Validate Those Vouchers- Microsoft SATVs

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Validate Those Vouchers- Microsoft SATVs

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

Validate those Vouchers!

Microsoft customers have the ability to receive quality training at no additional cost, but unfortunately many are not taking advantage of their Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATV’s)! Are you this Microsoft customer? You’ve paid the price, so now take some advice! Microsoft SATVs are your ticket to free training! Your clearance to attend first-rate training for the newest in technology, at no additional cost. Why aren’t you cashing in?

Software Assurance

Microsoft SATVs
Redeem your SATVs today!
Perhaps the reason Microsoft customers aren’t cashing in on these valued vouchers is that they don’t know what they are and how they can help them get the most out of their recently purchased software. The Software Assurance Training Voucher (SATV) is a value added component of the Microsoft Software Assurance program offered to Microsoft customers. Software Assurance (SA) is sold along with Microsoft Volume Licensing programs and may be included as part of your Enterprise Agreement or Open Value Agreement, or it can be financed through Microsoft. SA is highly recommended because it has proved to be beneficial for firms utilizing Microsoft programs. “Software Assurance for Volume Licensing helps boost organizational productivity with 24×7 support, deployment planning services, end-user and technical training, and the latest Microsoft software releases and unique technologies, plus support for cloud services adoption, all in one cost-effective program.” – Microsoft. SA provides many resources to its users allowing employees to be more productive, which has positive benefits on the total operation and efficiency of the company. Corporations can improve productivity across the organization by implementing the latest in product versions as soon as they are available. The SA program allows them to do this seamlessly and at a lower cost. The firms that get the most out of the SA program are those who utilize all the benefits especially when planning for and deploying new software. The training vouchers are especially attractive because employees are able to receive the training required to effectively use the new product versions, decreasing time wasted by the learning curve. The awesome part about it…..this prime training comes at no additional cost!

SATV? Say What?

The Software Assurance Training program provides instructor-led technical training by a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS) through a straight forward voucher creation and redemption process, Software Assurance Training Voucher’s (SATV’s). Customers are allotted a certain number of training days based on their qualifying Microsoft Office and/or Windows license purchases. These training days are converted into vouchers, which they can redeem with a Microsoft Partner. A Microsoft Partner will be able to provide a large selection of Microsoft training courses.

These courses are designed by Microsoft experts and are typically held at the training partner’s facilities. These training classes are such a valuable part of the SATV because they allow the staff to maintain their tech skills as the company deploys new product versions.

Cashing in on the Voucher

They are many different class options available when it comes time to actually cash in on the voucher. Based on your specific needs you can redeem your voucher for Microsoft courses of your choice including those within the following areas:

  • Windows Server
  • Exchange
  • Lync
  • SharePoint
  • System Center
  • Windows
  • SQL Server
  • Visual Studio
  • Shelf-life

These vouchers were created so that Microsoft users have the ability to deploy new software versions without it effecting regular business operations, while in fact increasing productivity. The point is they are there! Microsoft SATVs are available for you to use and the do expire! As a successful business, aren’t you looking for ways to enhance the skills of your staff and reduce training costs? If you are, you need to cash in on these vouchers…you’ve earned them! You can use vouchers on technical training classes as well as Demonstration sessions.

Ready to cash in? It’s simple! First, verify how many training days you received (which again are based on the purchase made). Once you know that training days are available, activate the firm’s SATV account. Once activated, create & assign vouchers to employees. Once assigned the Voucher clock is ticking and will stop after 180 days. Let the employees know that vouchers have been assigned, and they have 180 days to locate a Microsoft Learning Partner and sign up for one of their Microsoft training courses or Demonstrations, and take the class. These vouchers have a shelf life so don’t sit on them and let these training opportunities pass you by. It’s also important to note that once the organization’s licensing agreement expires, so does any remaining SA training days that have not yet been assigned. Again, these opportunities should not be overlooked. Think about it! The company has already paid for these services, so they need to be used, not discarded.

