New: Microsoft Server 2012 70-414 with R2

Chris Ward just completed his Microsoft Windows Server 2012 70-414 with R2 Updates course. In 31 videos he covers the advanced elements of Server 2012 with R2, including planning and implementing virtualization hosts, designing and implementing enterprise solutions, and more. This training also prepares you for the 70-414 exam and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification in Server Infrastructure.

We recently talked to Chris to find out a bit more about what this course has to offer and his tips for conquering this technology.

Q: Why should companies train their IT professionals in Server 2012?

Windows Server 2012 R2 is one of the most prevalent operating systems on the planet. With free virtualization software as part of the licensing and tools to help maintain almost any IT infrastructure, this is a great area to be certified in and utilize. The depth of this technology is vast. By training your team on these technologies, you can unlock the potential of your business.

Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create?

Active Directory Rights Management Services. As a Microsoft Office Specialist, I can say without a doubt that this topic is near and dear to my heart. Plus the amazing Amber Barker (our new illustrator) helped create a story about this technology that will hit home with any audience.

Q: What roadblocks did you come across when creating this training and how did you overcome them?

The one problem about creating a series on enterprise-wide server infrastructure is how you are a bit hobbled by the inability to create virtualization within virtualization. I obviously don't have a Data Center at my house and so I had to get a bit creative to showcase Virtual Machine Manager.

Q: From a student-perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?

I am unapologetic when I say this Nugget series is exam centric. It's the last one to getting your MCSE: Server Infrastructure, and the exam is not about "How do you do this?" vs. "Why would you use this technology or method?". So don't expect to understand the intricacies of AD FS or SC Operations Manager by taking this Nugget series.

Q: Any outside-of-the-box tips for students to get the most out of your course?

You'll find that you will encounter my roadblock if you try to build a virtual lab. So make sure you learn the trick of using PowerShell to install Hyper-V role on your VM's. Also make sure that you are comfortable thinking the Microsoft way even MORE than normal.

Q: What's the ONE thing you hope learners take away from this training?

I hope they learn that regardless of how much our industry mocks Microsoft (and sometimes deservedly so), this is one AMAZING Server operating system. Windows Server 2012 R2 has incredible tools and powerful "under the hood" technologies to help make your life easier as an IT administrator.

Q: What's one real-world application someone can expect to use, thanks to this course?

If you've never used System Center 2012 before, you will learn how to get some of these tools in play and how to plan for granting groups "Self-Service" capabilities to fire up some of their own VM's by simply going to a website and clicking on it.

What are you waiting for? Start watching this course today!