Microsoft Learning Announces Cloud Strategy......NEW learning and certification products

Cloud Computing is THE bet Microsoft has chosen for the future. I’m excited to let you know that Microsoft Learning has publicly announced the initial strategy for Microsoft Learning training and certification products to support cloud services, along with the release of the new MCPD: Windows Azure Developer certification. You can read more on the new Cloud Computing learning home page here.

What’s New:

· New and updated certifications. Over the next year, we’ll introduce new cloud-related certifications and update many of our current certifications to include cloud-related skills. We plan to address cloud in all of our technical certifications, from our introductory Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) program to our advanced certification programs, including Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA).

· New and updated training. We’ll provide training for these cloud computing offerings through Official Microsoft Learning products, including Microsoft Press books, Microsoft Official Courses, and Microsoft Official eLearning.

· Build on-premise skills first. We recommend that IT Pros and Developers start by building skills that apply to both on-premise computing and cloud computing. Those who already have on-premise skills should enhance their skill set to include cloud computing.

· Recertification required for Windows Azure Developer certification. The skills required by Windows Azure developers will evolve more rapidly than for non-cloud-based technologies. To ensure that our customers can have confidence that developers who hold the MCPD: Windows Azure Developer certification keep pace, developers who hold this certification will be required to recertify every two years. The certification will remain valid as long as the candidate continues to recertify at appropriate intervals. Recertification enables us to maintain the value of the certification as cloud services mature over time. Recertification may become a requirement for other new certifications that validate skills on frequently updated, rapidly evolving technologies.

Call to Action:

· Get ready for the cloud by clicking on http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-cloud.aspx

· Visit the Windows Azure Training Portal, which is live now.

· Subscribe to an RSS feed from Born to Learn for updates about new cloud-focused training and certification products.

The MCPD: Windows Azure Developer Professional certification is a strong first step toward the cloud platform space.

Regards