Redeem vouchers with a Microsoft Training Partner

TechSherpas is a Microsoft Learning Solutions Partner and accepts the Software Assurance Training Vouchers. Here is the list of training courses we provide. Take a look! Search our site until you find the class that will meet you educational needs, and register! Redeem and take advantage of those SATV’s before it’s too late. As a Microsoft Learning Partner we want users to be able to utilize these programs and get the most out of them. You’ve earned these benefits, so use them.

Categories : Microsoft, software assurance

SharePoint Wins Over Corporate

By Della Wyler
Monday, February 25th, 2013

Successful business professionals are constantly looking for ways to increase profitability through effective business practices. While exploring ideas on how their businesses will achieve these goals, issues such as reducing costs, document management, and communication are undoubtedly discussed and analyzed. To address these issues, decision makers dig in, brainstorm, and develop goal setting strategies that are focused on improving the current operations. Among the many business solutions available, is Microsoft SharePoint. What is SharePoint and why should a corporation invest in and implement it?

SharePoint is a platform that allows users to build web pages and web-based applications, such as corporate intranets, simply and fairly quickly. When SharePoint is configured correctly for enterprise solutions, there are several ways that this program can benefit a company whether they are a design firm, a medical testing lab, or a retail company. Microsoft SharePoint has been proven to help corporations get organized, reduce IT costs, and be an effective tool in communication within the firm as well as to audiences outside the firm.

Staying Connected with SharePoint
SharePoint can really boost collaboration and productivity because of the many features that makes it easy to share information. Such features include My Sites, people search, wikis, blogs, tags, and ratings. The ability for employees to locate and share information, ideas, and knowledge, as well as, engage in conversations, creates an environment that encourages participation, teamwork, and support. This organizational portal allows employees to stay connected with the firm, and team members, providing an easy way to share information and collaborate, increasing the productivity of the employees.

According to Jeff Lanham, other corporate efficiencies this platform can bring to the organization include: Benefits Management, Employee / Customer / Vendor Provisioning Processes, Service Request / Requisition / Ticketing Systems, Any Review or Approval Routing Scenario.

Document Management
For a business to be successful, it needs to be able to utilize its resources efficiently and at their optimal levels. Many firms aren’t doing this and a falling short in productivity levels. Managing documents is extremely important, as the ability to locate, retrieve, edit, and share important documents affects the time spent on each task. SharePoint can be configured in such a way as to handle corporate document management needs, as it relates to the firm using it, which can be different from one firm to another. SharePoint’s document management solution allows firms to create and control access of documents in a way that reflects the corporations’ culture and goals. If a firm is centralized verses decentralized the management of the documents can reflect this, and should be taken into consideration when setting up the document management controls. By setting up the system in alignment with the culture and goals, users can utilize the system efficiently thus increasing productivity.

Reduce IT Management burden & IT cost
By implementing SharePoint, firms can eliminate costs by providing more services while using fewer resources. Cambridgeshire Constabulary is a great example of how SharePoint was able to cut costs while increasing productivity. “Replacing our Lotus Notes environment with SharePoint 2013 will make our police and business staff more efficient, reduce our IT management burden, and lower our IT costs,” says Ian Bell, Head of ICT at Cambridgeshire Constabulary. The Lotus Notes system they had been using for years required constant updating and maintenance, and required excessive time from users when searching for data. Implementing SharePoint eliminated the maintenance and inefficient search procedure. This is just one example of how SharePoint can increase productivity, as well as eliminate wasteful costs associated with inefficient systems currently utilized by firms who are seeking improvement.

Business Intelligence & Reporting
Gathering and analyzing information about the performance of procedures and systems currently being utilized by the corporation are essential. This aides in determining what is working, what is not, and what changes need to be made in order for the firm to improve the current operations and become more successful. What is appealing about SharePoint’s reporting and business intelligence features is its ability to query and write back to external databases. Users have the ability to build specific custom views and reports based on audience, and data analyzed. This is incredibly useful because multiple reports can be created in limited time.

