Managing IT as a Business: A Survival Guide for CEOs

Book Description

With Managing IT as a Business you'll get practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit.

Download Description

Typically, information technology ranks highly among most companies' top five expenditures. Yet IT continues to be one of the least understood and most poorly managed areas in business. While all executives recognize the importance of technology as a means of improving customer service and of making work more efficient, few understand how to leverage IT strategically and how to use it as a driver of business success. Managing IT as a Business provides executives with practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit. Through numerous case studies that outline the lessons other senior executives have learned while maximizing their IT investment.

Customer Reviews:

Must Buy if Upgrading from IT Management to CIO.......2007-08-07

Great help for someone that has just upgraded
from IT Management to a CIO role and needed to
upgrade as well his agenda. Excellent source of inspiration
and perfect guide for a profession that is still
under transformation. Definitely a must have.

The book is focused (and written by) on world class CIO positions,
but I found it equally useful for smaller scale CIOs.
It's exactly there that it lacks some information
on the organization of smaller IT groups ( <20 persons).

If you are a CIO then buy it. If you are an IT manager
you need something else.

A Must-Read for Every CIO.......2006-04-01

Excerpt from review on bsmDigest.com:
"Mark Lutchen's groundbreaking book continues to influence technology leaders with its vision for building mature IT organizations. As more CIOs and CEOs grapple with the challenge of applying effective management processes to their increasingly critical technology organizations, this engaging book offers very practical advice for doing it successfully. Drawing on his experience both as an actual CIO managing a large, global IT organizations and as a management consultant working with many large organizations, Lutchen delivers a clear, integrated vision for enlightened IT management."

Pragmatic and clear........2005-06-24

I have only one simple statement - where were you Mark when I started my IT career 17 years ago? Today I would have been a CIO! I highly recommend this book for those starting out their careers in IT as it gives a big picture look to the field. Own it and refer to the clear and relevant graphics in the book.

Insightful!.......2004-06-03

In the fall of 2003, the Harvard Business Review published an article advancing the proposition that "IT doesn't matter." The article's author suggested that because IT was now a commodity, and everyone had it, it no longer conveyed any distinctive competitive advantage and therefore, strategically, did not matter. In fact, at many companies, IT doesn't matter as much as it should - not because it is a commodity that other companies also use, but because most companies don't get every potential benefit from their IT. To advance your business agenda effectively, make IT a real part of the business. Author Mark D. Lutchen shows managers, particularly CEOs and CIOs, why IT is not fully a part of business at the moment, and what it will take to turn IT into a competitive, strategic asset. We recommend this useful, well-written, clearly organized book to anyone whose job involves decisions on IT budgets, organization, investments or strategy.

A must read for IT professionals developing a career roadmap.......2004-03-27

This is a fabulous book for experienced or aspiring IT managers whose goal is to prepare for ascension through the ranks, especially to the CIO level. In simple yet rich language, Mark presents a clear picture of the future of the IT organization and the competencies needed in the CIO and senior team heading up this professional services operation. The examples and case studies are rich with insights. In short, this book is pragmatic and weighty, yet also highly readable and I dare say outright enjoyable. I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone who wants to develop an effective IT career roadmap. Thank you Mark Lutchen.

Book Description

Announcing an all-new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-290, a core exam for the new Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features that exam candidates want mostincluding in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job. Focusing on account and resource management in a Windows Server 2003 environment, this official study guide covers topics such as managing physical and logical devices; users, computers, and groups; access and permissions; the server environment; and disaster recovery services.

Customer Reviews:

Great hands on Tutorial.......2007-09-10

Great hands on tutorial. The book is so big though that you either have great memory, or study on a consistent basis so you'll remember all you has read by the time you get to the end. I got this book for hands on experience, and got the Exam Cram version as a refresher before the test.

Great product & support CD's.......2007-08-28

I was very impressed with this training manual for the Microsoft 70-290 exams. Features prac & theory but best of all it includes an evaluation version of Server 2003 which is a must for the practical exercises. Overall extremely happy with this purchase.

Helped A Non-Techy Pass the 70-290 Exam on the First Try.......2007-08-11

First of all I am not highly technical. I am a CRM Project Manager and I wanted to take and pass this exam to become and MCP and a MCBSM Profession for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. I do not do any of the outlined Windows Server tasks on a regular basis and had very little knowledge of them before I read this book.

