I'm looking at the training classes provided by RIM and while they aren't super expensive they cost enough that I'd like to get plenty of feedback before I go forward and drop $1700 on the 2 classes I'm interested in. Has anyone taking their classes (in-person or online)? What was your impression of the quality level for the cost? Have you taken any certifications and did you find they helped with finding a job?
?!?! $1700 !?!? Wow! That seems insane. I am with VZW and a sales rep at a local VZW stare told me they offer some basic BB classes for newbies and they are free. You know the old saying: Better look hard and you better look twice.
Not talking about the basic classes for newbies, administration classes. I would post a link to them but I have less than 10 posts and can't post links.
They also have a course that combines those 2 and is available self-paced, online for $999.
Course objectives
Module 1 – Introducing the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution
• Identify the purpose of the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
• Describe the architecture and components that make up the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
• Describe how data flows through the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
Module 2 – Introducing the BlackBerry Enterprise Server
• Identify the purpose of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
• Describe the functions of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
• Describe the BlackBerry Enterprise Server architecture.
• Describe the BlackBerry Enterprise Server components.
• Describe how data flows to a BlackBerry device through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
• Describe how data flows from a BlackBerry device through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
Module 3 – Exploring the BlackBerry Manager
• Open the BlackBerry Enterprise Server tools.
• Open the BlackBerry Manager.
• Explore the BlackBerry Manager console.
• Describe the levels within the BlackBerry Manager.
Module 4 – Managing Administrative Roles
• Define administrative roles.
• Describe the functions of administrative roles.
• Describe the options each role can access.
• Describe how to administer the roles.
Module 5 – Managing BlackBerry Device Users
• Describe how to add BlackBerry device users to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
• Describe how to manage BlackBerry device users.
• Configure a BlackBerry device user by setting BlackBerry device user properties on the BlackBerry
Enterprise Server.
Module 6 – Managing User Groups
• Introduce BlackBerry user groups.
• Manage BlackBerry device user groups.
• Add administrative groups.
• Configure group properties.
• Add BlackBerry device users to a new group.
• View the BlackBerry device users who are part of a group.
• Configure BlackBerry device user properties for a group member.
• Edit existing groups.
• Change which BlackBerry device users are part of groups.
• Troubleshoot issues with BlackBerry device user groups.
Module 7 – Managing IT Policies
• Describe IT policies.
• Explain when IT policies can be used.
• Describe IT policy data flow.
• Create and assign IT policies.
• Change IT policies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve IT policies issues.
Module 1 – Managing Data Transfer
• Describe and configure email message pre-population.
• Describe and configure wireless email message reconciliation.
• Describe and configure wireless data synchronization.
• Describe wireless calendar synchronization.
• Describe and configure automatic wireless backup.
Module 2– Managing Email Message Filters
• Distinguish between BlackBerry device user, group, and global email message filters.
• Describe how to create a new filter.
• Describe filter conditions.
• Describe filter actions.
• Configure the default action if no email message filters apply.
• Explain the importance of filter order.
• Describe how to manage email message filters.
Module 3 – Administering the BlackBerry Attachment Service
• Describe the BlackBerry Attachment Service.
• Describe the network architecture of the BlackBerry Attachment Service.
• Configure the BlackBerry Attachment Service.
• Troubleshoot BlackBerry Attachment Service issues.
Module 4– Administering the BlackBerry MDS Connection Service
• Introduce the BlackBerry MDS.
• Describe how data flows through the BlackBerry MDS Connection Service.
• Describe how to manage the BlackBerry MDS Connection Service.
• Troubleshoot BlackBerry MDS Connection Service issues.
Module 5 – Administering the BlackBerry Collaboration Service
• Describe the BlackBerry Collaboration Service.
• Describe how data flows through the BlackBerry Collaboration Service
• Describe how to manage the BlackBerry Collaboration Service.
Module 6 – Troubleshooting the BlackBerry Enterprise Server
• Introduce BlackBerry Enterprise Server logging.
• Describe how to use BlackBerry Enterprise Server logs for troubleshooting.
• Describe other BlackBerry Enterprise Server utilities for monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Send notices to BlackBerry device users.
• Troubleshoot messaging issues.
I'm very curious about this too. I just saw online that rim is offering training in my area in July, and I asked my boss about it, but he said no on the 1700. But i'd like to convince him on letting me go.
Are you a current bes admin looking to increase your knowledge or are you someone who is going into the role soon or has but only recently?
I took those 2 courses and it did have useful information it wasn't worth the amount of money it cost. Now keep in mind I have been supporting our bes(among other things) for about 2-2.5 years at that point.
If you are new into the role or are looking to get into the role in can be useful to help understand how everything works.
Well i've been the blackberry guy here at work for about 4 months, and I'd like to learn more about them. I know a decent amount, but i'd like to know more.
I just took the first 2 courses in June. I picked up a few things but new most of it after supporting BES for a little over a year. I got a nice hat and keychain out of it. Books too. Ask for a discount. I'm with a state government agency with less than 400 users and the gave us a BIG discount. Instructor did recommend the advance courses, which I would like to take once I upgrade to 5.0.
I've downloaded and printed off several of the available pdf documentation from Blackberrys website. They usually have an Administrators guide, Resource Kit guide and others.
Blackberry training classes 
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