SharePoint can provide an array of business solutions, once it has been configured for enterprise use. Once this is done, the fun begins as you begin to plan, explore, and build the best solution for your company. To better understand SharePoint and all it has to offer, we recommend getting formal training from a Microsoft Partner. This will provide you with in an in depth knowledge of all the capabilities of SharePoint, and how you can use it to increase business success. This knowledge will allow you to become an expert, unleashing all the power within SharePoint, so your business can reap the benefits from increased productivity and lower IT costs. Click here to see what SharePoint classes are being offered in your area.

Categories : Microsoft, SharePoint

Gold: The Color of Excellence

By Della Wyler
Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

TechSherpas places a high value on the ability to provide quality business solutions, guiding and training individuals and corporations in various technologies so that they can effectively learn, retain, and apply this gained knowledge in the real world to achieve professional success. It is for that reason that we felt it necessary to become part of the Microsoft Partner Network. The Microsoft Partner Network is the single largest technology partner program in the world. This network was created in order to provide a customer solution engine of business and technology solutions for both corporate and individual development, worldwide. Receiving your training certifications through members of the Microsoft Partner Network, will not only ensure that you are get top notch training from qualified individuals, but because they are recognized worldwide, this can give you a competitive edge in the business world no matter where your job takes you!
TechSherpas , a Tampa, FL based IT training company, has earned their Microsoft Gold Partner Learning competency for the 13th consecutive year! The Microsoft Partner Network’s program is structured around competencies which are named based on how customers buy, which allows partners to demonstrate more specific skill sets and strengths. TechSherpas is listed as a Microsoft Partner with a Gold Competency in Learning, which signifies excellence in providing Microsoft solutions, and it was highest partnership level with Microsoft, demonstrating superior performance and expertise.

In order to become a Gold Learning Partner with Microsoft, TechSherpas had to go through a rigorous and auditable approval process including the following requirements:

  • Meet competency requirements by employing/contracting four Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) who have obtained the latest certifications
  • Fulfill a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas of Contribution, Consumption and Quality
  • Pass Licensing Overview, Sales and Marketing Assessments
  • Provide a minimum of 5 customer references

“We are very excited that we’ve achieved this partnership level with Microsoft for over a decade now,” says Randy Dempsey, TechSherpas’s President and CEO. “It says a lot about the standard of excellence we strive for with all of our classes and training options.”

As a Microsoft Gold Partner for Learning, TechSherpas can offer many benefits to their customers and students.

World-class Instructors—Microsoft Certified Trainers have completed rigorous training and met stringent technical certification requirements. Students can expect to be trained by some of the best in the industry- true experts in the field.

Direct-from-the-source Courseware—Microsoft Official Courses are job-relevant, technical training materials based on specific job roles or technologies.

Learn a new technology—In just a one- to five-day course, students develop practical skills that cover the technology adoption lifecycle from planning to support. Students gain real-world skills through access to hands-on labs and simulations.

Prepare for certification—Microsoft Certifications are available for core Microsoft technologies and skill levels. Microsoft Official Courses are built with Microsoft Certification in mind and are taught by qualified industry instructors.

Boost your career—Microsoft Official Courses can help students gain IT skills that directly transfer from the classroom to the workplace. According to the IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted by Global Knowledge in March 2011, professionals who took IT or business-related training during the past year earned an average of nearly $3,400 more than those in similar roles who did not.

So those who have received training and earned certifications are earning more income than those who do not. “Sixty percent of technology executive respondents say that one of the biggest challenges in planning large IT infrastructure projects is the availability of professionals with the necessary competencies when needed.” (TEKsystems/CIO Custom Solutions Group, IT Workforce Planning Trends, June 2011). It’s apparent that IT training can make a difference in the professional world. So next time you are considering taking a Microsoft training class, do your research, and find out if the training company is certified in the Microsoft Partner Network. Gold Partners must pass ongoing certification testing and have continuously received recognition from customers regarding their outstanding ability to build and deploy comprehensive business and IT training solutions.  Gold Learning Competency companies excel in training because it is a core service provided to their clients, and they always have the latest Microsoft Official Courses. These certifications are recognized worldwide so no matter where your career takes you, you will still have that edge and the Microsoft Partner Network to back you up!

