Cisco Data Center/Storage Networking Specializations and Certifications

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Agenda
Cisco Offering in Data Center Cisco Partnership with SNIA Professional Level Specializations Expert Level Certifications Q&A

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Why Certify with Cisco?

Industry Leader Addressing Skills Gap Continual Improvements Value to Employers Award-Winning Programs Higher Salaries Certification Benefits

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Cisco: An Industry Leader

Recognized leader in technology Synonymous with the Internet, productivity and much more Prominent force throughout multiple industries Trusted and distinguished brand Not only Certification: a suite of products to support your training
(new: Study Groups on CLN https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/groups/ccie-storage-networkingstudy-group)

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Value of Certifications to Professionals and Employers

Screen job applicants and validate technical knowledge Ensure quality and competency Platform for career development Provide credibility with customers Recertification to maintain skills
Do I have the training and skills I need to stay competitive? Does my workforce have the ability to deal with the increased pace of change? Do I?
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Job Role Evolution Training and Certification

How and When Certification Adds Value to Employers
High
Phase 1: Technology Training
Emergence of new technology category Employers assign responsibility for new technology to existing employees Primary on-the-job need: learn the new technology

Phase 2: Specialist Qualification Exam

Phase 3: Career Certification

Technology matures, grows. Firms create full-time jobs and career tracks with multiple skill levels for technology area

# of Individuals in Job Role

New technology proliferates Emergence of formal responsibilities for growing technology

Low
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0%

Adjunct to existing Need for Career Need for add-on Certifications to qualification to validate readiness for validate new skills to specific jobs. employer. % of Firms with Dedicated, Full-Time Positions in Job Role
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100%
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Storage Networking Certification Program (SNCP) at a Glance

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Partnership Within SNCP: SCSN-E

SNCP is a vendor independent certification program SCSN-E: SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert Cisco among the first to partner with SNIA on SCSN-E (early 2006)

Cisco Storage Networking Certifications Help Professionals Earn Their SNIA Expert Certification
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SCSN-E Requirements and Cisco

CISCO Specialization or Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist

CISCO Specialization Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist

EXAM SNIA Architect Assesment, Planning and Design (S10-300) EXAM SNIA Storage Networking Management/Administration (S10-200) EXAM SNIA Storage Network Foundations (S10-101)
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Existing Data Center and Storage Certifications

CCIE Storage (expert level)

Cisco Data Center & Storage Specializations (foundation)

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Data Center Networking Specializations

Data Center Networking Specializations DC Application Services
ACE Module & Appliance

DC Unified Computing
UCS

DC Networking Infrastructure
Cat6k, 4948 ToR switch, FWSM, (Firewall) NAM (Network Analysis Module)

DC Storage Networking
MDS 9000

DCAS and DCNI focus on Data Center front end Ethernet network DCSN focuses on Data Center back end storage network DCUC focuses on UCS product family
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Data Center Specializations

Data Center Storage Networking (DCSN) Produc MDS 9000 t
Focus

Data Center Network Infrastructure (DCNI) Cat6k, Cat4948, Ethernet Blade Switches, FWSM, NAM

Data Center Application Networking (DCAS) ACE Module & Appliance

UCS

UCS Server, SAN and Network Convergenc e 1. DCUC Systems Engineer 2. DCUC Field Engineer

SAN Consolidation, Solutio BC/DR, n Storage Focus Consolidation

Data Center Infrastructure

Application Acceleration, Application Security

Roles

1. DCSN Account Manager 2. DCSN Systems Engineer 3. DCSN Field Engineer

1. DCNI Account Manager 2. DCNI Systems Engineer 3. DCNI Field Engineer

1. DCAN Account Manager 2. DCAN Systems Engineer 3. DCAN Field Engineer

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CCIE Storage Networking

Track introduced in 2004, fully revised in 2008

Expert-level knowledge of Cisco SAN implementation and troubleshooting. Only focused on MDS product line

Solve complex connectivity problems and apply solutions to increase bandwidth, improve response times, maximize performance, improve security, and ensure reliability. Tests all the advanced features released up to 3.x releases of the code.

