Exam 70-691:

TS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Developing

Published:August 20, 2009
Language(s):English
Audience(s):IT Professionals
Technology:Windows Server 2008
Type:Proctored Exam

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Preparing for an Exam
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  • Exam question types and formats.
  • Exam time limits and number of questions asked.
We recommend that you review this preparation guide in its entirety and familiarize yourself with the FAQs and resources on the Microsoft Certification website before you schedule your exam.
Exam Topics Covered
Developing an MPI Applications
Developing an OpenMP Applications
Optimizing and Tuning HPC Applications
Developing SOA-Based Applications
Audience Profile
Candidates should have a minimum of three or more years of experience developing Windows-based high performance computing software for systems such as Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 or Windows HPC Server 2008.
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 70-691: TS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Developing, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows HPC Server 2008, Development
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam.

The information after “This objective may include but is not limited to” is intended to further define or scope the objective by describing the types of skills and topics that may be tested for the objective. However, it is not an exhaustive list of skills and topics that could be included on the exam for a given skill area. You may be tested on other skills and topics related to the objective that are not explicitly listed here.
Developing an MPI Application
  • Parallelize a problem for a distributed memory architecture.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: accessing data based on a specific data distribution; point-to-point and collective communication; implementing a master-worker scheme for a simple program
  • Apply MPI to code.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: setting up the MPI runtime; synchronous and asynchronous send and receive; scatter, gather, broadcast, reduce; working with MPI communicators
  • Create a Microsoft Visual Studio project for an MPI application.
  • Debug an MPI application by using Visual Studio.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: using the MPI Cluster Debugger in Visual Studio
Developing an OpenMP Application
  • Parallelize a problem for a shared memory architecture.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: differentiating between shared and private data; accessing memory locations from multiple threads
  • Apply OpenMP to code.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: parallel regions, worksharing, scheduling
  • Implement synchronization.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: atomic; critical; threadprivate; barrier
  • Debug an OpenMP application by using Visual Studio.
Executing Jobs by Using the Scheduler
  • Submit a job.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: command line, SDK, XML template, Windows PowerShell; hybrid jobs; process placement; requesting resource requirements; HPC Basic Profile Web service
  • Manage jobs.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: modifying a running job, canceling a job, querying the status of a running job
  • Manage tasks.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: setting up task dependencies; setting task properties; running an MPI application over a particular network; parametric sweep
Optimizing and Tuning HPC Applications
  • Overlap computation with communication.
  • Minimize overhead in parallel programming.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: ratio of computation to communication, avoiding unnecessary synchronization points
  • Detect race conditions and deadlocks.
  • Measure HPC application performance.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: using the Visual Studio Profiler, event tracing for Windows for MS-MPI
Developing SOA-Based Applications for HPC Server
  • Create a SOA client.
  • Create a SOA service for Windows HPC Server 2008.
  • Deploy a SOA service.
  • Measure the performance of a SOA-based application.
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Learning Plans and Classroom Training There is no classroom training currently available.
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests There are no practice tests currently available.
Microsoft Online Resources
  • Earn Train Learn: HPC Training Program
  • Learning Plan: Get started with a step-by-step study guide that is based on recommended resources for this exam.
  • Product information: Visit the Microsoft Visual Studio site for detailed product information.
  • Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
  • TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
  • MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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