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DDLS eNewsletter

Get the latest training updates, seminar invitations and promotions. Subscribe to the DDLS eNewsletter.

Current Issue

Welcome to the March/April edition of our newsletter. Looking for ways to motivate your staff? Need a strategy to stay focused on your career path? This issue gives you advice and explores the top soft skills needed to succeed in todays environment, no matter what your level of experience is.

Enjoy!

Six Tips to Front Foot Your Career in an Economic Crisis

Last year we surveyed more than 800 of our customers to find out about their training needs. Here, our general manager David Gage delivers some of the results and explains what will drive the training agenda in 2009.

Are you Leadership Material?

In this economic climate, having the right skills to manage change is crucial for organisations to create efficiencies and minimise costs. In this article, learn how the right processes can help you deliver strategies on time and on budget.

A Business Coachs Guide to the Must-Have Skills for Every Professional

With two Project Management text books to his name, DDLS trainer Stephen Hartley knows what it takes for a project to work. Learn how your business can prosper from well-managed projects in 2009.

Question of the Month

What do you think best describes your leadership style?

Please assist us with your one-click answer below.

Counsellor: you're most likely to say "We will work together"
Mentor: you're most likely to say "In my experience"
Trainer: you're most likely to say "This is how you do it"

Results from last month’s question:

In which area do you foresee the greatest impact on managing change in your organisation?

Jan-Feb Voting Results

Previous Issues

Welcome to the January-February issue where you'll find useful tips on the skills that are going to drive your business efficiencies further in 2009. In this edition you can read about the initial results from our customer survey. Find out how to keep projects in check to avoid hidden surprises and hear some interesting stories from a project management trainer in this month's trainer profile.

Enjoy!

Results from our Customer Satisfaction Survey

Last year we surveyed more than 800 of our customers to find out about their training needs. Here, our general manager David Gage delivers some of the results and explains what will drive the training agenda in 2009.

How to Attain More Value from Projects

In this economic climate, having the right skills to manage change is crucial for organisations to create efficiencies and minimise costs. In this article, learn how the right processes can help you deliver strategies on time and on budget.

Communications Skills and Surfing Microsoft: A Trainers Perspective

With two Project Management text books to his name, DDLS trainer Stephen Hartley knows what it takes for a project to work. Learn how your business can prosper from well-managed projects in 2009.

Question of the Month

In which area do you foresee the greatest impact on managing change in your organisation?

Please assist us with your one-click answer below.

Results from last month’s question:

Nov-Dec Voting Results

Nov-Dec

In this November-December issue youll find some great ideas on successful negotiation when there are cultural barriers present. The management of Virtualisation has been lost in the excitement of companies choosing to take this path. We explore how to get it right, and really get the most from Virtualisation. Dont forget to read this months trainer profile to meet a DDLS instructor and read about his opinion on the importance for IT teams to communicate with management.

Enjoy!

Six Ways to Negotiate with Other Cultures

Travelling business people rely on more than language in their negotiations. There are a variety of other behaviours that are unique to cultures and crucial to understand successful negotiations. Learn how you can make the best impression when dealing with organisations from other cultures.

Gain Fast ROI from Virtualisation

With mass adoption of Virtualisation, now is the best time to gain more from your IT infrastructure. Only by implementing the right processes can you yield optimum business results from virtualisation. Learn how you can give your organisation the best chance at returns from Virtualisation.

Communications Skills and Surfing Microsoft: A Trainers Perspective

If pretending to surf when teaching about the differences between Internet Explorer 1 and 2 is an indication of this trainers style, hes nothing short of unconventional. Meet one of DDLS most experienced Microsoft and Check Point trainers, Wayne McGlinn.

Question of the Month

In a business scenario, have you ever misunderstood the etiquette of another culture?

Please assist us with your one-click answer below.

Results from last month’s question:

Jul-Aug Question Results

Sep-Oct

In this September - October issue we're really excited to bring to you some creative ideas to tackle project management, and there's also a great profile from a DDLS instructor and his opinion on the future of software development. Who can live without UC? Training industry finally catches up, and DDLS now has the widest range of UC training.

Enjoy this edition of our enewsletter!

A Different Approach to Project Management

Project management has long been regarded as the itch on every CEOs back. However an important part of any project is to determine how it supports the strategic goals of the organisation. Learn how to manage change and build success in your project management office.

