JOIN US: Systems are behind everything technical thing we do: from a single computer to massive enterprise infrastructures. The IT Challenge asks you to become a master at making those systems work. You will be tested on your knowledge, faced with unique scenarios and diverse customer needs to solve at every twist and turn. If you make it to the end of this competition, you’ll attend the Worldwide Finals and be announced as the best of the best in the industry.
YOUR MISSION: Do you like a challenge? Just how far will you "push the system" before it breaks? How can you make a system so highly available, that it's always available? Did you make it to Round 2 of the IT Challenge? Check out the IT Challenge
Leaderboard! If you did make it, congratulations and here is the
Round 2 Case Study.
WHO: You and your knowledge are all that is needed for the IT Challenge!
PRIZES: The top 3 finalists will receive a trip to the Worldwide Finals in Warsaw, Poland. Trip includes round trip coach airfare from major airport closest to winner's home, standard hotel accommodations, and select meals. In addition, the top 3 finalists will receive one of the following cash prizes:
- First Place: $8,000 USD
- Second Place: $4,000 USD
- Third Place: $3,000 USD
IT Challenge Step By Step Guidelines
STEP 1: READ ALL OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THIS CHALLENGE FIRST!
STEP 2: PASS AT LEAST ONE OF THE ROUND 1 IT CHALLENGE QUIZZES
Once signed up for the IT Challenge, you had to pass one of the four Round 1 quizzes.
| QUIZ |
DATE |
| #1 |
November 16, 2009 |
| #2 |
December 16, 2009 |
| #3 |
January 7, 2010 |
| #4 |
January 30, 2010 |
STEP 3: ROUND 2 - SINGLE CASE STUDY SUBMISSION
Here is the
Round 2 Case Study. Your entry will be in written form, and will show your ability to reason through and describe an architecture and method of implementation of a Microsoft networking environment. The goal of Round 2 is to make sure you have a real world view of the technologies, and are not just "book smart" but have practical understanding of the technologies. The top six (6) competitors from Round 2 that submit case studies, representing 6 different countries, will advance to the Final Competition.
STEP 4: FINAL COMPETITION - HANDS ON VIRTUAL LAB
During the Final Competition, the top 6 (six) competitors representing 6 different countries will participate in a hands-on virtual lab testing their practical hands-on knowledge of IT solutions. The Final Competition is a new format for the 2010 competition.
During this hands-on virtual lab round, competitors will prove their practical knowledge and experience with the provided technologies. The competitors will have 24 hours to complete the hands-on lab test. At the conclusion of the Final Competition, all eligible entries received will be reviewed by a panel (or panels) of qualified judges to determine up to three (3) of the top competitors that will advance to compete at the Worldwide Finals in Poland.
Questions? Post them on the IT Challenge
forum. Additionally, a
Facebook page dedicated to the IT Challenge is available and updated. Technical tips, competition updates, preparation hints, etc are available to the competitors through this page.