Console 8 Update (V8.4) allows delivery of MTA and MCE

Console 8 Update (V8.4) allows delivery of MTA and MCE

In case you are still not aware, the latest version of Console 8 (v8.4) has now the ability to deliver Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exams as well as the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) exam. MOS OneNote and SharePoint (2010 & 2013) are still delivered via online exam.

Version 8.4 also includes introduction of the LAN Solution feature which alleviates the internet load with respect to downloading updates in areas with limited bandwidth. The feature was released August 17 and allow CATCs greater flexibility with downloading updates by designating a specific computer in their lab (or network) to act as the server, which will facilitate the distribution of content updates to the other workstations via the CATC's own LAN, as opposed to using internet bandwidth per workstation. Additional information regarding this feature can be found here.

Previous Release Enhancements and Fixes

Console 8.3.5.1 Release Configuration:

This release will also be an optional update, but highly recommended that all Certiport Authorized Testing Centers take this update at their earliest convenience. A new Console 8 installer will not be provided for this release.

The 8.3.5.1 release includes the following enhancements and fixes:

This maintenance release address an issue where multiple MOS 2010 tiles would appear on the “Product Selection” screen. This fix allows the deploy MOS 2010 exams (MAS Compliant versions) without impacting iQsystem with these deploys. The Pending MOS 2010 exams in these languages can now be released. Additionally the following enhancements/issues were also addressed:

·         Issue that may prevent updating services from downloading the latest available files.

·         The “Register” and “Cannot access my account” always going to English pages instead of the appropriate localized page.

·         Driver and Renderer (DnR) performance enhancements and stability improvements (Note: These improvements only effect the GS3 & GS4 exams available in Console 8):

o   Removal of SQL Lite dependency.

o   Removed most dependencies of IIS Express, but still needed for now.

o   Simplified installer – reduced size and added flexibility in deployment.

Console 8.3.5 Release Configuration:

This release will be an optional update, but highly recommended that all Certiport Authorized Testing Centers take this update at their earliest convenience. A new Console 8 installer will not be provided for this release.

The 8.3.5 release includes the following enhancements and fixes:

·         Improved performance when logging into Console 8 and through the select exam pathway.

·         Improved stability of “Update Services” in low-bandwidth and unreliable regions. This was improved by:

o   Adding support for resuming downloads via “Update Services”.

o   Fixing issue where download failures could occur when bandwidth is less than 768k.

o   Adding support for importing and exporting of updated items. These can now be stored on a media device such as a USB drive and shipped to locations where updating via web is not a viable option. Click here for more information.

·         Addressed issue with MOS 2013 where a 0 score result upload is possible although the exam had scored items.

(source: www.certiport.com)

-Dexter Magalang