I also found the certification exam to be very challenging and confusing at times; even more than some of the other Microsoft Certifications Exams the I have taken. That being said I believe this book did a very good job preparing me for the exam.

I found it to be bearable, which is actually pretty good considering my interest in the topics was limited. I spend roughly 30 hours reading the text and doing the examples from the book and another 15 hours taking the practice tests. In my opinion each of these three components are equally important.

Overall I don't think I retained much of the content and I would not recommend reading this book if you don't plan to taking the certification exam or using the content on a daily basis. However, if you are planning on taking the exam this probably the best resource because of the content, examples, and practice test cd.

Didn't get Serial Key with c.d........2007-02-17

I'm very dissappointed as I didn't get a serial key with my book to install the training edition of Enterprise Server 2003. This has caused me to have to find someone with a valid copy of Enterprise and it hasn't been easy.

Excellent Book.......2007-01-09

Is very good book is you planning taking this exam and very helpfully i recomended it

Average customer rating:

Managing and Using Information Systems
Adequate read for IT courses

Managing and Using Information Systems
Carol S. Saunders , and Keri E. Pearlson
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0471715387

Book Description

Integrate IT with business strategy
Now updated and revised, this Third Edition of Managing and Using Information Systems by Pearlson and Saunders arms you with the insights and knowledge you need to become an active participant in information systems decisions. Taking a strategic approach to information systems, the authors show how to manage information as a resource and use information for competitive advantage.

This brief, yet complete, paperback provides a basic framework for understanding the relationships among business strategy, information systems, and organizational strategies. You'll learn how IT relates to organizational design and business strategy, how to recognize opportunities in the work environment, and how to apply current technologies in innovative ways.

New Features of the Third Edition
* New coverage of off-shoring
* New coverage of IT portfolio management
* Expanded coverage of management of security
* Expanded coverage of Supply Chain Management (SCM)
* Additional cases

Cases are available with Business Extra Select
Custom CoursePacks of cases and readings for each chapter are available via Wiley's Business Extra Select program. Go to www.wiley.com/college/bxs for more details.

Customer Reviews:

Managing and Using Information Systems.......2007-02-16

Book shipped extremely fast and was just as described. Thanks.

Adequate read for IT courses.......2007-01-20

I'm reading this in an MBA MIS course. I'm also an IT manager, so I have a little more experience and perception behind what I'm reading.

No IT book is real life. They're mostly theory. This one does a decent job of integrating theory with recent case studies. It would suffice as an adequate IT training book for anyone who may be managing IT or may encounter those working in the field.

Managing Information Technology (5th Edition)

Average customer rating:

MIT
Good book
You've got to be kidding me.
This book isn't good
USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL

Managing Information Technology (5th Edition)
E. Wainright Martin , Carol V. Brown , Daniel W. DeHayes , Jeffrey A. Hoffer , and William C. Perkins
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131454439

Customer Reviews:

MIT.......2007-10-05

too few visuals. the way the book arrange texts made me feel a bit headache.

Good book.......2004-05-08

I think I have learned a lot from the book. Thanks.. It is a good book.

You've got to be kidding me........2004-01-09

This is literally the worst textbook I've ever used in my entire academic career. This book is jam-packed with jargon ("utilize"), acronyms (e.g.,"ERP," a term that the book does a poor job defining), and slashes. By slashes I mean, do you know how IT consultants love to use two synonymous words when one would suffice? For example: "I love/like to go jogging/running to the store/market."

My MIS professor was a moron, however, so it's understandable that he would choose this book. IF YOU ARE A PROFESSOR WHO IS NOT A MORON, DO NOT MAKE YOUR STUDENTS SUFFER THROUGH THIS BOOK. Thanks.

This book isn't good.......2002-12-15

Consider the following statement from page 256. Here's some "early lessons" from the "new economy":

Dot-com startups as well as clicks-and-mortar strategies can be viable for B2B for B2C ecommerce if the applications leverage Internet technologies AND a marketplace strength.

Aren't you glad you bought the book? You ALSO need a marketplace strength to be successful, not just the Internet stuff. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?

USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL.......2002-02-01

I am finding this book as an extremely useful reference tool for writing my senior thesis at Rutgers University (NJ) on the Internet and B2B transactions. I find it very easy to read and useful, and some of the case studies are very interesting and helpful. Some of the other buyers don't seem to think the book is worth its price but I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THEM. I believe the book is worth its price.

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Great if you have a home computer lab.
Good foundation, but not quite enough to pass the exam
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Test Preparation, but also a lot of Basic Material

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
J.C. Mackin , and Ian McLean
Manufacturer: Microsoft Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0735622884

Book Description

Announcing an all-new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-291, a core exam for the new Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features wanted mostincluding in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job. Focusing on network infrastructure management for Windows Server 2003, this official study guide covers topics such as implementing, managing, and maintaining IP addressing, name resolution, network security measures, routing and remote access, and monitoring and troubleshooting network infrastructure.

Customer Reviews:

Great if you have a home computer lab........2007-07-21

Well, I'm impressed. For starters, I got a valuable education from this book, not to mention a 980 on the exam. This book is a thorough course and will prepare you as much for the real world as it will the exam, but it requires a practice network of at least 2 computers (I recommend 3), and a lot of time - 250 to 300 hours. This isn't the kind of book that you read in bed or on the couch. The book is approx. 25% reading, 75% hands on lab work.

I give my money to Microsoft reluctantly, especially on products that depend on solid communication skills, but since the book came with a trial version of Server 2003, I plugged my nose and bought it. I expected a litany of typos, endless ambiguity and the "good enough" quality standards that their software has accustomed me to, but that wasn't the case at all. The book was 98% accurate. The practice exam software was an asset, and like I said, it was thorough. It's only shortcoming was in the topic area of "Windows Software Update Service". I should add that I had two years of experience within an Active Directory environment under my belt.

Good foundation, but not quite enough to pass the exam.......2007-06-23

This book lays a very good foundation for the 70-291 exam and is thorough in its explanation of DNS, DHCP and RRAS. The section on security was informative as well. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is it does not always cover every topic in depth that is tested in the exam.

Taking practice tests with the accompanying CD is a must. I have found that these tests are an essential part of the learning process and really prepare you for the real exam. Some of the questions can be difficult because they may not have been fully covered in the book. Make sure you check out the explanations to these questions and get more information on those topics from TechNet on Microsoft's website, it will really help you pass on your first try.

All in all, I really think the book does a good job in getting you read for the exam.

Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure.......2007-03-10

I found this book to be a great resource and a good foundational book. I goes into enough detail to get a good understanding of the principals of Windows 2003 Network Infrastructure. While I am not sure you can pass the MSCSE 70-291 test with just reading this book it is a great foundation to compliment a good purchased sample test.

Test Preparation, but also a lot of Basic Material.......2006-08-26

It has taken a while to get this book published. 1230 pages of material takes a lot of time to put together. Obviously the stated aim of this book is to prepare the student to take the exam. However, even if you are not planning on taking the exam, the material covered here is a complete book on Windows Server 2003 Networking. It covers everything from defining TCP/IP to troubleshooting nearly any kind of trouble.

Of course the main thrust of the book is to pass the test, so there are a lot of small tests throughout the book and then there are three CD's. This includes a 180 day evaluation version of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition. In addition there is a review test that will give you the look and feel of the real test.

This is by no means light reading for the IT newbie, but it's all you will need to pass the certification test.

Managing the Information Technology Resource: Leadership in the Information Age

Average customer rating:

Poor at best
A Big Yawner
A must read!!

Managing the Information Technology Resource: Leadership in the Information Age
Jerry N. Luftman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130351261

Book Description

This book prepares readers for the challenge of integrating the technology resource. In order to understand the industry today, one must understand the ways companies align, partner, and communicate through technology to grow their business. Managing the Information Technology Resource presents a set of powerful tools to ensure users' understanding of the strategies, tactics, and operational endeavors CIO's employ to assimilate technologies across the firm. "Examples in Action" boxes highlight real-world company examples in each chapter, lending a practical feel to the book so readers can see how this material relates to the actual workforce. Seven sections illustrate the critical topics inherent to IT in today's firm—Alignment, Partnership, Technology, Human Resources, Governance, Communications, and Metrics. Emphasis is placed on the tactical and operational role of the CIO. For anyone involved with IT in a company.

