Simple roadmap to a FileNet 4.5 Installation Certification

Over the years I have lead numerous FileNet implementations in India, in recent times have noticed a growing emphasis especially from FileNet customers that the developers / administrators / installers / designers supplied by vendors are FileNet certified. This of course is completely warranted, the motivation behind this, as is with any other demand for certified professionals, is that novices do not and should not build enterprise systems.  It also makes sense with products such as FileNet; each layer of the stack involves considerable complexity and multiple technologies from an installation and maintenance perspective. IBM recognizes this and mandates that  person(s) installing FileNet 4.X in a production environment be a certified FileNet installer. This is to ensure that the installer has sufficient understanding of the hardware and software configurations required to perform the installation task.

So, how does one become a certified FileNet installer? Where do you start?  I have outlined below a simple roadmap based on my recent experience with the FileNet 4.5 Installation Certification.

To become an IBM certified FileNet installer, the first step is to attend a FileNet Installation training (Classroom or Instructor led online course). As a part of this course, there will be a minimum of 2 instructor-led installations done in different configurations (mix of App servers, databases, OS and LDAP providers) during the first 4 days. On the 5th day, the participant will have to chose a configuration and perform the installation without any help from instructor. Once the participant completes, the instructor verifies the installation and a key will be provided to the participant to take the online exam. The participant will have to go to IBM FileNet Certification web site, provide this key and take an online exam to complete the certification. However, the last activity (online exam) will not be the part of the 5 day program. This has to be taken whenever the participant feels he is ready to take it.

As a part of IBM FileNet P8 Platform Installation 4.5 course one needs to do at least 2 of the below mentioned configurations.
Config 1
Application Server – WebSphere 6.1.X
Database – SQL Server 2005
LDAP Provider – Microsoft Active Directory
CE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server & WAS 6.1.X
PE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server
AE 4.5 on SuSE Linux Server & WAS 6.1.X

Config 2
Application Server – WebSphere 6.1.X
Database – Oracle 11i
LDAP Provider – Novell eDirectory
CE 4.5 on SuSE Linux & WAS 6.1.X
PE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server
AE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server & WAS 6.1.X

Config 3 (Included in the course but done only if there is time)
Application Server – WebSphere 6.1.X
Database – DB2 9.1.X
LDAP Provider – IBM Tivoli Directory Service
CE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server & WAS 6.1.X
PE 4.5 on Windows 2003 Server
AE 4.5 on SuSE Linux Server & WAS 6.1.X

During the earlier FileNet 4.0 trainings, we had the option of choosing WebLogic configuration on Windows or Linux. In FileNet 4.5, the focus has shifted more onto WAS 6.1.X (understandably) as it is being bundled with CM / BPM licenses. So, in all the configurations, you will end up deploying CE and AE on WAS 6.1.X. However, WebLogic and JBoss are supported and FileNet 4.5 can run on these two application servers also.As far as the online exam is concerned, there will be 30 multiple choice questions, 90 minutes and you need to score 80% or above to complete the certification.

So all you folks out there interested in expanding your expertise in the FileNet domain, version 4.5 is the latest version and it makes sense to get started with this to stay ahead in the game. Good luck and look forward to hearing about your experiences!