HP Builds For The Future With Data Centre Training

Before an enterprise can build an expensive new-generation data centre with a converged infrastructure, the CTO, CIO or IT manager needs to get the right training to see that the job gets done correctly.

Knowing all about this,Hewlett-Packard introduced what it claims to be the first converged infrastructure training and certification programme at Interop in New York. The course spans the entire enterprise landscape: from networking, storage, servers and software to printing and personal computing.

HP certainly is one of the few companies with the knowledgebase to encompass all those IT sectors in order to put together a programme like this.

Focus On Silo Upgrading

In the HP ExpertONE programme, IT professionals (you do not have to be a C-level executive) can learn proven methodologies to upgrade old siloed, proprietary environments into scalable, open-standards networks and data centres. At the same time, trainees can gain the skills and experience needed to architect, implement and manage the new IT across an enterprise.

It is assumed that companies undertaking this training will be buying and using servers, storage and networking in HP’s Converged Infrastructure product line, of course.

“Companies can no longer afford to operate their IT environments in silos – and not just because of the cost impact but also in performance, which is what we’re seeing in this huge trend toward technology convergence in the data centre,” said David Foote, chief executive officer and chief research officer at Foote Research Group.

“There’s been a void in ‘converged skills’ training programmes. Too many certifications programmes are still focused on specific servers, storage or networking technologies.”

HP’s new programme is attempting to fill this void by offering comprehensive cross-domain training that spans every part of the converged enterprise data centre, from architecture to maintenance, Foote said.

“From a skills-acquisition perspective, this is where most IT organisations are heading. And they desperately need help to get there,” Foote said.

ExpertONE includes a study of mixed-vendor environments, so companies can deploy the best technologies for their particular needs. As a result, businesses can focus fewer resources on maintenance activities and invest more on innovations that drive growth. The Fast Track programmes give clients credit for existing certifications built around a single networking vendor. This enables IT professionals to expand their expertise while they speed up their learning cycle to build open networks and data centre environments.

HP ExpertONE courses can be taken online, as self-study or in person in more than 150 recognised independent learning centres and academic institutions worldwide. For reseller partners, the training will enable technical and sales professionals to gain competencies in as little as one day for converged infrastructure, claimed HP.