Customer Reviews:

Poor at best.......2005-02-09

I agree with J.Boot's review - it is obvious that another reviewer on this page is completely biased. Maybe it was their way of getting 'brownie points' for a better grade. ;)
As for the book, the explainations aren't very good, the illustrations confuse the subject, and overall it is a dry, slow read. I think the same regarding the 'Align in the Sand' book, too. The subject matter seems to jump around with little thought to flow, and the overall theme regarding IT/business alignment is a bit too utopian and unrealistic.

A Big Yawner.......2004-09-20

The other review of this book is obviously biased, since he studied under the author. This book is dry, poorly formatted, and has terrible illustrations/tables/figures.

For example, the author's discussion of Strategic Alignment Maturity starts off with a figure describing different levels of maturity (okay), followed by text that repeats what the figure shows (uh, okay), followed by MORE figures that expand on the first figure. ??? This is really poor presentation of information.

I bought it for $60 (not cover price of $130) and am disappointed. Frankly, Dilbert does a better job of explaining IT management.

A must read!!.......2004-03-01

I got a lot out of the book and found it extremly helpful in my career. So many items can be taken directly from the book and applied to your job.

I was lucky enough to study under Dr. Luftman during the fall of 2003 at Stevens Insititute of Technology in NJ. Dr. Luftman is very insightful and truly understands the needs for aligning Business and IT. Dr. Luftman engages on a regular basis all of the top CIOs in the NYC market. Besides this book, I recommend Dr. Luftmans other book "Align in the Sand". Another great work.

Book Description

A revolutionary new resource that brings documentation product management ideas up to date

The 1994 bestselling classic Managing Your Documentation Projects set the industry standard for technical documentation. However, since then, much has changed in the world of information development. With this new title, JoAnn Hackos looks beyond the structured project of the 1980s and 1990s. Instead, she focuses on the rapidly changing projects of the 21st century and addresses how to introduce agile information development without neglecting the central focus of planning information design and development around the needs of information users.

As an information-development manager, you are expected to reduce costs and project time, do more work with fewer resources and less money, and increase the value of the information you deliver. Recognizing this, Hackos has carefully designed this book to help you do precisely that. She helps you make strategic decisions about information development and directs the discussion of project management toward smarter decision-making.

An update of the original 1994 Information Process Maturity Model (IPMM) presents you with a method by which you can compare the state of your organization to others, evaluate your current status, and then consider what is necessary in order to move to the next level.

Information Development offers a completely new look at best practices for all phases of the document development lifecycle, including:

Managing a corporate information portfolio
Evaluating process maturity
Partnering with customers and developing user scenarios
Developing team effectiveness and collaboration
Planning and monitoring information projects
Managing translation and production
Evaluating project performance
Managing for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness

The companion Web site includes electronic versions of the templates and checklists featured in the book.

Wiley Technology Publishing Timely. Practical. Reliable.

Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/

Customer Reviews:

Admit that you are a wasteaholic.......2007-08-01

Any organization, large or small, that wants to get serious about growth should read this book, breathe it and master it. The first step is to admit you have a problem. "Hello, my name is Bob. I'm a wasteaholic."; "Hi Bob".

I used to HATE process. HATE HATE HATE. I didn't want to be constrained; I rationalized saying "well it is a waste of time to invest time in process, it is just needless bureacracy". I was a creative person, still am. Then 10 years later I realized I was wasting a lot of time because things weren't organized, there wasn't accountability, the projects were driving me, instead of me being on top of things.

Are you a wasteaholic? Answer this question: Do you feel on top of things?

If answer = yes, close browser window. If answer = no, order book.

Book is dead on.

Several years ago I interviewed for a staff position at Cornell University, in a dept. run by a guy who had spent a number of years in industry; I wanted to impress him, so I asked, "are there any books you'd recommend, out of all you've come across, about project management and content?" And he said "Managing Documentation Projects" -- which is the precursor to this book.

It rocks.

A truly recommendable read.......2007-06-15

In this book, JoAnn T. Hackos has compiled a great amount of useful information, "decorated" with many illustrating sample cases.
Well-structured, intelligible and applicable, "Information Development" is a welcome asset, although with 600 pages, it is nothing you read - least of all SHOULD read - overnight. :)

New book -- not 2nd edition.......2007-06-04

Please note that none of the reviews below are written about the 2006 new book on Information Development. The book is not a 2nd edition; it's an entirely new book with new content. The focus is on strategically managing a publications organization and effectively managing projects. The project management part of the book focuses on agile methods and managing topic-based writing activities.

