Updates: FIG and General Information

[jmalteseVMware]

All,

As you now know, AirWatch 9.2 was recently released. We have been reviewing materials and will be releasing some content in the coming weeks. Before that content is released, I want to provide you all with a brief update and some things to expect (and not expect).

1. Updated Course Materials

     A. We are looking to push updates for delivery 10/30 or 11/06.

     B. We will know by the end of next week.

2. Branding and Style Changes

A. This is the biggest change you will see. All course assets and content have been re-branded to VMware templates. Additional, lab manuals are now built in a tool called FrameMaker. You will hopefully find them to be more professional in appearance and more consistently structured. I have attached a draft for your reference.

3. 9.2 Impact on WS1DM & VIMDMAW - negligible 

A. VMware Identity Manager (and AirWatch) feature packs are going to increasingly contain more advanced features.

     B. Expect to see GUI changes in the Workspace ONE/vIDM console on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

              1. We understand that this will be a challenge for you all as instructors. We will do our best to keep up with the critical stuff, but do your best to level expectations for students. We are delivering training on a cutting-edge product that is rapidly improving every few weeks.

     C. Tighter integration with AW Console is coming in next several months.

                1. We are in a wait and see approach in regards to this integration. We may have to make wholesale changes to that course, so we are holding off on minor updates.

4. 9.2 Impact on Bootcamp (MANAGE + INTEG)

A. Mobile Application Management Fundamentals - New method of deploying applications (Flexible Deployment Options). The long story short, you can assign different app configurations across multiple smart groups all at one time. More Information to come but the impact to the existing deck is just a few slides.

B. G-Suite Module is being replaced/upgraded to an Integrate with Android Module - Android Enterprise is a catch-all term for how the Android platform can be used for work and in conjunction with an EMM provider. There will be an overview, Android for Work and G-suite lessons in that module. We should have a recording posted by the end of next week.

C. Unified Access Gateway - Information will be merged/added around existing Tunnel & Content Gateway modules but not impacting the labs (yet). The Unified Access Gateway is an appliance that is typically installed on the DMZ. Tunnel and Content Gateway are now services that  can be deployed from that  appliance.

     1. Why are we not running this appliance in the lab? The short answer is bandwidth. Depending on the training schedule, we cannot guarantee that we have the resources to effectively deploy appliance for a moderate number of students. In the interim we are  looking to provide a demo video and then build a simulation for student consumption (that would replace the existing labs). The methods deployed in the current course are still the most common among AirWatch customers. Obviously, everything is moving to an appliance as the BU continues to go after the existing VMware base that is not currently using WS1/AW.

D. Reports, Analytics, etc - New information regarding Custom Reports

      1. New lesson on custom reports - For your review soon.

5. 9.2 Impact on ONPREM - NA

     A. Due to a limitation of how installers are provisioned by myAirWatch, we are not able to have students install 9.1 and then upgrade to 9.2. There is nothing new to learn for this course.

6. OneCloud Migration

     A. We just received approval to migrate to OneCloud. Adam Esch will lead this migration over the next couple of months. In the short-term, you all will see now impact. There will be some slight changes to, but overall the courses will function as they do now. We will have an extended onboarding period to test the new infrastructure before cutting over completely. Expect to see more information in mid-November.

7. New Course - 2018

     A. Our Workspace ONE offering will be revamped and expended to 5 full days early in 2018 (February-March target). As we get into the new year, more information will become available and TTT sessions will be scheduled for AMER and EMEA. These will be formal TTTs that will be tracked in myLearn. We'll be working with Chris Van Pelt on the plan and execution as we get closer to 2018.

8. VMware Certified Professional - TBD

     A. In conjunction with the new course, VMware is investigating the possibility of launching a UEM/EMM/Mobility Certification that is centered around the Workspace ONE platform. That is the talking point if a customer were to ask about certification. The key word is investigating. We do not want to announce something that has no official launch date.

     B. Accreditation - Business as usual for now. If a Certification is announced, it will be coupled with an EOL announcement for all AirWatch Accreditations. Again, we are too early in the game to make anything official. Customers should be encouraged to earn accreditation's after completing the courses.

Check the blog periodically for more information.