Status of adding another VCDX4 Americas opportunity

[admin]

I heard from a solid number of people who would attempt to defend VCDX4 if there were one more opportunity in the Americas.  I also heard from a number of people who argued that, although 22 months is too long an overlap between the release of vSphere N and the end of VCDX N-1, six months may be too short and nine months may be just right.

So as not to keep you in the dark, I wanted to tell you want I am seeking approval for with my management and invite comment.  I plan to propose that the first opportunity to attempt VCDX5 be in the Americas and that attendees also have the option of attempting VCDX4 there instead.  This would probably occur in 2012Q2.  A likely location: the Toronto metropolitan area.

There will not be another Asia-Pacific-Japan opportunity for VCDX4.  Singapore applications are open until September 19, 2011.

We will also not add another Europe opportunity for VCDX4.  Frankfurt applications will open on November 14, 2011.

Going forward, we will attempt, as a general rule, to keep VCDX-N open for nine months after the shipment of vSphere N+1.

Comments?

[andybgrant]

Brian

It is a great relief to hear that you are seeking approval for another VCDX4, and in Toronto on top of that!  I'm in!!

When would be the expected decision date by management?

Thank you kindly

Andy

[dconvery]

Brian -

That seems like it will be an acceptable practice. My struggle with the plan as it stands now is for those people that are part way trough the testing process. What if I have already taken the VCAP-DCA and have the VCAP-DCD scheduled, but they see no clear path to get to the VCDX-N? They just wasted money on the VCAP tests and have to start over.

Your proposal to allow for a VCDX-N(-1) would allow for those that are part way to give a final push to gain the VCDX on the previous version. Then, just a VCAP-DCD is (hopefully) needed to gain VCDX in the current version.

Dave (VCDX #20)

[AndreTheGiant]

Actually the missing information is about the upgrade path... We all know how was from VCDX3 to VCDX4... but this does not mean than will be the same.

With this info and also the VCAP upgrade path, maybe could be simple to make some consideration.

Andre

[robertquast]

I think the dual offering of vcdx4 and vcdx5 is an excellent idea.  I would also echo on the pre-reqs question.  I don't believe we've seen any other info besides ending dates of vcdx4.  With vcdx3 to vcdx 4 we had a big jump for individuals who were still in progress of getting the cert.  Now we have the vcap program which is good vs the vcdx3 tests, but will for example a vcap-dcd4 and vcap-dca4 allow individuals to take the vcdx5?  Or will there be another test inbetween?  With scheduling difficulties of DCA I don't know how many people will be ready for vcdx5 if additional tests are required.

Is the upgrade from vcdx4 to vcdx5 for individuals that already have vcdx4 again be the vcap-dcd5 test?

Personally, being in the US, i hadn't previously considered travelling internationally.  With the EOL announcement, i'm now trying to make singapore or germany. Having a second chance for vcdx4 that's also in the US would be welcome

[admin]

The VCDX4->5 upgrade path is not a done deal.  We'll be writing the formal definition of the VCDX5 credential in the upcoming weeks, and defining the upgrade path to it is part of that task.  If I were a betting man: I woud bet that the VCDX4->5 path would be similar to, but not exactly the same as, the VCDX3->4 path.

My overall guidance: if you have a vSphere 4 design project you're proud of, and you believe it will allow you to demonstrate skills in all areas of the VCDX4 blueprint (q.v.), go for VCDX4.  But if you don't have such a project, particularly if you are just beginning your career in vSphere enterprise design, just focus on building up your fundamentals and, later, do VCDX5.  Caution: that's just one guy's opinion, and not an official pronunciamento from the VCDX program.  Your mileage may vary.  Some assembly required.  Not valid in Antarctica.

[Saadat]

I think there will be a lot of Places with vSphere 4 infrastructure. (for a while)

Even if someone wants to upgrade to vSphere 5 they have to have the knowledge for both vSphere 4 and vSphere 5 to do the proper upgrade.

So I think extending the time for VCDX Certification makes scense, At least till Q3 of 2012.

We know a lot of people will not jump on vSphere 5 right a way.

They need to educate themselves and feel comfortable before upgrading to vSphere 5 and that will take time.

Peace

[scrookston]

My concern seems to be along the lines of Robert in wondering what the upgrade path will be in having both a VCAP4-DCA and VCAP4-DCD as far as defending for the VCDX 5. I am less concerned about being able to be a VCDX 4, but more concerned that when the time comes and I am able to defend next year that if the program is VCDX 5 only, that don't have to start over. There won't be a huge learning curve and I wouldn't be concerned about taking the tests, but at times the cost of repeating exams does add up.

[MichaelW007]

I agree the constant upgrading of certs is a bit of a pain. Especially when large companies don't move very fast at all with regards to upgrading their infrastructures. But hopefully if it's something along the lines of VCP4 - VCP5 (did that a couple of weeks ago) at least for the initial period for VCAP5-DCA and VCAP5-DCD it should be ok. Then just a matter of preparing a design and if accepted defending it. Hopefully the upgrade path for those of us already VCDX won't be too onorus. There will always be edge cases where it's just not going to be great timing one way or the other. But if someone is going down the path already of DCA and DCD and wanting to do VCDX I'd suggest they try and get it done in time for a VCDX4 defense at this stage. Hopefully the upgrade path will be made clear fairly shortly.