I’m starting with module 4, ‘SOA Project and Delivery Methodology.’ I have yet to listen to either the Audio Tutor or Exam CD’s. I’m just reading through the workbook first.  As with all of the workbook material, each page is a PowerPoint slide with half the page left over for notes. When your studying this without the classroom lecturer, note taking seems pointless unless you like to just write what you read to ingrain it in your head. That sometimes works for me. Possibly when I fire up the audio tutor it will go hand in hand with the workbook. ...<< MORE >>

I realized that I wrote lengthy posts on this topic as I was going through the classroom training, self-study kits, and exams. I felt it needed a summation. I’m starting the self-study kits for the SOA Analyst certification and my experience will be different this time since I’ll be listening to Thomas Erl’s audio tutor’s on the modules instead of the classroom lecturer. My recommendations on the offerings by SOA School.com will differ depending on your needs. For someone, an executive or project manager, the classroom training would probably be sufficient. It highlights the salient points of what ...<< MORE >>

On Monday, June 6th 2011, CNN had a special presentation on innovation titled ‘Restoring the American Dream.’. It was hosted by Fareed Zakaria. I hope this is just the first in a series of programs on the same topic; American Innovation. As an American, I found it very frightening but not at all surprising. I’ve been aware of this issue for quite some time. The signs are everywhere. Find something in your home manufactured in the USA. One of the things that I found most disturbing was the fact that Apple, kings of innovation, employ 50,000 people ...<< MORE >>

As I recently posted, I enrolled in the classes and program to receive certification as a SOA Architect. The program is offered by SOA Schools, a company created and founded by Thomas Erl, one of the world’s leading experts in Service Oriented Computing. I am also pursuing certification as a SOA Analyst; another program offered by SOA Schools. If time and my wallet allow, I will probably pursue training and certification in several other of the programs offered by SOA Schools such as Consultant or Governance Specialist. Depending on future client needs, I may opt to get training in a ...<< MORE >>

During my 28 years in IT, I have predominantly held positions as a consultant or non-employee. Because of this distinction, things like training and certification were frowned upon for non-employees. I understand the reasoning behind this. In an ideal world, employees are long-term assets and sinking money into expensive training can be acceptable since the company is enhancing their long-term assets. I stated before that this is understandable in an ideal world, but in today’s turbulent economy we all know that long-term employment is a hope, not a reality. As a consultant I can’t count the times when ...<< MORE >>

I’ve had the ability to BLOG for a few years now but all of my writing has been dedicated to something else. I have a lot to say, most of it meaningful to me but probably irrelevant to others. I have opinions, ideas, beliefs, and sometimes thoughts about world domination, The internet is such a beautiful thing. There are almost 2 billion people using the internet. The numbers associated with this usage is staggering. My BLOG is only 1 out of 126 million others. However, this is the best one to read. Email * ...<< MORE >>