Author has nothing to say and takes too long to say it.......2007-01-06

I bought this book because I liked the table of contents. I assumed this book would present concrete, actionable specifics on the subjects presented in the table of contents. I was disappointed.

Under information planning, this book only tells you that you should do it. Gee, thanks. Under estimating and scheduling - you should estimate future project resources and you should request new resources and fund innovation. Oh, boy. Yippee.

This book is an exercise in stating the blatantly obvious. I expected to see information on the nuts and bolts of producing technical documentation...I expected to see examples of budgets, examples of ways to create efficient systems for document production using single-sourcing, and to see examples of specific, important techniques for planning a document production process that allows for easy translation, revision, re-usability and transfer to different mediums. I expected to get a reference that would become well-worn on my desk. This book is as far from such a tome as it could possibly get while still being written in the English language.

I want to improve the efficiency of my documentation projects. I'd like to know about technologies (XML?, VBA?) that might help me with separating content from layout and improving reusability. Is that here? Nope. But you do get way too much talk about how you should acquire good tools that support your business goals. There is nothing about what those tools should be or what specifically would make them good.

One page tells you the difference between a "traditional" project and an "agile" project...things like: An agile project "responds to change" and has "minimal process documentation" as well as "reduced development schedules". That's nice. Who cares?

Implementing a Topic Architecture is the only section that even makes a move in the direction of specific, concrete, useful material. But even it leaves you thinking, "Well, duh...yathink?"

To sum up, this book tells you all the obvious things you ought to do...but that's it. It doesn't have anything to say about HOW you would actually do those things. I doubt the author has the foggiest idea how because I doubt she has a single hard skill to speak of. She definitely didn't write about any.

MCSA/MCSE 70-290 Exam Cram: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment (2nd Edition) (Exam Cram 2)

Average customer rating:

Great for cramming
For those that have worked with Servers ( 2 + years)
Good Study Guide for 70-290
The Facts, Just the Facts, and Given Fast

MCSA/MCSE 70-290 Exam Cram: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment (2nd Edition) (Exam Cram 2)
Dan Balter , and Patrick Regan
Manufacturer: Que
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0789736179

Book Description

MCSA/MCSE

Managing and Maintaining a MicrosoftÂ® Windows ServerÂ® 2003 Environment Second Edition

Exam 70-290

Dan Balter

Patrick Regan

The Smart Way to Studyâ¢

Covers the critical information you’ll need to know to score higher on your 70-290 exam!

Set up and maintain Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
Intelligently select the appropriate disk storage technology when deciding between basic versus dynamic disks and between MBR versus GPT disks
Take advantage of command-line tools such as DSADD, DSGET, DSMOD, DSMOVE, DSQUERY, and DSRM
Discover the enhanced functionality of Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0 under the R2 edition of Windows Server 2003
Harness the power of the increased security that Service Pack 1 (SP1) offers, such as the Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) and Access-based Enumeration filtering of network files and folders
Perform bulk imports and exports of Active Directory user accounts using the CSVDE and LDIFDE command-line utilities
Manage Windows Firewall settings under SP1 and R2
Configure shadow copies of shared folders so that users can easily retrieve previous versions of data files on their own

WRITTEN BY LEADING 70-290 EXPERTs:

Dan Balter is the chief technology officer for InfoTechnology Partners, Inc., a Microsoft Certified Partner company. He works as an IT consultant and trainer for both corporate and government clients and has worked with several network operating systems throughout his 24-year career. Dan holds the following Microsoft certifications: MCDST, MCSA, and MCSE.

Patrick Regan is a senior design architect/engineer and training coordinator for Miles Consulting Corp (MCC). He holds many certifications, including the Microsoft MCSE, MCSA, and MCT; CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+, Security+, and CTT+; Cisco CCNA; and Novell’s CNE and CWNP.

See the Inside Back Cover for Exclusive Access to 70-290 Practice Questions and Simulations!

Helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can assess your readiness to take the actual 70-290 exam.
Provides detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers.
Features a variety of study modes so you can work your way through the questions in the manner that best suits your study preferences.
Covers each 70-290 exam objective.