The Future of Software Development: A Developers Perspective

With the rise of internet applications, mobile computing technologies and a host of other software solutions to improve productivity, the pressure is on for Australias developers to keep up. In this article, meet DDLS Software Development Trainer Mark Walsh and learn about his views on how the software development industry is set to evolve.

Australian Organisations Set to Embrace UC with New Training Courses

Australias business community has latched onto the time and financial efficiencies that can be gained using Unified Communications, with the UC market tipped to continue its fast growth over the next 12 months. Learn how to maximise your UC investment with the right skills within your organisation.

Question of the Month

Do you think your Project Manager is effective in their work/job?

Please assist us with your one-click answer below.

Yes - No

Results from last month’s question:

Jul-Aug Question Results

Jul-Aug

You will have noticed DDLS was M.I.A last month, that's because our eNewsletter has gone bi-monthly and we were busy preparing for our first annual edition of Tech.Ed news to you. Read more below on our presence at Tech.Ed with Roland Leggat and Jason Clarke as well as the our regular emerging technologies articles and the state of skills in your workplace. We are always interested to hear what you have to say about our newsletter and particularly, our new format. You can provide feedback at training@didata.com.au.

Enjoy this edition of our enewsletter!

Trang Dao
DDLS Marketing

DDLS at Tech.Ed: Meet the Presenters

Going to Tech.Ed? Learn about two of our experienced Microsoft trainers and what they will be presenting at Microsofts Tech.Ed next month.

Is your organisation skilled to survive Australias economic downturn?

As organisations brace themselves for a slowing economy, it will become increasingly important to achieve as much as possible from IT investment. In this article, learn about the latest IT skills trends and how to future-proof your technology strategies during the next 12 months.

RFID: A Step Closer to Business Process Management

If your business data takes longer to decode than a sudoku puzzle, chances are youre not using it effectively. Learn how RFID technology can automate data collation for better business management.

Question of the Month

Do you expect training offerings from your organisation to increase, decrease or remain unchanged during the next twelve months?

Please assist us with your one-click answer below.

Increase - Decrease - Remain Unchanged

Results from last month’s question: Have you ever given up an opportunity to deliver a presentation because of fear?

Yes 43%
No 56%

Jun

Top Tips for Presenting Fearlessly

Good business relationships rely on trust. Your presentation skills are a key part of building this trust whether presenting to an audience of 1 or 100. Find out how to present effectively by removing fear and build audience trust.

How to Retain Your Employees

The challenge for any business is to maintain its employees. Recruitment costs, loss of IP and loss of productivity can significantly impact business success. Learn how the University of New South Wales controlled employee churn by taking a planned approach to training.

Access to Data Makes your Business Smarter

Businesses need valuable information to make the right decisions. Too often, this information is hidden or not up to date enough to be relevant. Learn how your information assets can help improve your businesses performance.

Question of the Month

Have you ever given up an opportunity to deliver a presentation because of fear?

Please assist us by clicking on your one-click answer below.

YES - NO

Results from last month’s question: Do you think your service desk has adequate communication skills?

Yes 37%
No 63%

May

Internet Protocol Volumes Explode: Manage your business' risks

Unified Communications, Web-based applications and wireless technologies like Blackberrys all place increasing load on your network. Learn how to successfully migrate to IPv6 to minimize risk on your business.

Win the War Against Skills Shortage

The skills shortage can make finding the right recruits a challenge for many small businesses. Learn how one local company solved its recruitment headache with DDLS SpecIT program.

New General Manager at DDLS

Our new General Manager David Gage discusses his plans for DDLS.

Question of the Month

Do you think your service desk has adequate communication skills?

Please assist us by clicking on your one-click answer below.

YES - NO

Results from last month’s question: Do you feel your communication skills are strong enough to influence your managers?

Yes 51%
No 49%

“I am absolutely thrilled that I attended the Heroes Happen event after winning a brand new Canon DSLR camera! It was just a wonderful surprise - one of those things you never expect.”

- Jesper Nielsen of Shared Services Centre (VIC)

Winner of the DDLS competition at the official Microsoft Windows Server 2008 launch, {Heroes} Happen Here.

