Cleared 70-320 – Became MCAD

Hmm, Cleared my 70-320 exam also and attained my MCAD certification. As I told (in my blog) 70-320 was little difficult for me to prepare. But the exam wasn’t that difficult as I expected. But I had lot of questions from ADO.NET, which really helped me ;-) and I got 968 this time. As usual Microsoft Self-paced kit was very useful for this exam. So, now the big question, what is next? And the immediate answer is break ;-) I have been continuously writing exams for nearly 4 months now. So planning to take a break for about a week or two and then start with my next exam. And in the mean time I should decide my next exam. I have two options. • First one is to go for MCSD (I have only two more to go) or • Go for SCJP (Sun Certified Java Professional) Right now I am not able to decide which one to go for. So people give me your suggestions.

Technorati Tags: SCJP | MCAD | 70-320

Taking up 70-320 tomorrow

After postponing for more than two times, I have finally decided to take up my 70-320 exam tomorrow (27-May-05). Long time readers of my blog will know that if I clear this exam then I would become MCAD.

Preparing for 70-320 was a little difficult for me when compared with other exams as it covers not only Web Services, SOAP, UDDI but also .NET Remoting and also tricky things like storing and retrieving data as XML etc. Though these concepts are very interesting for me, I have very little practical experience. So I have been putting in a lot of effort and gained some practical experience by getting my hands dirty by writing a couple of toy webservices. I found the videos from LearnVisualStudio.NET very helpful, especially the 4000 series. It was lying in my hard disk for sometime, but now only found how useful they are. Thanks Bob Tabor.

And if every thing goes fine, I would be a MCAD by the same time tomorrow.

Technorati Tags: Certification | 70-320 | MCAD

Received My MCDBA Welcome Kit

I just received my MCDBA Welcome Kit. It was quite thrilling to see my name in the certificate which is signed by Bill Gates. I thought of uploading the scanned copy of my certificate. But then the thought of connecting my scanner, dusting it off and switching it on delayed that (ya it’s been a while since I used it last). Probably I will upload it this weekend. But I am not sure whether this violates Microsoft’s Certification Agreement. Can any one more throw light on it?

In addition to the usual contents (like tie pin, MCP card etc..) the welcome kit also contained gift and discount coupons. As an MCDBA I get 1 year free subscription for SQL Server Magazine and discounts for MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. I have filled and posted the coupon for my SQL Server Magazine.

I am now seriously thinking whether to take up MSDN and TechNet subscriptions or not. The reason is that they are costly and I am not sure whether I will be able to use them effectively, as I am mostly working in J2EE nowadays at my work. Anyways I have around 3 months to decide. (The offer holds good for three months from the date of certification)

PS: BTW can anyone of you who have already subscribed, tell me whether it is worth to subscribe for MSDN or TechNet or both.

Technorati Tags: MCDBA | Certification

Welcome to blogging Yuva

It’s nice to know that I have inspired my Cousin Yuva to blogging. He has just started his blog. He is just 14 years old but a way ahead of the kids of his age. (His blog will prove that) He just told me that he is into a new project called BaBIE (Build a Better Internet Explorer). A browser combined with the best features of IE and Firefox. He has more details about this at his blog. Welcome to blogging Yuva and best wishes for your BaBIE

Technorati Tags: BaBIE

Preparation for 70-320

Even thought work is taking most of my time, I have learned a lot of new things about web services, remote scripting, SOAP etc in the last two weeks. Thanks to my preparation for 70-320. I am currently using Microsoft Self-Paced Kit for my preparation towards 70-320. I am also reading lot of articles from MSDN Webservice Home and from Tim’s Site. My work pressure is forcing me to make this entry a short one. I will post more links once I find time.

Technorati Tags: 70-320 | Certification