Windows Server 2008 is just around the corner. With Major launch events announced in all around the word on or around February 27th It's time to get geared up and ready to answer those tough questions. I'll be honest with all you lazy admins out there, it looks like 2008 is not going to be a very lazy year.

First of all there is a bunch of new certifications coming our way. So the first thing we'll have to get ready for is updating our skills! Microsoft has all sorts of material, and of course the writers here at TLA are going to be working double time to make up for all the slow number of posts for 2007.

Here is a quick road map on 2008 certs.

Upgrading from MCSE you will want to get to you local testing canter and write Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist. This will let you pass the 3 major Technical Specialist exams in one shot.

70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring

70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications, Configuring

Once that is out of the way you can complete Exam 70-647: Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator which certifies you as a Microsoft Certified IT professional (MCITP). In order to get the MCITP though you'll also have to certify on Vista either 70-620 or 70-624 will be sufficient.

If your coming from MCSA you'll want to look at Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist This covers 2 TS exams.

70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring

70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

The next exam is Exam 70-646: Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator Which again gives you a MCITP but the focus is more on servers as apposed to larger enterprises issues.

Finally if certification hasn't been one of your priorities until now, I can't think of a better time to get onboard. Certification can be a great career building tool and with Windows 2008 certification has become even more meaningful because each Technical specialty is highly focused to a specific job role.

Of course the Lazy Admins are hard at work working on new features and articles to help all the lazy admins out there get more done in less time, keep your eyes out on the RSS reader for news on 2008 and other exciting technologies.