VCDX – Recoverability impacting Availability Explained

I have mentored quite a few VCDX candidates over the past year and the biggest weakness I see (and I was no different) is how Recoverability impacts Availability.  In particular, the relationship of SLAs to BC/DR and Backup/Recovery.

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VCDX – Ask, Listen, React

I was on a group VCDX conference call with Chris Colotti, Matt Vandenbeld, Alexander Thoma, Karl Childs and a few other VCDX’s, where the discussion focused on the upcoming PEX VCDX Workshop (formerly known as the bootcamps).  One of the key messages from Chris, Matt and Alex that is going to be delivered to VCDX candidates: “During the Design and Troubleshooting scenarios, be careful about what questions you ask and make sure you listen to the Panelist’s answer and react to it.” – Matt Vandenbeld

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VCDX Design with vSphere 6.0

For all you VCDX Candidates out there, with vSphere 6.0 about to be generally available (complete speculation on my side – 2 Feb 2015), submitting vSphere 6.0 designs for your VCDX defence is not a good idea until Update 1 is released (probably August 2015).

Otherwise, you will have to explain how you will mitigate the risks that come with GA code and how they will impact your Customer’s Mission-Critical and Business-Critical services.  Which is not a pleasant conversation to have.

The Next Elite Architecture Certification

The current Elite Architecture Design Certifications are: VMware Certified Design eXpert (VCDX) and Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr).

At VMworld 2014 US, there was a lot of speculation about the integrity and future of the VCDX program with Mark Brunstad and John Arrasjid moving to greener pastures.  With Chris Colotti taking over as Principal Architect and VCDX Evangelist, I think the VCDX Program is in good hands.  This will be further reinforced once the new VCDX Program Manager is announced.

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