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Why is Citrix XenApp exciting?

20 February 2012

You may wonder why you should use Citrix XenApp. Here are some reasons why you would make good use of it:

The XenApp is a thin client product that allows users to connect to their corporate applications and allows any Windows application to be “virtualised, centralised, and managed in the data centre”.

What makes the XenApp different and some would argue, exciting, to traditional application deployment technology is the ability for organisations to improve application management. XenApp is unique in that it is a complete system for application delivery, offering both online and offline application access. It instantly delivers services to users anywhere from any device running any of over 30 operating systems. Companies can improve application management because all the applications are centralised in the database and they can also control and protect access to data so that it is secure.

By simplifying the management and delivery of applications, the cost of desktop management can be reduced up to 50%. Applications are delivered via application streaming quickly providing web-based access to Windows. It provides manageability and scale, and flexibility as it can create a cost-effective virtual workplace.

The XenApp uses Citrix HDX technology (high definition desktop virtualisation user experience) which adapts virtual application delivery and access based on your device, network, and location to ensure an optimal quality. The App integrates the tools and infrastructure needed to help control, measure, and monitor performance. Encrypted connectivity, advanced access control, policy-based password management, and session monitoring provide additional layers of protection.

Total Training Solutions offer courses for the various versions of the Citrix XenApp. From the earlier 5.0 version for Windows 2003 to the 2008 version and the XenApp 6.5 Advanced. Wherever you are in your training or career progression, a XenApp course that suits your level can be found with Total Training Solutions. Speak to one of our knowledgeable team on 0800 612 1299 who will help guide you through the options or email any questions to info@tts-uk.com.
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- Citrix Training Courses
Will using Citrix work for you and your business?

16 February 2012
Citrix offers a plethora of server and desktop virtualisation programs that exist to enhance the customer experience but do they really work for you and your business?

For the individual we’ve already established that Citrix technology offers work/life balance flexibility by enabling them to access their office applications from home. In turn, this benefits the business by allowing for anywhere, anytime working. New advancements in the virtualisation market, namely cloud computing have led to further productivity and working practises.

In addition to great end user performance, XenClient 2.1 can now accelerate the update process for end users with its new dynamic layering feature.

Citrix Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offering, VDI-in-a-Box, provides small businesses with the capability to position virtual desktops, powered on the backend by servers that are connected to shared storage resources. As discussed in previous blogs, this enables businesses to run their user desktops as a virtual machine and does not require a fully unique operating system for each machine.

A key part of VDI-in-a-Box is the inclusion of new wizards to help ease virtual desktop deployment in an effort to make it more intuitive for small business IT managers to use. Citrix software developers claim they have, “Completely revised and updated the management interface, with usability testing to ensure we are delivering the simplest experience for Windows administrators to setup and manage virtual desktops.”

Another new addition to the Citrix family is Cloud.com, Citrix’s cloud computing offering which runs applications on distant servers rather than on the machine in front you.

Cloud.com is a start-up that helps companies manage data traffic on their servers. Instead of assigning computing tasks to specific machines, Cloud.com’s software, CloudStack, can split the work among pools of computers, pulling them in when needed and freeing them up for other jobs when done. CloudStack also makes it easier for companies to quickly roll out new applications to users worldwide rather than forcing them to wait for a technician to do the work. The Cloud.com deal “is about technology, the team, and market momentum.”

There is some criticism for Citrix, with some analysts believing that it lacks behind rivals VMware when it comes to its virtualisation offering. Investors haven’t punished Citrix for its shortfall in virtualization however, mostly because the company gets so much revenue from its older programs and they have a lot of legacy businesses.

