Lead Microsoft Contributor

Linda Smith — UK Business Development Director for Microsoft and VMware

Linda has worked in the IT training industry for over 16 years, and focuses on major account development across all verticals. Linda works closely with leading vendors such as Microsoft and VMware whilst also continuing to support strategic account development.

Linda is actively involved in managing our partnership with the VCE Alliance, formed by leading worldwide vendors, Cisco and EMC with investments from VMware and Intel. This unique alliance delivers the industry’s first completely integrated IT offering with end-to-end vendor accountability.
By collaborating with these vendors, Linda is able to work closely with our customers to help them focus on business innovation.

Linda spends most of her spare time with her husband and children. She loves to travel and also tries to fit in yoga as much as she can.

Global Knowledge and Microsoft

In today’s world, you rely on your computer to work for you and to run your business. We have over 18 years experience in delivering Microsoft Official Curriculum, and have the ability to create tailored solutions to meet specific customer needs. We have formed a strong partnership with Microsoft to ensure that the learning and certification solutions available to our customers include the latest technologies. We also support Microsoft customers through early adoption process by providing customer awareness seminars and technology courses before the product is released by Microsoft.

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Microsoft Experts and blog contributors

Robin Edwards MCT MCSE

A Microsoft Certified Trainer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer since 1999, Rob has extensive training experience in NT 4, Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 server products. Additionally Rob has also been training SMS 2.0, 2003 and is on the beta programme for System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (aka SMS v4).

Rob has also been teaching Mom 2000 and 2005 SP1 and participated in the Operations Manager 2007 beta programme. Currently Rob is one of the few people in the UK training on Office Communications Server 2007.

Before becoming a trainer Rob was network manager for several companies and designed and implemented the rollout of their networks.

Rob has written several articles for Server Management Magazine on a range of topics and for Microsoft’s (now defunct) FYI magazine on SMS. Rob has also presented for Microsoft at TechNet events and for the IT forum road show.

Claudia Woods

Claudia joined Global Knowledge as a Microsoft Technologist in April 2007. Currently, Claudia’s Microsoft-related specialities include Windows Server, Active Directory and Exchange Messaging.

Claudia had been a Systems Engineer and Consultant for more than ten years prior coming to work for Global KNowledge UK. As such, she has designed and implemented network solutions that have additionally included VMWare (GSX/ESX platforms), Enterprise Editions of BackupExec and ArcServe, PowerChute Power Protection/Management, EMC Storage Area Network technology, CheckPoint Firewall and IronMail Gateway protection systems, among others.

Claudia enjoys the challenge of new technology, and routinely volunteers as a beta tester for various vendor’s products.  Claudia has also written, edited and presented customized technology courses for several organizations.  Claudia is a regular attendee at IT events such as TechEd, MCT Summit, FOSE, and others.  As a TLG (Technical Learning Guide) for the Microsoft IT Pro Conference 2008, Claudia will represent Global Knowledge, UK in Orlando, Florida.

• Microsoft Certified Trainer (since 1999)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Exchange Server 2007
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Exchange Administration
• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Novell NetWare CNA/CNE 3.x — 5.x

Colin Gallet MCT MCSE MCTS MCITP

Colin started working with Computers is 1979 when working for UCL in the high energy physics department, building interfaces for DEC and BBC model b machines. At this time he also started a small software business called PRC Data Ltd using Apple 2 machines, where he wrote all the code by using a combination of BASIC hex and assembler.

Colin later moved to work primarily as a network analyst in several companies before finally training as an instructor to pick up IT qualifications starting with CNE MCNE and the CDE. He progressed further with Microsoft qualifications and gained MCSE, and he also trained in Linux to get his LPI and SUSE Linux qualifications. Colin mostly trains Microsoft at Global Knowledge.