TechSherpas is a technical training and service provider headquartered in Tampa, FL. The company was founded in 1996. TechSherpas is a Microsoft Gold Partner for IT training and learning solutions, providing expertise in Microsoft training for individuals as well as corporate clients. In addition, they offer quality training for ITIL, VMWare, Cisco, Citrix, CompTIA and Project Management, and other technologies.

Categories : Microsoft
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What’s so Great about Windows 8?!

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

Mobile devices, such as tablets are being purchased at an all time high and being used for both personal and business applications. Our society exists in a fast paced world, where people are always on the go and the use and purchase of Smartphones and tablets is increasing. Android and Apple have created mobile operating systems that allow users to do nearly everything a desktop computer can do, in the palm of someone’s hand. It’s no surprise that Windows, a leader when it comes to operating systems, felt the need to compete in this mobile world.

So by now, most of you have heard of the new Windows 8, which was released October 2012. You may have migrated over to the new system, but perhaps not. Why should you?  You, like millions of other customers are probably used to your current interface, and Windows 8 definitely looks and feels different. Why the change? What’s so great about Windows 8?  There are definitely some improvements worth mentioning so you can decide if you should make the investment and upgrade.

Touch or Click…take your pick!

Windows 8’s primary focus was on improving users’ experiences from mobile devices.  That being said, one of the biggest changes from the previous Windows 7 to the new Windows 8, is the new touch- friendly shell and user interface. Touch commands are not new to tech users. The technology is used every day from people using smartphones and tablets. Now the technology is available for your desktop PC or laptop! For those users who prefer the traditional keyboard and mouse Windows 8 offers that option as well, so no need to purchase the cool new screen to use Windows 8.

Increased Performance

Your worries and concerns about the Windows 8 operating system bogging down your computer or your low powered tables can be cast aside, because the new windows takes up less space than Windows 7! The fully installed system only uses 330 MB of memory, which includes the anti-malware solution.  When compared to Windows 7, Windows 8 is also faster to start-up, restart, and browse the internet.

Start Screen

The windows start screen pops up when you first log in. It’s is quite different from the older versions, but familiar to the Windows Phone user. It contains tiles of your various applications, similar to what the Start menu did in previous versions. The tiles display information about that specific application, like how many emails you have, or what events are coming up, or what the weather is like. You can arrange the tiles how you like for customization of your start screen. You do have the option to change to the tradition desktop view if you’d like.

Shop & Try Apps

The Windows Store looks much like the home screen, with tiles that correspond to different categories and featured apps. Like other app stores we are familiar with, there are free apps as well as apps available for purchase. In addition, the store contains not only touch-based apps for the tablet interface, but some of the more traditional desktop Windows apps you’re used to. You also have the ability to try and app before purchasing.

For the Multi-tasker

While the use of applications and touch-based controls like pinching to zoom, aren’t new to touch based technologies, Windows 8 gives apps users the ability to multi-task.  Users can actually use multiple applications at the same time. Try emailing or chatting while watching a video at the same time on a mobile device. You can’t do it! With Windows 8, you are still able to dock several apps on the desktop, like you did with previous window version, and use them all at the same time. That is something new for the touch based platforms.

Antimalware Driver

With the new Windows 8, you no longer have to download and install your anti-virus! Windows Defender is built into Windows 8. The antimalware driver, which prevents malware from tampering with boot files. The moment Windows 8 detects a problem with the boot files, Windows will stop the boot procedure, launch Automatic Repair, remove the malware and restore the boot files.

They’re alive!