Analysts are betting on two trends that may allow Citrix to thrive:
- It has a lead over VMware in an application that lets companies store copies of Windows on servers and push them out to PCs, which saves money by letting users run newer versions of the operating system on older machines.
- “Cloud.com’s CloudStack can cost companies half to one-tenth as much as comparable cloud products from VMware and Microsoft”, says James Staten, an analyst at Forrester Research. “If you build your cloud on VMware or Microsoft,” he says, “you’re sharing your profits with them.”
Total Training Solutions offers many Citrix courses, for those at the beginning of their careers to the more advanced practitioners looking to take the next step on the corporate ladder. Choose from the basic courses; Basic Administration for Citrix NetScaler 9.2 and Citrix XenApp 6.5 Administration or the more advanced Implementing Citrix Access Gateway 9.0 Enterprise Edition and Advanced Administration for Citrix NetScaler 9.0 Platinum Edition. To book on any of these courses, please call our team on 0800 612 1299 or email info@tts-uk.com with any questions or queries.
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- Citrix Training Courses
Citrix Study Guide Certifications Benefits

06 February 2012

People are increasingly bringing smartphones, tablets and other devices they once might have used solely for personal use into the workplace. To this end, the distinction between work and home, the office and play is becoming less clear and more is expected in terms of rich, user experience. Citrix labels this ‘consumerisation’ and their products exist to meet this demand. Their server and desktop virtualisation programs, networking, collaboration and cloud computing products are designed to feed this consumer hunger.

The Citrix website states their virtualisation technology works in three ways:

For people
Citrix technology offers the flexibility to balance work and life — the freedom to work anywhere, anytime, on a schedule that fits the employee's life.

For I.T. organisations
Citrix technology enables a more people-centric, on-demand computing model that provides people the flexibility and freedom they want and IT the control it requires.

For business
Citrix technology gives business the agility needed to seize new opportunities, deliver exceptional customer service and create a more efficient organisation.

To get the most out of these products and services, Citrix have numerous course and certification paths. For I.T. Professionals adding Citrix to your list of qualifications demonstrates your knowledge in the field. Certification is organised into three levels based on job roles and the following courses are available from Total Training Solutions:

Administrator
Citrix XenDesktop 5 Administration - an entry level certificate that provides the necessary foundations for administrators to manage desktops. This course is ideal for server, network and system administrators, analysts and consultants.

Engineer
Engineering a Citrix Virtualisation Solution – teaches Citrix engineers how to integrate component technologies of a Citrix virtualisation solution in a Windows 2008 server environment.

Architect
Architecting a Citrix Virtualisation Solution – equips Citrix architects with the skills to analyse and design a comprehensive Citrix virtualisation solution.

In the competitive world of recruitment, whether you want to find a new position or gain promotion, you need to arm yourself with as many positive attributes as possible to set yourself apart from other candidates. Citrix study guide certification demonstrates your professional skills. Employers consider professional certification an advantage and in many cases it is a mandatory requirement when hiring new staff. Even for those looking to progress within their existing company, career competitiveness of present workers can be based on the qualifications you hold. Study aids to guide you through preparation for Citrix exams can be the difference between pass or failure and ultimately advancing in your career or not.

Obtaining Citrix certification means you master the latest technology in your given field. And when the only thing that is consistent in I.T. is change, with new technologies emerging all the time, holding the most up-to-date qualification is what will drive your professional career forward.

To discover the full range of Citrix courses offered by Total Training Solutions, visit the website today. Our friendly team are ready to take you call on 0800 612 1299 and answer any questions you may have or alternatively you can email info@tts-uk.com.
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- Citrix Training Courses
ISEB Courses! What’s New?

30 January 2012

There have been a number of developments to the ISEB (BCS Professional Certification) portfolio in the last 6 months, the most notable of which is the re-naming of the ISEB Business Analysis Diploma. As mentioned in the blog post from January 9th entitled ‘ISEB Business Analysis Diploma from TTS – everything you need in one package’, as of October 2011 the Diploma is now known as the BCS Diploma in Business Analysis. The structure of the Diploma remains the same but updates have been made to the syllabus for some modules.

This change has come about as the result of rigorous research in the IT industry with professionals, training providers, employers and experts. The updates mean the course range is now better aligned with the BCS skills and competency framework, SFIAplus, as well as the products and services offered with a BCS membership. The institute believes that by bringing the certification portfolio into sync with their other services they can “provide IT professionals with the additional professional development and career support they deserve.”

BCS CESG Certified Professional Scheme
New! Information Assurance Certification
The CESG (The National Technical Authority for Information Assurance) Certified Professional Scheme provides a means of independent assessment and verification for those working in Information Assurance.