April

Attend TrainIT for Charity for This Years Top Technology Insights

DDLS holds its annual TrainIT for Charity day on Thursday, 24th April. Join us at the event to learn about this years big skills trends and contribute to the community too.

Managing Employee-led Communication Tools at Work

Many IT managers struggle to find a valid business proposition for employee-led communication tools. Find out how to justify the spend, increase productivity and get the most out of Microsoft Office Communication Server.

>> DDLS will preview its Microsoft OCS training as part of its TrainIT for Charity day this month.

Project Managers to Improve Performance

As IT managers search for new ways to increase the chances of IT project success, they are faced with rapidly evolving operational challenges. Read the top three tips for successful IT project management to bring projects in on time and within budget.

Question of the Month

Do you feel your communication skills are strong enough to influence your managers?

Please assist us by clicking the link below to vote:

YES - NO

March 2008

Negotiating Your Way to the Top

Negotiation is one of the most important skills to attain in business, whether you are a customer support technician or a CIO. Here are six tips for effective negotiation in the workplace.

>> DDLS previews its Conflict Free Negotiation and Influence training as part of its TrainIT for Charity day in April.

Question of the Month

Has your career development been held back by a lack of effective negotiation skills? Please assist us by clicking the link below to vote:

YES - NO

Recruitment Made Easy

Despite a skills shortage in the IT industry, students still find it difficult to land a job with no experience. DDLS SpecIT program provides recruits with specialist training, a guaranteed job upon successful completion and fast-tracked career progression with some of Australias leading organisations such as building materials supplier, Boral.

DDLS would like to congratulate..

Name	Company
1. Paul Ibberson	EDS Australia
2. Fareed Amini	GE Money
3. James Scott	High Impact Software
4. Teng-See Loke	QUT
5. Matthew Gargett	Beacon

..winners of a Hawaii trip for 2 to Ride the DDLS Technology Wave.

Jan/Feb 2008

Top Skills for Every IT Manager in 2008

Having trouble planning how to train your staff in 2008? Look no further as we uncover the top skills that will support the IT innovation agenda this year.

Unified Communications: Is it Right for Your Business?

There is a lot of discussion around Unified Communications (UC), but what benefits can it deliver to your businesses? To find out more about UC and learn how to establish a business case, read this article.

Secrets of Staff Retention: A Case Study

With Australias low unemployment rate and increasing skills shortage, businesses continue to face the challenge of high employee turnover. Learn how Acer Australia overcame its recruitment and retention challenges by taking a different approach to training and recruitment.

DDLS labels Windows Server 2008 Seminars a Success

Did you miss DDLS recent Windows Server 2008 seminar? Get a taste of what the seminars covered and learn how you can stay informed of this new technology as it launches into Australia.

Question of the Month

Do you/your staff intend to participate in any Unified Communications-related training in the next 12 months?

Please assist us by clicking the link below to vote:

YES - NO

Nov/Dec 2008

Apple Training Now Available

DDLS is now the first Australian provider of accredited training for the Apple enterprise market. Find out why this partnership is in demand and how you can capitalise on the Apple opportunity.

The Early Bird Gets the Early MCSE

In terms of your businesses’ certification roadmap, one thing is clear: technology will continue to evolve at a rapid rate. And certifications need to be upgraded. Learn how to beat the certification panic, particularly with the imminent release of Windows Server 2008.

Can Anyone Understand You? The Top 10 Mistakes in Business Writing

Do your clients really know what your emails mean? Does your boss understand your draft proposal? With ever increasing pressure to communicate effectively and a sharp rise in the number of ways we communicate, it’s no wonder you might be lost. Learn the tricks behind effective business writing.

DDLS Introduces Virtual Infrastructure Expert
DDLS introduces Virtual Infrastructure Expert available from February 2008.

Gain hands on experience with leading virtualization platforms including VMware Virtual Infrastructure 3, XenSource 4, Microsoft Virtual Server 2007, VMware Converter and Platespin. To find out more, click here.

Question of the Month

Do you intend to sit Windows Server 2008 Training on release?

Please assist us by clicking the link below to vote:

YES - NO

September/October 2007

MOSS: The Buck Stops with End Users

Microsoft Sharepoint Takes Off

Companies that leverage Microsoft Office SharePoint Services (MOSS) experience an increase in productivity but the majority fail to achieve this. Why? End users either don’t understand the technology or they fail to incorporate it into their workflow.

