In this month's Redmond Magazine I pen a column on the changes to Microsoft's server certification program that arrives with the release of Server 2008. You probably already know that the MCSE is going away, but do you know why? From the piece:

Why the change? Prior to Server 2008, the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program had a few flaws inherent to its processes. First of all, in the previous program, an MCP was just that -- an MCP. There wasn't an association noting the discipline in which you were an MCP. So getting your MCP for Windows XP was the same as getting your MCP on Systems Management Server.

The old MCSE titles were also problematic. Many countries formally protect the title of "engineer." One can be called an engineer only after they've passed the Order of Engineers' Professional Engineer's Examination. Reports of Microsoft enduring numerous lawsuits by countries with special protection for this title made it operationally challenging to keep around. True, MCITP just doesn't have the same ring as MCSE, but it's in much safer legal territory.

Read the whole article for more information about the specific tests and certifications you'll want to start persuing next year. There are a lot of changes, most for the better.

Get it at: http://redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?editorialsid=2432