The BCS website states, “The scheme aims to demonstrate that IA professionals have the skills and experience required to carry out their role effectively and deliver a consistently high standard in IA. It also provides those working in IA with a clearly defined career development path.” The scheme is currently being piloted ahead of its full roll out in Spring 2012.

Green IT portfolio additions and updates
New! Energy & Cost Management
An intermediate certificate aimed at building awareness of best practices at a high-level and to create strategies for controlling and managing energy efficiency in data centres.

Updated! EU Code of Conduct
This certificate deals exclusively with an organisation’s green strategy. It relates to the effective use of energy by software, IT systems and support infrastructure in the data centre.

The range of ISEB course offered here at Total Training Solutions can be found on our website. They cover foundation certificates in Information Systems Project Management and IT Enabled Business Change, intermediate and practitioner courses in Enterprise & Solution Architecture and specialist qualifications in everything from Service Level Management to Supplier Management.

To book a course or for further information please call 0800 612 1299 or email info@tts-uk.com.
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- ISEB Training Courses
Why should you choose the ISEB certification route?

23 January 2012
ISEB (Information Systems Examination Board) is the examination body associated with BCS, The Chartered Institute for I.T. By this merit an ISEB qualification is an industry recognised qualification, both in the UK and overseas.

The benefits of such recognition include showing a commitment to the field, to study and to the progress of your career through official channels. The skills and knowledge an ISEB course can offer you, particularly the Foundation in Business Analysis course, can lead into numerous roles with the Information Systems industry.

A helpful diagram from BCS that charts how your career progression might benefit from ISEB qualification is shown below.

(click on image to enlarge)

There is, however, conflicting opinion about the need for certification in this field at all as many job descriptions do not ask for ISEB qualification as a mandatory requirement in candidates. If this is the case, then why bother?

ISEB qualifications are specific to an individual but many organisations use the ISEB qualifications structure to manage skills development at the corporate level. Your level of ISEB qualification will indicate at what position you may fit into a company and also your level of skill, knowledge and most importantly experience. These factors may be the difference between a successful job application and/or promotion.

The qualifications offered by ISEB are available in various levels:
- ISEB Foundation Level – offers a broad introduction to the field
- ISEB Practitioner Level – a more specific discipline
- ISEB Higher Level – In depth coverage for specialists or managers
Total Training Solutions offer many ISEB courses and modules that make up these qualifications. For a full list of ISEB courses available from Total Training Solutions please browse the course directory. To make a booking please call 0800 612 1299 or email info@tts-uk.co.uk.
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- ISEB Training Courses
Is ISEB the same as ITIL?

16 January 2012
In short, no. This is a common area of confusion!

ISEB is the exam board; ITIL is a set of accredited methodologies applied by such examining bodies for qualifications in IT Service Management.
- ISEB = Information Systems Examination Board
- ITIL = Information Technology Infrastructure Library
ISEB offers an extensive portfolio of qualifications in the Information Systems sector. For the more specialised area of Service Management, an examining board like ISEB will use the ITIL framework which is specific to this area.

Under the ITIL structure, students gain a clear understanding of the service management lifecycle principles and key processes and how they relate to the business, customers and industry standards. Delegates will learn from real life examples and discover approaches to help them implement and apply service management principles.

According to reports, in the UK more people have obtained their ITIL certification through ISEB than any other examination board.

Total Training Solutions offers dozens of ITIL courses. From the Foundation certificate and exam that equip delegates with best practices, principles and processes, to Intermediate qualifications in specific areas of Service Management. Here there are ISEB Specialist Certificates in Business Relationship Management, Change Management and Problem Management amongst others. Further ITIL V3 Certificates include a range of Capability and Lifecycle courses;
- ITIL(R) V3 Capability Certificate in Operational Support and Analysis – provides in-depth practical advice and guidance on process structure, roles, functions and activities that will enable role focused capability and competency in areas including Event Management and Access Management.
- ITIL(R) V3 Lifecycle Certificate in Service Design – ensures a practical understanding of the Service Design process and how it might be used to enhance the quality of IT service within an organisation.
The ITIL Foundation course from Total Training Solutions is a stand-alone qualification and also satisfies the pre-requisites for entry to further ITIL courses and many related courses such as ISO/IEC 20000 Consultancy.

