1/8/2001 -- Microsoft's 70-222 Migrating from Windows NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 Exam will finally go live in mid-January.

According to the company's Web site, the official launch date will be Jan. 16. The debut will end months of delay for this highly anticipated Win2K MCSE elective.

The exam tests one's ability to perform domain migrations through upgrades and restructuring. For objectives and details, visit http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/exams/examasearch.asp?PageID=70-222.

Beta News
The 70-225 Designing Messaging with Exchange 2000 Server beta is taking place now. This exam is currently in beta testing until Jan. 15. While in beta, the exam is numbered 71-225. The exam, an elective option under the Win2K MCSE track, measures one's ability to analyze the impact of implementing Exchange 2000 Server on a company's existing and planned network, to design a messaging solution with various security infrastructures, and to implement some new services, such as chats and instant messaging, among others. For a comprehensive guide to the exam's objectives, visit http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/exams/examasearch.asp?PageID=70-225.

In other beta news, the following MCSE elective exams will be released in beta form during the next few weeks:

• 70-222 Internet and Security Acceleration (ISA) Server, Jan. 24-30.
• 70-229 Designing Database with SQL Server 2000 Enterprise, Feb. 2-25.

Beta exams are free but are offered by invitation only. Microsoft selects candidates from several sources, including subscribers to its MCP Newsflash e-mail newsletter. To find out more about taking a beta exam, go to http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageID=mcp&SubSite=examinfo/policies&PageCall=betaexam. -MCPMag.com