4 January 2019

Microsoft Learn the substitute for Microsoft Virtual Academy

The Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) will be deactivated on January 31, 2019. This means that you have until this date to arn your certificates of completion in the MVA.

Does this mean that Microsoft will end the free documentation?
No. The MVA will be replaced by Microsoft Learn.

Microsoft Learn uses the docs.com domain that was used by a Microsoft service competing with Slideshare. But Microsoft deactivated it on December 15, 2017 and forced users to move all their documents to other platforms. The statement is still available and can be found here.

Microsoft Learn is the new platform where you can learn about various Microsoft products.

Some advantages and disadvantages of Learn.

I'll start with some disadvantages:
  • Exam Preparation Documentation is not available in Learn. You must use Channel9 or official channels on YouTube like Ignite.
  • For those who like slides, Learn does not provide slides.

Some advantages:
  • If you find any errors in the documentation or it is out of date, you can edit. This is possible because the documentation is in GitHUB which allows anyone to collaborate. All changes are not changed immediately, it is passed through several validations before being published. More information here.
  • Cost reduction. For example in some areas like Azure, you do not need to use your own subscription. Temporary access is provided so you can trial settings, and more.


What about EdX?
EdX is not from Microsoft, it is an open, non-profit online course platform. They partner with organizations and universities. You can even use their platform to create your online courses.

Microsoft has its own 'channel' in https://www.edx.org/school/microsoft.

However not all courses are available but there is Microsoft Learning Partners (training company) that has its own private EdX platform and they are the ones that define the courses to be made available and prices. All costs are borne by the training company.
  • Who wins with this? Everyone.
    • If the partner defines that the courses are free the trainee has access to all information for free.
    • If the partner defines that the course is paid, to have access it is necessary to acquire.

How can I find the training companies that offer these types of courses?
There is no public list. You will need to use Internet search engines. I will not mention any of them either. It would benefit some and hurt others.

3 January 2019

Does the Microsoft Azure AZ-100 exam replace 70-533? What about AZ-101?

I have received some questions about the Microsoft Azure AZ-100 and AZ-101 exams and have decided to create a publication of the various questions I have received about them.

Does the Microsoft Azure AZ-100 exam replace 70-533? What about AZ-101?
Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, certifies system administrators in Microsoft Azure, which guarantees a Microsoft Specialist certification. In conjunction with the AZ-532 or AZ-534 has the MCSA certification. With all three you have the MCSE certification.

But this was discontinued on December 31, 2018, due to the various changes and innovations of Azure services. The current exam was sometimes outdated. For those who were to take the exam he had to answer questions where services no longer existed and their prices were not what they were being practiced.

And now?
The certification has been changed to a new Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification, and it can be done in two ways:
  •  Do you have the 70-533?
    • Yes, then you will only need to take the AZ-102 transition exam until June 30, 2019.
    • No, then you will have to take two exams the AZ-100 and AZ-101.

Does the AZ-100 and AZ-101 allow the continuation and/or renewal for the MCSA and/or MCSE?
No, these are part of a new certification.




Do the new exmas have the same content as 70-533?
The content of the AZ-533 was divided into two exams and updated with the new services. In my modest opinion the division was not well made. Because we talk about network in the AZ-100 and the other part of networks is in the AZ-100.

The following images demonstrate the differences between the 70-533 with AZ-100 and AZ-101.






What is the AZ-102?
The AZ-102 is the 70-533 transitional exam. It is a delta between the AZ-533 and AZ-100 + AZ-102. For those who have the AZ-533 do not need to do both exams, you only need to do this that entitles you to a new certification. This exam is available until June 30, 2019.



I have the AZ-533, do I have to do the new certification?
I always recommend upgrading your certifications. Iso demonstrates companies that are well prepared.