evolve at your own pace & learn with your peers.

• Discover which cloud roles are in demand and their salary ranges.

• Get insights on your personality traits and how they match up to cloud roles.

• Hear from industry experts about the trends in cloud roles and skills you need.

Access the Official Announcement here: Microsoft introduces free resources to help IT pros get started and build their careers in the cloud

Be sure the watch the Microsoft Mechanics video to know more: Introducing, Microsoft IT Pro Cloud Essentials

Get ready and sign-up today and start your Cloud Learning!!!

MVA Learning : Managing and Troubleshooting Exchange Server 2013 Email Delivery

Understanding the E-Mail Transport Architecture and trouble shooting E-mail Delivery issues are always challenging and interesting, Recently while reviewing the Microsoft Virtual Academy website came across this excellent Course on Exchange Server 2013, thought of a writing a quick post to share it with readers.

This course gives you an practical guidance on Exchange 2013 Transport Architecture and common troubleshooting scenarios,

Below is the categorization of topics covered in this course,

• Implementing Exchange Transport Services - Explore Exchange Server Roles and explore Transport Services. Take a look at Transport Agents and the Transport Pipeline.

• Configuring and Managing Transport Services - Learn to create and configure accepted domains, email address policies, and transport rules. Take a look at implementing high availability for Transport Services.

• Troubleshooting Transport Services -Explore the tools and methods that help identify and resolve message delivery problems. Enable and review Transport Logging.

Access the Course here: Managing and Troubleshooting Exchange Server 2013 Email Delivery

Add-on Read : Mail flow best practices for Exchange Online and Office 365

Preparing for Microsoft Specialist Certification Exam 70-534, Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Are you preparing for Microsoft Specialist Certification Exam 70-534, Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions, then below are few resources I came across in my journey, which will help you out with your Exam preparation Roadmap.

Review the Exam details here: Exam 70-534, Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

This Exam is one of the Essential exam for your MCSD certification.

 Review here:  MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect

Keith Mayer MSFT has published the below Early Experts Study Guide in his blog with rich set of resources available for the Exam preparation.

Access here: Early Experts Study Guide for Microsoft Specialist Certification Exam 70-534, Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions.

Microsoft Virtual Academy course targeting this Exam preparation is the next key resource: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Next on the list is the new Jump Start Series from Channel 9 : Exam Jump Start 70-534 Prerequisites: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Also take a loot at the Cert prep Guidance from Sidney Andrews, MCT:  70-534: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Another essential guidance from renowned IT Expert Mark Wilson here: Preparation Notes for Microsoft Exam 70-534: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Grab the Exam reference E-book from Microsoft Press store for your reference.

Buy here : Exam Ref 70-534 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Update:

Access the new Certification Exam Prep session from Microsoft Ignite 2016.

Access here: BRK3264 - Cert Exam Prep: Exam 70-534: Architecting Azure Solutions

More Good news:

Passing an Exam is always not easy and you can take an extra chance for success now with the advantage of  Microsoft Certification Booster Pack.

Know more here: Give yourself an advantage with a Microsoft Certification Booster Pack

Get an Azure Trail now and get started...

Update:

Microsoft team made new changes to the Certification path, Be sure to know the latest Microsoft Certification updates and decide your learning path.

OneDrive for Business Product Recap and Roadmap Primer

To add to the list of resources, I shared earlier on OneDrive for Business, here comes the key session from Microsoft Virtual Academy to examine the latest key innovations in OneDrive for Business, and get a detailed look at the product strategy and roadmap.

Access the Session here: OneDrive for Business Product Recap and Roadmap Primer

To add to this,  Read the below excellent write up by Russell Smith in Petri IT Knowledgebase, where he shows and talks more on the current Roadmap from Microsoft.

Read here: Microsoft updates its OneDrive for Business roadmap

Interested to know more stuff on OneDrive for Business. Follow fellow MVP Hans Brender and read his blog posts to stay updated.

Stay tuned for more updates...

MVA Learning : Office 365 Admin Support Skills

If you want to sharpen your Office 365 Administration skills, then spend sometime to complete your Learning on the "Office 365 Admin Support Skills" series from Microsoft Virtual Academy.

Below are the courses available in the Series,

Office 365 Admin Support Skills: Core Concepts

Office 365 Admin Support Skills: Service Management

Office 365 Admin Support Skills: Mail Flow Specialty

Add-on bytes:

Access Support article set here: Office 365 for business – Admin Help

Stay tuned for more updates...