Blackberry training classes

[RichFellows]

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?

[Berrydale]

?!?! $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.

[RichFellows]

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.

[RichFellows]

Course objectives, part 1:

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 8 – Managing the BlackBerry Devices
• Describe BlackBerry device management.
• Describe BlackBerry device deployment.
• Describe wireless enterprise activation troubleshooting issues.
• Describe BlackBerry Device Software management.
• Describe BlackBerry device management.

[RichFellows]

Course objectives part 2:

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.

[ngaba]

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.

[Mythico]

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.

I hope this helps

[ngaba]

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.

[bigpetefox]

Prometric has Blackberry Certification exams for $150.. I have friends looking into study guides for me, wouldn't hurt to add to my other IT certs..

[ngaba]

Yea I wouldn't mind having a blackberry cert under my belt, but I'm just looking for any kind of study guide for it.

[grishamgang]

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.

[ngaba]

Does anyone have any books that they would recommend on reading for bes support?

[grishamgang]

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.