Direct from Cisco

Ever wonder how Cisco recommends you build an enterprise network? If you've studied for nearly any of their exams over the past few years, you've likely read about SONA, IIN, and the Enterprise Composite Network Model. All good things, but you might still be asking how do you actually build that stuff?

Well, someone at Cisco can read your thoughts and decided to give you a crash course on building an enterprise network in the form of the Small Enterprise Design Profile Reference Guide (a mouth full). This reference guide, available in a 20Mb PDF, has diagrams, pictures, configuration script examples, nearly everything except for the equipment and power cables to get a network built. 

Interesting statement...but one that's direct from Cisco. In October, CCIE R&S undergoes a "real world" revision to make the skills more applicable to day-to-day jobs. Interesting quote from Maurilio Gorito (he was my proctor "back in the day"):

Q: Will it be harder to pass when the new exams go live?

A - MG: Since the focus of CCIE R&S certification has shifted to job readiness, candidates with less job experience may find the exams more difficult . On the other hand, some candidates may find the written exam easier since it is less focused on equipment specs and more on the real-world job tasks of networking experts.

The full scoop can be found here.