As previously mentioned, Windows 8 now offers Windows Store apps. Once you have downloaded your apps, you have the option to bring them to life, by enabling the Live Tile feature. When these are selected to provide live-updates you don’t even have to open them to retrieve information. This can be especially useful for Microsoft apps such as Mail or Calendar. You even have the option to place these apps on your lock screen where they can provide you with live-updates, and you don’t even have to log in to see them. You can simply look at the lock screen or start screen and see the latest information. You can choose up to 7 applications to run on your lock screen, and can change those at any time.

System-wide Search

Searching has just become easier! All users have to do is start typing and the search box will appear to the right, with search results from apps, files, and specific settings, instantaneously. You also have the ability to search within apps that utilize the Windows 8 search function. As you start typing your search term the windows that pops up will display the apps you can click onto search within. It’s that simple!

Get in Sync

Developers of Windows 8 wanted users to be able to have the same experience whether they are using their home PC or other mobile device, so they implemented the sync feature. It does this through the users Microsoft account. Once the user is signed in to their account they can sync their address book, photos, settings, passwords (once PC is authorized), as well as third party data. No matter what device is used, everything will look the same, and you don’t have to mess with settings or personalization again, unless you wanted to of course.

Windows 8 comes with many new features, but we just wanted to point out some that we thought were pretty cool. As with any new technology, there can be a learning curve associated with the ability to use it as intended. Windows 8 has so many featured that can improve how you do business, manage your personal files, or communicate with the world. TechSherpas offers training for various Microsoft programs and operating systems including Windows 8. This training will allow you to dig deeper into the functionality of this newly improved operating system, by teaching you how to configure Windows 8 and how to manage and maintain Windows 8. If you are pursuing a career in IT, the training can be even more beneficial, earning you a certification, and enhancing the possibilities of a successful career in IT.

Categories : Microsoft, Windows 8

The Reinvented Microsoft Certifications

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Information technology reinvents itself daily. It seems like every time you learn how to use the newest technology, the next newest version is released. Corporations realize the benefits of having a successful IT department, and many are requiring certain credentials and certifications from job candidates and current employees. With the demand for qualified IT professionals on the rise, receiving training and getting certified in this ever-growing field is becoming more important than ever before. A certification can distinguish you from the crowd, and get you into a position to kick off or advance your career.  Microsoft is a corporation who realizes the relevance of IT certifications, and felt it necessary to develop a certification program that would distinguish IT professionals that have acquired the specific knowledge and understanding to successfully utilize the various technologies offered. As of April 2012, Microsoft has reinvented their certification process, and made changes in order to keep up with all the recent technological advances.

Why the change in Microsoft certifications?

Microsoft has been branded a leader in technology, and developed a certification program to allow qualified individuals to affirm their knowledge of various Microsoft programs. Microsoft holds their certification program at a high level, and understands that it too has to keep up with the dynamic world of IT. It’s for that reason that Microsoft reinvented their certification program. It was necessary in order for them to maintain their market relevance as the industry shifts to the cloud. Microsoft Certifications now validate broader and deeper skills required to build solutions on-premises or within the cloud. As with other professionals who receive certifications and licenses, such as doctors and engineers, those receiving Microsoft Certifications will have to dedicate time to continuing their education and will have to get re-certified every few years, depending on the type of certification.

Small names bring big change

The acronyms associated with the various certifications offered by Microsoft have changed slightly, but one shouldn’t imply that the actual certification changes are so minor.  The two most notable changes are: 1) there are fewer certifications covering more topic areas, and 2) certifications are no longer product/versioned-based.

There are four main categories in which you can receive a Microsoft Certification. Those are:

Within these four main categories there are four different levels, in which you can get certified. Those include:

  • MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Association) – The Foundation
  • MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)– The Globally Recognized Standard
  • MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) – The Globally recognized Standard for Developers
  • MCSM (Microsoft Certified Solutions Master) – The Pinnacle of Professional Distinction

Microsoft Certifications Roadmap

The previous certifications included:

  • MCTS (Microsoft Certified technical Specialist) – This certification is being replaced by the MCSA.
  • MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professionals) – This certification is being replaced by the MCSE. The MCITP level is being combined. In order to get an MCSE in SQL Server, you need to pass exams for developing & designing database solutions.
  • MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) – This is being replaced by the MCSD
  • MCM (Microsoft Certified Master) – This certification will eventually be replaced by the MCSM
  • MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) – The MCSE in the Database category has replaced this certification.

