VCAP: CIA or DCA

[raffapol]

Hi guys,

I know. Maybe you heard this question a million times. But maybe this is based on last happenings during vmworld. I mean, vCD seems almost disappeared, and vCAC arising over it.

My position: I'm currently working for a Cloud Provider, al the day with hands on vCD. But I'd like to gain VCAP for myself, not for the company, so maybe it could be more flexible a DCA instead of CIA? Could it be even simpler (ok, is a VCAP, nthg is simple, but "simpler")?

Yuor opinion is really welcome.

Thank you

Raf

[gh0stnet]

HI Raf,

I'm also deciding which route to take either the DCA or CIA. From the people I have talked to the DCA is encouraged first since you do all the DCA configs first then you add the CIA layer on top of that. So if something breaks or needs to be configured or building a cloud infrastructure from scratch having the DCA knowledge would be invaluable, also VMware also has a some good hands on labs to practice with,

As usually which ever route you choose the most important thing is that you should enjoy it and have fun doing it, that's just my opinion hope it helps.

Wayne

[raffapol]

Hi Wayne,

this is a good point. Actually, you need a DCA before an CIA could start working. Since I stated that I'm looking for what's more valuable for me, for my career, and not for my company, I agree.

Since there's a thick part of installation compared to CIA, that's almost all management, I could imagine DCA will be thougher to achieve...

Thank you, +1 for DCA so.

Raf

[abhilashhb]

I'm looking at completing my VCAP-CIA. If you have experience with cloud products i feel CIA is the right option. I agree DCA covers the basics of Infrastructure. As far as i have seen in cloud you need more of vCD,vShield knowledge than vSphere. As most of the designing comes on the topper layer. You will have to decide on what path you want to take. If you want to go in DC Architect path you will need DCA and also DCD. If you want to work on cloud CIA is the way. Its not that easy to get all of them so just decide what your end goal is and work toward it

[firestartah]

Hi,

I agree with the other posters that you should look at the path you are hoping to grow in and use in the future. The DCA and DCD will be a really great base for the CIA and CID exams though. I'm not sure i fully agree with Abhilash though as if you look at the CID blueprint there are quite a few vSphere layer decisions and questions due to the the vCD layer depending heavily on the design and layout of the vSphere supporting layer so having this knowledge is highly beneficial.

Gregg

[raffapol]

Uhm... ok, for sure I've to look forward, but this is my dilemma. I like working on vCD, but I also need to look at a professional future. There are not so plenty CSP outside, should I decide (or need) to change work, which path could be more valuable? And agree with G0stnet, I have to enjoy the path, but it was obvious, I like both of them.

Well, the top is have a DCA first and a CIA after, but 2 VCAP is out of my possibility by now...

So, at the moment, +2 DCA and +1 CIA.

Thanks a lot, guys!

Raf

[gh0stnet]

I just remembered and not sure your time frame for taken the exam but there are plans to update the VCAP-DCA exam to 5.5, however there is no date set for this or for any beta exams yet. So since there is a update coming to the dca exam I will study and go for the VCAP-CIA exam first in the next few months. Hopefully by then they will have a date so I can start to study for the dca 5.5 version, not sure if knowing they plan to update the exam helps with your decision.

[firestartah]

The CIA is also due to change to vCAC sometime in the future due to the changes in the paths of vCD for VSPP partners so you could wait for that also. If you work with vCD now then do the CIA as most things are moving up the stack so you may never have to worry about the vSphere layer in your job. It comes down to what you want to do and what you use the most. I'm personally going for all four as it helps me in my job

[raffapol]

Wayne, your info is very useful. Should they update DCA would be great (beta exams usually have a minor cost). And, Gregg, we are VSPP partner, but I didn't completely understand: do you mean, better for me to wait for vCAC update, or take now the exam before changing?

More than this, there is a lot of study resources for DCA, but very few for CIA (thanks Greeeegg!!)

Thanks again

Raf

[gh0stnet]

Gregg,

Do you know then if they plan to change the CIA exam before April 2014 ? If they don't then I will go for the CIA exam I just wanna make sure I have plenty of time built in just in case anything comes up that makes my study time longer for the exam. My plan is to take it in end of February or March depends on how ready I feel.

Thanks

[slaclair]

Honestly, if you want a VCAP to display competency I would just take the CIA in its current form and not be too concerned on what it may or may not turn into..  Since you're clearly already comfortable in vCD I don't think you should have much of a problem.  Look over the blueprint and fill in any possible gaps, but I think you would be fine.