Newly introduced CLN Study Groups (visit CLN page to enroll)

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Storage Networking Specializations

Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist
Count Towards the SNIA-Expert Certification

Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Sales Specialist

Available for Cisco Channel Partners

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Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist and Support Specialist
Design: Exam: 642-357 CSSDS (60 minutes, 50-60 questions) Training: Designing Cisco Storage Network Solutions (DCSNS) Course (5 days, Classroom) Topics:
Storage Networking topology, protocols, and transport; Interoperability requirements; SAN Extensions; Securing the SAN

Support: Exam: 642-359 ICSNS (60 minutes, 50-60 questions) Training: Implementing Cisco Storage Network Solutions (ICSNS) Course (5 days, Classroom) and Implementing Cisco Advanced Storage Network Solutions (IASNS) Course (5 days, Classroom) Topics:
Implementing, Configuring, & Optimizing IP, Multi-vendor multi-protocol environments; Multi-protocol Storage Security; Troubleshooting SAN infrastructure
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Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Sales Specialist

Sales: Exam: Cisco Sales Essentials 646-204 CSE; DCNSS 646-985 Training: Available through Partner e-Learning Connection (PEC) only Topics:
Cisco strengths and why it is beneficial to partner with them; Cisco Network Systems solutions; Cisco mobility solutions; Cisco Unified Communications solutions; Cisco data center solutions; Cisco security solutions; partner support and technical services to increase revenue.

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Switching Network Infrastructure Specializations

Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist
Available for Cisco Channel Partners

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Data Center Network Infrastructure Design and Support

Data Center Design Specialist Validates knowledge of selecting and integrating Data Center products to design a highly scalable, efficient, high performing Data Center networking solution. 1 required exam Data Center Support Specialist Validates knowledge of installing, configuring, troubleshooting Data Center products to maintain highly scalable, efficient, high performing Data Center Networking environment. 2 required exams

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Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist and Support Specialist
Design: Exam: 642-971 DCNID (prerequisite: CCDA) Training: Instructor led and e-Learning on the PEC Topics
Data Center Design Models, the Access Layer, the Aggregation Layer, the Core Layer, designing for High Availability; Securing the Data Center Network , monitoring the Data Center Network

Support:
Exams: 642-973 DCNIS-1 and 642-974 DCNIS-2 (Prerequisite: CCNP) Training: Instructor led and e-Learning on the PEC Topics: CAT6K, 4948 (DCNIS-1), Nexus 2K, 5K & 7K (DCNIS-2)

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Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist

Sales Exam: 646-204 CSE and 646985 DCNSS Training: Partner e-Learning connection (PEC) only Topics
Cisco strengths and why it is beneficial to partner with them; Cisco Network Systems solutions; Cisco mobility solutions; Cisco Unified Communications solutions; Cisco data center solutions; Cisco security solutions; partner support and technical services to increase revenue.
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Application Services Specializations

Data Center Application Services Design Specialist Data Center Application Services Support Specialist

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Data Center Application Services Design Specialist and Service Support Specialist
Design: Exam: 642-972 DCASD Training: Instructor led and e-Learning on the PEC Topics:
Application delivery with the ACE module; identify the layer 7 processing options used to provide advanced application networking; ACE support for SSL protocol processing; IP applicationbased security; highavailability features of the ACE module which are used to provide reliable application networking services.

Service: Exam: 642-971 DCNID, (Prerequisite: CCDA) Training: Instructor led and eLearning PEC Topics:
Data Center Design Models ; Designing for High Availability; Securing the Data Center Network: Monitoring the Data Center Network
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Unified Computing Specializations

Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist

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Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist and Support Specialist
Design:
Exam: Attend the course and pass 642982 DCUCD; additional requirements exist Training: instructor led training only Topics:
Cisco Data Center Virtualization Solutions; evaluating Existing Data Center Infrastructure for Virtualization; identifying Cisco Data Center Virtualization Solution Requirements; designing Cisco Data Center Virtualization Solutions
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Support: Exam: Attend the course Other requirements exist to achieve the certification Training: Instructor led training only Topics: (Subject to change until completion)
Illustrate the need for and placement of the Cisco Computing System; Introduce hardware and feature details about the Cisco Unified Computing System; examine elements and implementation of the UCS at a low level; Illustrate Maintenance techniques and tools used in the Cisco Unified Computing System; describe and illustrate basic Diagnostic methods and processes to be used with the UCS; define design criteria and discuss design choices and key elements leading to implementation of the UCS.

