1.6 How Much Training Is Needed?

1.6.1 What Our Customers Tell Us

Some customers have found that their administrators need Linux training. Novell provides several training courses to help bring administers up to speed with administering OES services on Linux. Familiar tools, such as iManager and Novell Remote Manager (NRM), and utilities such as NSSMU and NLVM are also used to administer Novell services on OES. Many administrators are pleasantly surprised when they see that their knowledge and skills apply very well to managing Novell services on OES.

We recognize that time and resources are a problem for customers, and we recommend following the example of one of our customers: Four months prior to rollout, Novell provided OES and SLES training for their administrators at their site and on their hardware and software.

When we survey customers, they consistently tell us they want training that addresses:

  • Differences in day-to-day support and management versus NetWare

  • How to install and upgrade existing NetWare servers to OES

  • Differences between NetWare and OES: services, features, and interoperability

  • Troubleshooting

1.6.2 Conduct a Training Assessment

Novell recommends that you conduct a training needs assessment. You should determine whether current skill sets are absent, adequate, or proficient, so that you can recommend a training package. Three levels of Linux expertise are recommended:

Table 1-4 Recommended Linux Training Levels

Level of Expertise

Training Needed

Qualities of Potential Candidates

Certified Linux Expert

You will probably want at least some of your technical staff to be Linux certified (LPI level1 and/or LPI level 2). Many third-party Linux certification courses are available to meet this need.

  • Are typically already UNIX (AIX, Solaris, etc.) experts.

  • Have some Linux experience.

  • Are willing to attend additional class and lab sessions.

  • Are willing to serve as trainers and mentors.

  • Have accredited certifications.

Linux Administrator

Novell recommends SUSE Linux-specific training.

Novell offers a variety of instructor-led and self-study certification and training options including Novell Advanced Technical Training (ATT), which is highly recommend.

The comprehensive courses address a wide range of advanced topics including support issues, in-depth architectural reviews, and enterprise solutions. ATT classes provide real-world expertise that can be put to immediate use.

  • Are currently UNIX or NetWare administrators who are willing to expand skills

  • Have data center and server farm administrative experience. Deep technical skills are less important.

  • Have expertise in services above the OS level. OS knowledge is necessary.

Linux Support Staff

Support staff need to be knowledgeable about how specific network services (eDirectory, edge services, iPrint, etc.) work on Linux.

Novell offers service-specific courses for most major services.

  • Support current file, print, and other network systems.

  • Will need to move to more Linux support, but system focus will remain the same.