Microsoft Learning: Exchange Server 2010 Courseware

       
New Courses
Microsoft recently released a new Exchange Server 2010 course, 10135A

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/course.aspx?ID=10135A&Locale=en-us

This is a very comprehensive course covering most topics of the Exchange Server 2010 product to a decent administration depth; I would say 200-300 level. It’s obviously not near as deep as the 3-week Exchange Server 2010 Master Class, but then again that’s not the goal or target audience either.

A student taking this course can probably do most of the day to day Exchange Server 2010 administration, but it will not be enough as a preparation for doing a complete migration/transition from previous Exchange version, without digging deeper into the migration stuff, or hire a good consultant for the job.

There’s also another great course in the Microsoft Learning pipeline, 10233A, Designing and Deploying a messaging solution. It’s still in Beta version though, due to release later this year. I would say it’s a very good resource for consultants or administrators that are designing a Exchange Server 2010 deployment, migration, coexistence etc. It’s utilizing the MSF/MOF framework which of course is a practical implementation of the ITIL foundation, processes and practice. Remember, it’s all about technology, people and processes.

I've seen that higly educated people using the latest and greatest technology still fail due to lack of processes and procedures.

Great Quality
I’ve been working as an MCT for the last 14 years and seen a lot courseware during those years. Generally it’s been very good courseware, with an exception the last couple of years with the introduction of the new format in Windows Vista/2008 courseware. Microsoft Learning quality processes have improved the courseware since then, and there are now back on a very good quality level I would say.

The Exchange courseware has always been good and even the courseware created during Vista/Windows Server 2008 timeframe is decent. I’m talking about the Exchange Server 2007 courseware 3938, 5047, 5049, 5050 and 5051.

The new course 10135 is at the same level as the Exchange Server 2003 course 2400, or the Exchange Server 2000 course 1572 and 1573 which are great. There is still a bit room left for quality improvements to the almost flawless Exchange Server 5.5 courses, 1026 and 973.

Good Resource
I think the 10135 and 10233 courses are great resources for any consultant/administrator working with Exchange Server 2010. If you have the chance, do take the class or just pick up and read the course material. I have read them and being an Exchange Master I still enjoyed and learned something from them, especially the 10233 course.