Using assessments to keep on top of projects

At a time of shrinking IT budgets and skills shortages, yet a very buoyant business and IT project market, it has never been more important to fine-tune project management capabilities within every organisation. The challenge is, like any other critical business process, how to get the best bang for your buck.

Staff Retention: More than Free Lunches and Mufti Days

The skills shortage has been driven, in part, by a drop in university enrolments. Fewer people are attracted to study IT. Why? IT has traditionally delivered limited career paths and a narrow approach to skills development.

Did you know?

With the imminent release of Windows 2008 and Microsoft’s next generation of certification, existing Windows 2000 MCSE and MCSA certified IT Pros have till 31^st March 2008 to complete their Upgrade exams. The MCSA 70-292 and MCSE 70-296 exams have been available since March 2003 to upgrade 2000 certified IT Pros to 2003 MCSE, the two stage upgrade must be followed for all those who have failed to upgrade to 2003 already.

DDLS course price rise

DDLS course prices have increased from October 1st. To find out more call us on 13 12 01 or speak to your Account Manager today.

August 2007

Who moved my MCSE?
The new generation of Microsoft certifications

With the eminent release of Windows 2008 (formerly codenamed "Longhorn") the IT workforce is asking the question, "What happens to my MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) Certification?"

Cisco changes CCNA, introduces CCENT
Cisco update

Cisco has adapted its certification offering to meet the changing needs of the IT industry. Significant changes have been made to Cisco’s certification offering, with the introduction of a new base-level certification, the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and important changes to the content learnt in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

Don't doubt the value of certification
Vendors move to update certifications

Certifications are a very effective tool for measuring skills in the IT industry. They enable IT professionals to work for different companies in different countries and act as a skills benchmark. The great thing about certifications is that they are a consistent measurement and set the foundation for skills in the IT industry.

June 2007

Why develop Process and People skills?
Are your Process and People skills undernourished?

There is an inherent risk involved in maintaining a solely techno-centric focus on skills development in an IT Department. Don't get me wrong, technology skills are undoubtedly important and IT departments are measured according to technology-related metrics such as the provision of services to the rest of the business.

"We need more Kevs on the help-desk"
SpecIT™ Cadet Program launches another IT career

This month we focus on the calibre of the people that are available for employment from the SpecIT™ Cadet program by showcasing Kev Harty, who completed the SpecIT™ program in 2006 and currently works at ACER.

10 things to know about Microsoft Longhorn
10 things to know about Microsoft Server 2008

Microsoft’s latest version of its core server product (Windows Server 2008 – codename Longhorn) is due for release later this year. DDLS’ Microsoft Product Manager (and former NSW Instructor Manager) Roland Leggat gives his take on what are some key points to keep in mind when looking at this new product.

May 2007

Effective Collaboration with MOSS
The rise of SharePoint 2007 as a Collaborative tool

Acer uses SpecIT for Help Desk staff
Boosting recruitment and retention of Help Desk staff

TrainIT for Charity
TrainIT for Charity and bring smiles to sick kids!

March 2007

Redeem your Microsoft Software Assurance vouchers
Don't let your Software Assurance vouchers go to waste

Computer forensics critical to security
EnCase leads the market in Computer Forensics software

SharePoint End user training options
End user training is critical to a successful SharePoint implementation

January / February 2007

Much anticipated update to CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ certification undergoes structural changes

Novell's Partner Specialisation program
Novell introduces 4 partner specialisations

Important Exchange 2007 Courses
Install, manage, monitor and troubleshoot Exchange 2007

November / December 2007

BizTalk 2006 Developer Boot Camp
Update and deepen your skills on Microsoft BizTalk 2006

DDLS enhances Microsoft .NET courses
Strong instructors allow DDLS to improve .NET courseware

Important update to Cisco CIPT course
Cisco IP Telephony courses undergo an update

News

DDLS launch of SQL 2008

Designers in SharePoint Unite!

ITIL After Hours Courses

Events

Creating your own Talent Factory Perth

Creating your own Talent Factory Canberra

Promotions

Cisco training packages

SQL Upgrade packages

Redeem your Microsoft Software Assurance Vouchers here at DDLS!

Upgrade from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

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How to Change Current Attitudes Towards Careers in IT

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