For more information about the ITIL qualifications offered by Total Training Solutions please read the course contents or email any questions to info@tts-uk.com. For a more direct response you can call one of our friendly team on 0800 612 1299 or even speak to a team member via our Live Chat feature, available at the click of a button on the top right of our website.
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- ITIL Training Courses
- ISEB Training Courses
ISEB Business Analysis Diploma from TTS - everything you need in one package

09 January 2012

From October 2011 the ISEB Business Analysis Diploma will be known as the BCS Diploma in Business Analysis. The structure of the Diploma remains the same but updates are being made to the syllabus for some modules.

BCA, The Chartered Institute for IT, states on their website that, “Business Analysis plays a pivotal role within an organisation, helping to identify business needs and determine solutions to business problems. The Diploma in Business Analysis is the international, industry-recognised certification that truly demonstrates the knowledge, skills and capabilities to be an effective Business Analyst.”

The Diploma is made up of 2 core modules that must be passed and then 1 from a selection of 4 knowledge-based topics and 1 from 4 practitioner elements. These written exams are then followed by an oral examination before the Diploma is certified.

These modules can be studied for and the exams sat individually or through a fast-track programme like the one offered by Total Training Solutions. There are no prerequisites for this 10 day residential package as it will equip delegates with little or no previous experience with the full range of knowledge and skills needed to take on the role of Business Analyst.

The course covers all aspects of business analysis from law, government and legal issues, professional bodies, financial and management accounting, analysing business activities, and indentifying solutions, through to implementing, managing and negotiating requirements.

The structure of the course means delegates will learn the skills needed in a chronological way with plenty of opportunity to put their new found knowledge into practical tasks. Some evening work each day should also be expected, including case study exercises and exam revision.

The Total Training Solutions course fee even includes the oral examination (usually £375.00). We will book the oral exam on the delegate’s behalf but the oral exam is not conducted during the fast-track course. Usually the oral examination is taken close to the completion of the written exams but it can be sat at anytime within a year of receiving the final written exam result. For those that do delay the oral exam, Total Training Solutions also offers a Business Analysis Oral Examination Preparation Workshop.

To book your place on the Total Training Solutions BCS Diploma in Business Analysis course please call one of our friendly team on 0800 612 1299. Full course content details are available online and any queries can be emailed to info@tts-uk.com.
Labels:
- ISEB Training Courses
Who is ISEB?

02 January 2012
Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) is an examination awarding body and a part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

ISEB offers business analysis training and qualifications in eight major IT subject areas:
- IT Service Management/ITIL
- Software Testing
- Sustainable IT
- Business Analysis
- Systems Development
- Project Management and Support
- IT Governance, Information and Security
- IT Assets and Infrastructure
- Green IT
Originally started to meet the needs of the National Computing Centre (NCC) and BCS and their 'Certificate in Systems Analysis and Design', the Systems Analysis Examination Board was developed. With the development of a new Project Management qualification in 1989, the qualification portfolio expanded and the Systems Analysis Examination Board changed its name to Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB).

The qualifications offered by ISEB are available in various levels:
- ISEB Foundation Level - A broad introduction to a discipline.
- ISEB Practitioner Level - Practical application within a specific discipline.
- ISEB Higher Level - In depth coverage within a specific discipline for specialists or managers.
The ISEB Foundation in Business Analysis course offered by Total Training Solutions provides candidates with the skills and knowledge needed for this pivotal role which acts as a bridge between the business and IT systems. It provides a foundation for the other ISEB certificates such as Information Systems (IS) Consultancy and Business Change. The qualification can also be used to provide a foundation for specialists in other disciplines, particularly Project Managers and System Developers.