It’s important to note that these certifications remain current and still valuable in the market, and therefore are still being offered. They do have expiration dates, so you need to be aware of those and look into upgrading to the new certification. That being said, many companies are still utilizing the older technologies, so the old certification is still valuable. As new technologies are released, they will be released in the new solutions structure. Over time, the MCTS, MCITP, and MCPD certifications will retire and will transition to a legacy status. Legacy Microsoft Certifications (retired certifications) will still appear on your transcript and will be designated as such.

The Microsoft Certification Hierarchy

  • New to IT – MTA is a recommended entry point into IT certification and job preparation. Pass just one exam and you’ll earn a certification, taking your first step toward a career in technology. If you are just starting your IT career path or are looking to enhance your understanding of IT fundamentals, MTA will validate your core knowledge. MTA is an optional industry-recognized certification for those pursuing a career path in IT infrastructure, database design, or software development using Microsoft technologies. Currently there are three MTA certification tracks: Infrastructure; Database; and Development.
  • The first level – MCSA is a pre-requisite to the MCSE Certification. It is also serves as the foundation for a career path. Currently, there are five MSCA certifications: Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008; Windows 8; Windows 7; and SQL Server 2012. This certification will get any candidate on the right path in building a sustainable career in IT, and focuses on the ability to design and build technological solutions rather than a specific job role, like the previous MCTS certification.
  • The second level – MSCE is the globally recognized standard for IT Professionals. To earn this certification you must be able to demonstrate your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud. Currently, there are eight MSCE certifications: Server Infrastructure, Desktop Infrastructure, Private Cloud, Data Platform, Business Intelligence, Messaging, Communication, and SharePoint. To ensure the certifications remain meaningful and valuable indicators of candidates’ skills, MCSE certifications will require recertification every three years.
  • The third level – MCSM, the “pinnacle of professional distinction” is where you will validate your ability to successfully design and implement innovative technical solutions for complex on-premise or off-premise hybrid enterprise environments. Currently, there are five certifications within MCSM: Data Platform; Messaging; Communication; SharePoint; and Directory Services. The MCSM will require recertification every 3 years.
  • For the Developer – MCSD is the globally recognized standard for developers and is replacing MCPD. To earn this certification you must be able to demonstrate your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud. Currently, there are three MCSD certifications: Window Store Apps; Web Applications;  and Application Lifestyle Management. To ensure the certifications remain meaningful and valuable indicators of candidates’ skills, MCSD certifications will require recertification every two years.

Certifications for a better future

If you were already familiar with the Microsoft Certification program, you’ll notice that the new requirements are more stringent and recertification is now required for many of the certifications. This is just another sign that IT credentials are important and are being perceived as such. There is some opposition to the new certification program as it may be more difficult for some more than others to keep up with the re-certifications. The reality is companies implement and utilize the latest technology upgrades at different rates. That being the case it still may be beneficial, even essential, to receive certifications from the older program, depending on the technology being utilized by your firm. This is something you need be aware of when choosing what certification to get, but either way, IT professionals need to be able to demonstrate their capabilities, knowledge, and understanding in order to obtain a job in IT and continue to build their IT career. According to a recent study completed by CompTIA, 86% of hiring managers indicate IT certifications are a high or medium priority during the candidate evaluation process. Right now there is 40% gap in supply and demand for qualified IT professionals. It’s time to capitalize on that gap! Don’t be left behind! Get training! Get certified! We offer Microsoft certifications from both the older and newer certification programs, so which ever path you choose, TechSherpas can guide you to the top.

Categories : IT Certifications, Microsoft
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About TechSherpas 365

TechSherpas 365 is a Microsoft Gold Partner for learning solutions. This represents the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies.

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