Introduction

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Lao-Tzu

Attaining VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification is a monumental achievement. You must take numerous exams. You must complete a comprehensive application package. In the final phase, you must undergo an oral interview that has unnerved even the most experienced architects.

Anyone with the desire to improve and develop certain skills is well on the path toward VCDX. The amount of time invested in the process varies based on your current experience and skills. The journey might seem long and arduous, but it is because VCDX represents the pinnacle of VMware certification. That alone provides much of the incentive and allure.

Initially, the clandestine nature of the process enhanced the appeal. This wasn’t intentional—just a byproduct of a new certification. The void was partially filled by bloggers, followed by a proactive approach to eliminating confusion through increased transparency. The objective of this book is to further demystify the process and provide a systematic approach to VCDX.

Embarking on the path yields benefits even if end result doesn’t include attainment of expert certification. The path is time consuming and challenging, but the entire process is a tremendous learning experience. For many people, achieving the highest certification is the starting point, not the culmination, of a longer journey toward mastering technology architecture and greater things to come.

The points made in this book are common, and you might have already considered them to some degree. The intent is not to provide cookie-cutter instruction manuals, which only stifles creativity. Instead, we share insight and perspective based on prior experiences, to structure and guide your approach. That said, reading a book on architecture does not make one an architect. There is no substitute for real-world experience.

You do not need 15 years of design experience and master enterprise architecture before you make the attempt. It’s largely about gaining experience—the right experience—and learning from those who have come before you. This book aims to put you on the right trajectory.

Will you take on the challenge? Your journey begins now.

Who Should Read This Book

VCDX certification is for virtualization architects and has demonstrated a large value proposition. With the expansion, we now have VCDX certifications covering data center virtualization (VCDX-DV), cloud (VCDX-Cloud), and desktop (VCDX-DT) technologies. If you are currently working with VMware technologies and solutions as an architect, any one of these could be a valuable certification for you. This book helps peel back the curtain and removes the mystery behind both the VCDX program and the recommendations for success in the VCDX Panel Defense.

Goals and Methods

The primary goal of this book is to increase the number of VCDX individuals supporting VMware solutions.

To aid you in gaining the knowledge and understanding of success criteria, this book includes the following components:

• Prerequisites: This component defines what is needed to reach the VCDX Panel Defense. It includes the prerequisites and the recommended steps for completing them. It also provides suggestions on selecting and developing a design and completing the application process.

• The Defense: This component describes what is included in the defense, the timelines, and selected methods for preparation. It covers all three areas of defending your design and conducting the design and troubleshooting scenarios.

• The Design Scenario: Chapter 6 includes recommendations for conducting the design scenario. It provides four sample design scenarios, with analysis, to help you understand what is expected of a VCDX candidate in architecting a solution.

• The Troubleshooting Scenario: Chapter 7 includes recommendations for conducting the troubleshooting scenario. It provides four design scenarios, with analysis, to help you understand the skills and approach required of a VCDX candidate in troubleshooting a problem from an architect perspective.

How to Use This Book

This book was written in the order that the authors believe is best for learning about the program, preparing for the defense, and conducting the defense. If you are familiar with the VCDX program, you can select chapters as needed. If you are new to the program, we recommend that you read the book cover to cover. This book enables you to personally target specific areas to which you want to devote additional time or attention. It provides the flexibility to move among chapters as you work on the different areas on which candidates are evaluated. The sections are also designed to support you in conducting a mock defense, a boot camp, or a study session with others.

The core chapters, Chapters 1 through 7, cover the following topics:

• Chapter 1, “Certification Overview.” This chapter focuses on the certification program and the history behind the development of the VCDX program.

• Chapter 2, “Preparation.” This chapter focuses on the required steps in preparing for your VCDX defense. It also provides recommendations for running your own VCDX boot camp or study group.

• Chapter 3, “The Design.” This chapter focuses on selecting and creating a design, embellishing the content with design decisions and design patterns to support the VCDX blueprint. It helps you understand all aspects within the design and other supporting documents.

• Chapter 4, “Defense Overview.” This chapter focuses on what is involved in the Panel Defense. It provides a recommended approach for each of the three parts of the defense.

• Chapter 5, “Design Defense.” This chapter focuses on the details in the first part of the defense. It includes tips for developing your presentation and responding to panelist questions.

• Chapter 6, “The Design Scenario.” This chapter focuses on the progression of the Design Scenario. It provides details on how to work through the session for this section and achieve maximum scoring opportunities. The chapter includes four example design scenarios, covering VCDX-DV, VCDX-Cloud, and VCDX-DT.

• Chapter 7, “The Troubleshooting Scenario.” This chapter focuses on the progression of the Troubleshooting Scenario. It provides details on how to work through the session provided for this section and achieve maximum scoring opportunities. The chapter includes four example troubleshooting scenarios, covering VCDX-DV, VCDX-Cloud, and VCDX-DT.

Preparation is essential—do not rush. Plan to submit your application and design materials for the VCDX Panel Defense with sufficient time for you to complete a solid design that meets the VCDX Blueprint guidelines. Remember, you must pay two fees. The first fee covers the initial review. The second fee covers the actual VCDX Panel Defense. Regions around the world offer defenses. For scheduling information, see the VMware Certification website. You can find full details on the VMware Certified Design Expert program at http://www.vmware.com/go/vcdx.

The VCDX Panel Defense and This Book

The material included in this book comes from five years of experience in conducting VCDX Panel Defenses by experts who have also gone through the process. This book includes additional feedback from other VCDX and candidates, and includes some quotes that share the experiences of those who have defended.

Book Content Updates

VMware Press might post additional preparatory content on the web page associated with this book, at http://www.pearsonitcertification.com/title/9780321910592. We also recommend that you periodically check this page on the Pearson IT Certification website to view any errata or supporting book files that are available.