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CCIE Program

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Most highly regarded IT certification for over 15 years

CCIE Storage Networking

Identifies those with expert level skills and experience through both written and lab assessment

Requires passing difficult, hands-on lab exam

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Exams continually updated and revised with new technologies. New Storage Networking exam created in 2008

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Certification Process
CCIEs must pass two exams sessions The written qualification exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours time to complete The lab exam is what makes CCIE different; it is a full-day, hands-on lab exam testing the ability to configure and troubleshoot equipment Not all lab exams are offered at all lab locations

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What They Say

Multiple CCIE Daniel Roman says on the added value of SAN CCIE in his job:
As a Data Center CSE my customers expect me to understand their networks and products inside-out; studying for the Storage Networking CCIE has taught me all about Fibre Channel SANs and prepared me for the upcoming FCoE evolution being led by Cisco. SAN CCIE made me the Fibre Channel networking expert that I need to be in my current role as Data Center CSE.

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SAN Exam Content Development

Input Sought from:
Cisco Business Units/ Technology Groups
Cisco Standard Architects

Reaching Out to Extended Team Ensures Exam Is Realistic and Relevant

Advisory Subject Matter Experts Technical Support

TAC Cases Technical Bulletins, Best Practices, Whitepapers

CONTENT MANAGER

Enterprise Technical Advisory Board Focus Groups/ Customer Sessions CCIE Field Surveys
EXAM OBJECTIVES and BLUEPRINTS

CONTENT ADVISORY GROUP

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Join the Study Group on CLN!!!

Must schedule first lab exam attempt within 18 months

Available worldwid e at VUE

Two-hour exam with 100 multiplechoice questions

CCIE Written Exam

Waiting period of 72 hours between attempts

Pass/fail results are available immediately following the exam; the passing score is set by statistical analysis and is subject to periodic change
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Closed book; no outside reference materials allowed

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Written Qualification Exam

Use written exam blueprint on the CCIE website as your guide (www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace Storage Networking Track)

Reading list is only suggested

Refer to online resources and documentation CD. Study Group on CLN is at https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/groups/ccie-storage-networking-study-group

Written exam stresses networking theory more than configuration skills

Dont study for written exam and lab exam at the same time

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Process: CCIE Lab Exams

Available in selected Cisco locations

Eight-hour exam requires working configuration s and troubleshooti ng to demonstrate expertise

Cisco documentati on available in room; no personal materials of any kind allowed in lab

Minimum score on each of the segment of the exam

Scores can be viewed online within 48 hours and failing score reports indicate areas where additional study may be useful

Core Knowled ge section and Configura tion Section

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SAN Lab Exam: Locations

SanJose

Sydney

Brussels

Brussels, Sydney and San Jose are the three Locations currently available for the Lab Exam
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CCIE SAN Lab Exam

Candidates build a network to a series of supplied specifications

Report any suspected equipment issues to the proctor as soon as possible; adjustments cannot be made once the exam is over

The point values for each question are shown on the exam

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Lab Exam Proctors

Proctors role is to keep exam fair Talk to proctor if you dont understand question Ask the proctor clarifying questions Report any equipment or technical problems to proctor as soon as they occur

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Grading Process
Proctor s grade all lab exams Grading process is 100% manual

Proctors complete grading of the exam and submits the final score within 48 hours

Partial credit is not awarded on questions Points are awarded for working solutions only

Points are awarded for working solutions only

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Lab Preparation: Assessing Your Strengths

Evaluate your experience and knowledge in the major topic areas listed on blueprint For areas of strength: practice for speed

For weaker areas: boost knowledge with training or book study first, then practice Speed is vital on the exam; review and practice core materials (VSAN, zoning, trunking, FM) a week before exam

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Lab Preparation: Materials and Resources

Enroll in Study Groups on CLN at https://learningnet work.cisco.com/gr oups/ccie-storagenetworking-studygroup

Speed is vital on the exam; review and practice core materials (VSAN, zoning, trunking, FM) a week before exam

Evaluate your experience and knowledge in the major topic areas listed on blueprint: for areas of strength: practice for speed; for weaker areas: boost knowledge with training or book study first, then practiceaaa

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Lab Preparation: Hands-On Practice

Hands-on sessions now available at the Study Group on CLN

Borrow or rent equipment you can Essential practice on for passing lab
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Two or three MDS switches will support most scenarios

Build and practice scenarios for each topic

Go beyond the basics practice additional features

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Exam Tips
Reduce stressarrive early Leave yourself timeexam can run over Read entire exam before you start Redraw topology to clarify scenario Manage your time Make no assumptions Clarify questions with proctor if any uncertainty Work questions as a unit Test your work Save configurations after each verified solution Minimize last-minute changes

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Troubleshooting
Verify each question before moving on; work the simple or basic questions first and then the complex ones

Know how to troubleshoot using tools available

Check for typos when configuring

Keep in mind the point value and scenario dependencies; dont lose too much time working on low-impact questions

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