Introduction

Self Assessment

Chapter 1: Microsoft Certification Exams

Chapter 2: Administering Computer Accounts and Resources in Active Directory

Chapter 3: Managing User Accounts in Active Directory

Chapter 4:Managing Groups in Active Directory

Chapter 5: Managing Access to Resources

Chapter 6: Implementing Printing

Chapter 7: Managing Printing

Chapter 8: Managing Access to Objects in Organizational Units

Chapter 9: Implementing Group Policy

Chapter 10: Managing the User Environment by Using Group Policy

Chapter 11: Implementing Administrative Templates and Audit Policy

Chapter 12: Preparing to Administer a Server

Chapter 13: Preparing to Monitor Server Performance

Chapter 14: Monitoring Server Performance

Chapter 15: Maintaining Device Drivers and Hardware

Chapter 16: Managing Disks

Chapter 17: Managing Data Storage

Chapter 18: Managing Disaster Recovery and Data Backup Procedures

Chapter 19: Software Maintenance Using Windows Server Update Services

Chapter 20: Securing Windows Server 2003

Chapter 21: Practice Exam 1

Chapter 22: Answers to Practice Exam 1

Chapter 23: Practice Exam 2

Chapter 24: Answers to Practice Exam 2

Appendix A:Suggested Readings and Resources

Appendix B: Accessing Your Free MeasureUp Practice Test–Including Networking Simulations!:

Appendix C: MeasureUp's Product Features

Glossary

U.S. $34.99

CAN. $43.99

U.K. Â£24.99

www.examcram.com

ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3617-8

ISBN-10: 0-7897-3617-9

Customer Reviews:

Great for cramming.......2007-09-10

If you've never worked on a Windows 2003 Sever computer, then I would not recommend starting with this book. You'll pass the test but not know what to do in real life situation. Get this book only if you've had hands on experience, or have studied other material that's tutorial oriented before.

The last minute cram sheet in the front is an awesome summary. You are not likely to find a summary like this anywhere else.

For those that have worked with Servers ( 2 + years).......2007-07-16

Like the review above, this book is for those that need just the facts and information given to you. Unfortunately, the MS exams dont ask you questions like that , but rather in scenarios. If you need quick reference to specific answers, this a great way to go for the price. If you need scenario-type questions, this isn't the way to go.

At first I used this as my main text, then realized I needed more info. This book would make a great addition to your studies, but definitely shouldnt be used as the main entree, unless you are a professional in servers and IT.

Good Study Guide for 70-290.......2007-04-26

ExamCRAM 2 for the MS 70-290 test has been an excellent resource. It is well organized and has good illustrations. The questions at the end of the chapters are very helpful. The book has been an excellent supplement to the other study materials I have been using. I haven't taken the 70-290 test yet but feel confident that this book will be a key to getting a passing score.

This book works well for people who have passed the 70-270 exam, but is not for beginners. It is best used as a final review to make sure you have covered all of the important material before the exam.

The Facts, Just the Facts, and Given Fast.......2007-03-22

As the title of the book says, this is an Exam Cram book. Its intent, it's sole intent, is to teach you how to pass the Exam 70-290 test on Windows Server 2003 Environment. It is probably best suited for a person with some experience running Server 2003 already but who wants to pick up all the messy little details that are going to be asked on the exam.

To help you along, there are two practice exams, with answers and explanations. The book also has a Registration Key so you can go on line to MeasureUp and go through their on line questions as well. If you then want to take their test on line, there is a 20% discount off of the price.

Don't start here if you've never worked with Server before, it isn't enough of reference book to do that, it's purely an exam cram, just like it says.

But if you know Server 2003 pretty well, and just want to make sure that you have the test down pat, this is definitely the book for you. It's well written, clear, concise and down to the point.

IT Systems Management: Designing, Implementing, and Managing World-Class Infrastructures

Average customer rating:

Inexpensive Summary of the IT Infrastructure Library
Very poor quality
Great ITIL based overview of Systems Management
Useful
Schiesser Review

IT Systems Management: Designing, Implementing, and Managing World-Class Infrastructures
Rich Schiesser
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 013087678X

Customer Reviews:

Inexpensive Summary of the IT Infrastructure Library.......2007-02-08

This book is essentially a summary of the IT Infrastructure Library.

