DataPower

I'm the Certification Program Manager for the Integration portfolio at IBM.  We'd like to create a new DataPower certification this year to update our existing cert to the current product version.  A couple of questions for you: 

• Currently, our certification is for a Solution Implementer role. If we're able to develop only one DataPower exam this year, what role do you think it should be for?  Is Solution Implementer the one you'd choose?  Or would you rather see an Admin role?  Or something else?
• Do you feel you need a DataPower certification (any job role) for your current job role? If you respond to this question, please be sure to mention your job role.
• Please note:  Even though I'd like to create a DataPower exam this year, there are many factors that might prevent a new exam from being created.  This post does not guarantee a new exam will be created this year.

Rena,

I'm a CTO of a company providing productivity tools for DataPower Administrators.  In the earlier years of DataPower (2007-2010), I was a certified DataPower Instructor through Perficient, and I've done significant solution implementation and administrative duties throughout the years. 

Certainly, those with strong solution implementation experience can be administrators.  However, these days, the "Developer" vs "Administrator" roles are separate, especially in larger commercial and government organizations.

I do find many companies hiring for the administrative role hiring people having no solution implementation experience.   There is definitely an educational gap there. 

I also spend quite a bit of time answering questions on the IBM DataPower Community, and am surprised at the weakness of knowledge with respect to solution implementation.

So, I think you're on the right track.  Attack the Solution Implementor role first.  Then consider an Administration Role.  

With all that said, you'll likely need another for API Connect, as the implementation and administration of that is night-and-day different.

Reach out for any help you might want in that endeavor.  I'll be glad to assist.

I'm the Certification Program Manager for the Integration portfolio at IBM.  We'd like to create a new DataPower certification this year to update our existing cert to the current product version.  A couple of questions for you: 

• Currently, our certification is for a Solution Implementer role. If we're able to develop only one DataPower exam this year, what role do you think it should be for?  Is Solution Implementer the one you'd choose?  Or would you rather see an Admin role?  Or something else?
• Do you feel you need a DataPower certification (any job role) for your current job role? If you respond to this question, please be sure to mention your job role.
• Please note:  Even though I'd like to create a DataPower exam this year, there are many factors that might prevent a new exam from being created.  This post does not guarantee a new exam will be created this year.