I recently finished reading the VCDX Boot Camp Book which was released last month on VMware Press. The book is written by three known VCDX’s(John Arrasjid, Ben Lin, and Mostafa Khalil) but also contains other tips and blurbs from several other VCDX’s out there. The book is fairly short when it comes to ‘technical’ books but it is very specific to the process and I know that this will be only the first reading through it as I explorer the VCDX.
Being that the authors of this book are all panelists I believe this is a must read for anyone thinking of pursuing the VCDX program. One of my favorite parts of the book is where the purpose of the VCDX program is discussed which I will paraphrase.The purpose of the program is to increase the number of highly qualified VMware Design Experts out there
I felt this was important to mention as the defense can be interpreted in a very different way if you have the wrong attitude. Throughout the book the authors have pretty much laid out everything that is needed to prepare a submission and defend your design.
One of the things that this book really set in is the role you need to serve in the process. While you can serve multiple roles you need to take a hard stance that you designed the project. Others may be responsible for the implementation of different phases, but it is your job to deliver a solid design as well as help to layout a proper implementation plan.
Another thing I noticed was during the live design session/troubleshooting pieces of the defense. I always had it in my head that I’d need to be an encyclopedia of knowledge to have a chance to pass through these parts. I knew this was unreasonable but hearing the authors talk about what you can do to best prepare yourself and understanding the role the panelists play was very good to hear.
The book is available in digital and physical formats and can also be found as part of Safari IT Book Library if you have a subscription.