Further ISEB courses from Total Training Solutions include:
- Oral Exam Preparation Workshop which leads to the ISEB Diploma in Business Analysis,
- Modelling Business Processes where delegates learn to identify, evaluate and improve processes to meet challenging changes in their given industry. This course equips them with the tools to do so.
- Requirements Engineering develops the skills needed to actually carry out the identified improvements and how to communicate these changes effectively to staff, stakeholders and decision makers to ensure requirements are realistic and achievable.
For a full list of ISEB courses available from Total Training Solutions please browse the course directory. To make a booking please call 0800 612 1299 or email info@tts-uk.co.uk
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- ISEB Training Courses
How do you think technology is changing project management?

26 December 2011

Project management used to start with an approved printed out Project Charter. Sent between parties via internal mail, key stakeholders would physically sign the document and return it to the project manager to update the version control for the document to version 1.0. The Project Charter would then be filed away for safe-keeping and the real work would begin.

Today, obtaining project approval is still needed, but the way you go about securing sponsor sign off is different. Due to technologies now available in the workplace most project sponsors would expect the entire approvals process to be done by email. Documents and email are stored electronically on a central shared server, along with scanned copies of any signed documents. This is now the accepted way of working, even in industries like financial services which typically take a while to catch up.

In the (recent) past the monthly report would be an adequate representation of a projects status. It was acknowledged that it was not a real-time project position, but it was accurate enough for the purposes of judging progress against milestones and budget. In general, people were happy with this level of detail, even though they knew it could no longer be true. Only in an emergency would any one ask to see anything more up to date.

Today, project stakeholders have different expectations about project information, because they can get other information at the click of a button. If you want to know the weather in Barcelona or the real-time stock prices on the FTSE you type it in to a search engine and bang! the answer is there in a flash! This lack of real-time data on projects status is no longer acceptable to stakeholders and project managers now have to deal with these raised expectations and always be on top of a project’s status.

The way projects are managed had to evolve. The development of new technologies such as softwares and programs enable tasks to be managed and carried out more effectively. Primavera enables businesses to manage projects in way which saves time, increase productivity and improves communication. The ability to plan, track, record, adjust and analyse a project at every stage of its lifecycle provides PM’s, directors and stakeholders with new insight and management capabilities and has revolutionised working practises.

How have you adapted your project management practices to the evolving needs of your hyper connected stakeholders? If you’re not yet using Primavera in your business, why not enquire about a beginners course with Total Training Solutions to get you started? Sign your staff up for a Primavera course too and ensure your company is working to its maximum capacity, increasing productivity and ultimately, revenue.

Browse the Total Training Solutions Primavera directory. Call 0800 612 1299 to book or email info@tts-uk.co.uk
Labels:
- Primavera Training Courses
Where can Primavera skills take you in your career?

19 December 2011

Having any professional qualification better places you above your peers, colleagues or fellow job applicants. Primavera training not only makes it easier to manage a project, but it can also improve communication and help you build your career as it also shows a commitment to professional and self development.

For the individual, Primavera training offers a chance to build your skills and help your CV stand out to employers. According to Oracle, (Primavera’s parent company) Primavera is used by many top engineering firms, as well as military and defence agencies. It also remains the dominant project management software within the building and construction trades and is widely used in pipeline and utility installation amongst Civil Engineers, Sales Engineers and field staff. With such a wide range of firms using this software, candidates who undergo training can improve their likelihood of scoring an interview in a number of different fields.

Employees from top management level, down to field workers use Primavera to plan, track, record and analyse a project. Access to different parts of the software can be attributed to different personnel dependant of their position and so the skills needed to understand the various levels of the software also vary. The demand for knowledge and experience of Primavera products, services and training, from an accredited training provider such as Total Training Solutions, can lead to careers in a plethora of job roles. Project Planners, Project Analysts, Project Managers, Administrators, Logistics Co-ordinators and Business Consultants will use Primavera programming for Portfolio Management, Project Management, Resource Management (including cost management and resource allocation), Production Support and Progress Reporting.

To see how a Primavera training course can benefit you and your career, contact one of our friendly customer services team members on 0800 612 1299 who can recommend the right Primavera course for you. Alternatively, browse our course directory and email info@tts-uk.com with any questions.
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- Primavera Training Courses

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