2X Software, a vendor of remote desktop delivery software based on Windows Terminal Services, required a training programme to certify global distributors in deploying the 2X solution.

The training had to be created from scratch
The 2X products worked with various Microsoft components which required fine tuning before the actual 2X solution was installed.
Training sessions were organised worldwide and not every training center had the hardware and software resources to deliver the training content.
Bandwidth in some training centers was not adequate to demonstrate the 2X solution. Hence an on-premise solution was preferred.

Initially a training lab document was planned which detailed step-by-step instructions to deploy the 2X solution. However it was deemed too close to a user manual, which delivered no benefit. It was decided to create a lab environment which is portable and could be run on laptops with medium-to-high specifications. The lab document contained detailed instructions to deploy the solution and side notes to explain why each process was needed. Finally the candidate had to sit a certification exam.
The lab environment was first built on Microsoft Active Directory 2008 but was later upgraded to Microsoft Active Directory 2012. The 2X Software also functioned as a connection broker so the lab also included virtualised instances of VSphere 5.0 and Hyper-V 2008. Updates included installing updated versions of VSphere, Hyper-V and the content in the training lab document to reflect the new features of the 2X product. The whole lab environment was highly automated and rapidly deployed.

Sascha trained over 150 candidates in Central Europe with this program. However the training was delivered by a network of global trainers over all continents bringing the total number of certified 2Xperts to over 600 by late 2014.