Considered in that light, this is a pretty good book for the money. It falls short of 5 stars by giving short attention to service desk (aka help desk) management and by not making clear it's debt to the ITIL.

For those who are not aware, the ITIL is a best practice framework for IT service delivery management. Developed and published by the UK's Office of Government Commerce, it is a series of 8 books: Service Support, Service Delivery, Planning to Implement Service Management, Application Management, Infrastructure Management, Security Management, Software Asset Management, and The Business Perspective. [...]

Having 7+ years experience in IT service delivery I recommend all organizations, regardless of industry or profit-status, utilize best practices for IT management. The preferred way to do this is
1. Implement COBIT to create an overall IT management framework.
2. Implement ITIL for service delivery management.
3. Implement ISO 17799 for security management.
4. Use the Balanced Scorecard methodology to coordinate goal setting and performance measurement between customers, financial stakeholders, internal process stakeholders, and training and growth needs.

To sum up, this is a good, inexpensive summary or intro to IT systems management as defined by ITIL.

Very poor quality.......2006-08-24

Entire book looks as if it's been photo-copied. Some pages have text cut off where the photocopy hasn't been done properly. Do not recommend buying this book.

Great ITIL based overview of Systems Management.......2004-01-23

This is a great book for IT managers who need a reference book with stepwise procedures to help plan, implement and manage any area of IT Systems.

Useful.......2003-01-09

IT Systems Management is a valuable reference for the whole IT community.
It is written in a clear style, with a lot of useful lists and worksheets.
I definitely recommend it.

Schiesser Review.......2002-12-17

In "IT Systems Management", Mr. Schiesser documented his wealth of life experiences, and created a roadmap for those of us in the business of making "IT" happen. The book offers concepts in an easy to understand format, and couples them with templates that can be used in real-world situations. Its use as a reference tool should not be understated.

Data Lifecycles: Managing Data for Strategic Advantage

Average customer rating:

ok, but somewhat overpriced

Data Lifecycles: Managing Data for Strategic Advantage
Roger Reid , Gareth Fraser-King , and W. David Schwaderer
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0470016337

Book Description

Businesses now rely almost entirely on applications and databases, causing data and storage needs to increase at astounding rates. It is therefore imperative for a company to optimize and simplify the complexity of managing its data resources.

Plenty of storage products are now available, however the challenge remains for companies to proactively manage their storage assets and align the resources to the various departments, divisions, geographical locations and business processes to achieve improved efficiency and profitability. Data Lifecycles identifies ways to incorporate an intelligent service platform to manage and map the storage of data. The authors give an overview of the latest trends and technologies in storage networking and cover critical issues such as world-wide compliance.

Data Lifecycles:

Provides a single-source guide to data and storage methodologies, processes, technologies and compliance issues.
Addresses the need of an encompassing intelligent data and storage management platform for modern businesses.
Gives an overview of the latest data technologies and concepts such as utility computing and information lifecycle management.
Clearly defines and describes lifecycle management and strategies to ensure growth of critical business data.
Shows how to dramatically reduce the total cost of storage ownership and provide rapid return on investment.
Enables customers to make decisions directed toward the purchase of storage tools and storage management solutions.

This text is an ideal introduction to modern data lifecycle management for network managers, system administrators, storage/system architects, network managers, information management directors as well as CIO/CTOs and their teams, senior IT managers and decision makers, and database administrators.

Customer Reviews:

ok, but somewhat overpriced.......2007-02-17

The authors attempt to raise the consciousness of the technical reader about clarifying the different types of data that her company stores. The reader might perhaps be an IT manager, who has to deal with issues like deciding when to buy new storage media, and what type of media this should be.

The text suggests that many companies simply view storage as being of infinite capacity, and always available, ie. online. This is too simplistic and very costly. There should be a scrutiny that classifies data. Specifically, you should decide what data really needs to be continuously online. Data outside this category should be either deleted or committed to offline storage, which is invariably much cheaper. Here, the cost savings arise from the offline media being cheaper and by lower power costs. Since the offline media should be held without any power consumption.

The authors are all from Symantec. But the book is careful to mention Symantec only a few times. Its advice is broadly applicable and vendor independent.

The discussion is useful. But the list price of $100 [!] seems excessive.

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