Windows 7 certs still worth it though Windows 8 coming out later this year?

RD28327

I've tinkered with the Consumer Preview of Windows 8 and was not too impressed. I do like Windows 7 though I still do not see a lot of computers running Windows 7 in the workplace. At where I work, a community college, there are still lots of PCs running Windows XP, though Windows 7 is taught in the academic programs. Thus, even after Win 8 is released, will Windows 7 certs still be in demand?

ptilsen

I would say it's worth pursuing now, but I would not begin pursuing any 7 certifications after summer. I would say September is the cut-off before wait-and-see is advisable.

Stopping work on XP to work on Vista wouldn't have been advisable except that the Vista test was much easier. Vista certs never became high-demand, (though MCITP EA did) and then 7 came out.

Psoasman

I think the Windows 7 certs should be viable for quite some time, but with the recent changes by Microsoft, that will probably change.

RomBUS

Psoasman wrote: »

I think the Windows 7 certs should be viable for quite some time, but with the recent changes by Microsoft, that will probably change.

I concur.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Personally, our company usually isn't afraid to be cutting edge and upgrade to a newer OS. However, we will not be upgrading to 8 anytime soon, if at all as 7 is the new standard for us (and many others). We have a feeling that 8 will be a "vista or ME" like flop and will not bother with it at all. 7 runs great for our needs and just like XP, will likely be a highly visible OS for us for years to come. 7 is well worth is as more companies transition off of XP to 7 in the near future. 8 just doesn't appear to have the traction needed to wait and pursue that one instead.

ronzilla

I can't see many companies moving forward on windows 8 within the next couple years. A lot of companies are just migrating to windows 7 now. There is still a ton running XP.

Mokilok

Given the massive change from XP to Windows vista and seven I would say that most companies skipped vista and prepared for seven. Now that windows 7 is so common I wouldn't expect to see a lot of windows 8 in the corporate environment anytime soon. Also they have marketed this operating system more towards the mobile device world with a Tablet GUI etc.. I wouldn't use it in a corporate environment unless that main screen could be disabled.

the_erickee

There is a 2-for-1 deal going on now. If you enter a Voucher code and pay full price for the Windows 7 exam, you will get a free exam voucher for Windows 8 when it becomes available. https://www.bsf01.com/creatives/prometric/Microsoft_TwoForOne/TwoForOne_Home.aspx

PC509

We are finally just now doing an enterprise wide migration to Windows 7 from XP. No plans to go Windows 8 in the near future (or far future for that matter). Windows 7 is going to be a great certification for quite a while. Microsoft also has a deal going on (got it in my email) - take the Win7 exam, get the Win8 exam free later this year. Can't beat that, really. Not much of a bet for which one is better, as you'll get both for the same price.

ronzilla wrote: »

I can't see many companies moving forward on windows 8 within the next couple years. A lot of companies are just migrating to windows 7 now. There is still a ton running XP.

Forsaken_GA

Win 7 will likely be the new XP. As far as clients go, it's probably safe to certify on it. Most large companies don't move all that quick when it comes to updating workstations. The usual plan is whether or not the OS will work in their environment, and if so, then all new deployments are done with that, while the old hosts are systematically upgraded or replaced.

Win7 should be safe to certify on for the next few years, especially if a company just got through upgrading from XP era software... they're not going to want to do it all over again so soon.

cmitchell_00

I guess Ronzilla and PC509 summed it about companies jumping into Windows 8. I still see organizations with Windows XP pro and Win. 7 hasn't even been a conversation yet. I'm just seeing recruiters post jobs about Windows 7 migrations but; this is after the Windows 2003 -Windows 2008 upgrades. I think maybe another 2 years before a big push or conversation for the new Windows 8. The funny part of this all is when all future Microsoft certifications have expiration dates on them not just the expiry support of the OS.

antielvis

It depends on what market you are employed in. I don't see Windows 8 making any impact in the enterprise market. Assuming there was adoption it would require a complete hardware upgrade to use the touch screen features. I can see it making impacts in the home market (quickly) and in the kiosk/retail business & the food services industry.

If you can handle it, I'd do both. I think in the long run the tablet market has a bright future & MS will try to make inroads in it. They do have the advantage of being able to create a native OS that works seamlessly with their current products.

buzzkill

I think you'll be fine. Nearly every time I go to a prometric centre and I look at the sign in list I see someone doing 70-270!!!!!!!!!!!!

kremit

I'm with everyone else. For myself, I am still prepping for the Windows 7. I would say if you support home users, windows 8 cert would be a good idea.

N2IT

Buzz lol that cracks me up. I had a friend a while back do 272 1 month before the exam went inactive. I asked him why. he thought it would look good to have an MCP.

O well I suppose

ampersand

The healthcare system I work for still uses Windows XP, but we are working on Windows 7 deployment. I'd recommend the Windows 7 certification path.

veritas_libertas

We are just beginning to move to Windows 7, and when I say JUST, I mean we will not be completely moved over until MAYBE next year. Windows 7 is probably the next XP for the enterprise.

RD28327

Currently at the community college where I work, English and Math departments are moving in to a new classroom building, andall labs there are being updated to Windows 7. Other labes across campus will get it later. Staff and faculty won't get it most likely until they get a new PC, though there will be some exceptions I'm sure. For enterprise, I think 7 is the way to go. I would rather use a Mac than mess with Windows 8! I am certainly not impressed.

CEHwanabe

Yes they are. I would say W7 will stay around like 4 years everywhere.

RD28327 wrote: »

I've tinkered with the Consumer Preview of Windows 8 and was not too impressed. I do like Windows 7 though I still do not see a lot of computers running Windows 7 in the workplace. At where I work, a community college, there are still lots of PCs running Windows XP, though Windows 7 is taught in the academic programs. Thus, even after Win 8 is released, will Windows 7 certs still be in demand?

ha1o2surfer

I agree with Windows 7 being the next XP. Windows 8 looks like it's going to be a hassle to make enterprise ready. (In its current state)

TLeTourneau

Windows 7 isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It is still a valid path for certification.