Dell's PowerProtect Data Domain (DD) systems are key components in modern data protection strategies. To validate your expertise in these systems, Dell offers two key Proven Professional certifications: PowerProtect DD Operate (D-PDD-OE-23) and PowerProtect DD Deploy (D-PDD-DY-23). While both certifications revolve around PowerProtect DD, they cater to different roles and skill sets within IT environments.
PowerProtect DD Operate – D-PDD-OE-23
The D-PDD-OE-23 exam is designed for IT professionals responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of PowerProtect DD systems. This includes monitoring, reporting, maintenance, and ensuring systems function optimally in production environments.
Ideal For: System administrators, operations engineers, support staff.
Focus Areas:
●System operation and administration
●Managing backup and replication
●Monitoring system health and performance
●Troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance
PowerProtect DD Deploy – D-PDD-DY-23
The D-PDD-DY-23 exam targets professionals involved in the initial deployment and configuration of PowerProtect DD systems. This includes installing hardware and software, setting up network integration, and configuring systems for production use.
Ideal For: Implementation engineers, deployment specialists, consultants.
Focus Areas:
●Installation and initial configuration
●Network and integration setup
●Sizing and provisioning according to business requirements
●Ensuring readiness for operational handoff
Key Differences at a Glance
| Exams |
D-PDD-OE-23 (Operate) |
D-PDD-DY-23 (Deploy) |
| Role Focus |
Operations & Administration |
Deployment & Integration |
| Primary Responsibilities |
Manage, monitor, and maintain systems |
Install, configure, and provision |
| Target Audience |
Admins, Operators |
Engineers, Consultants |
| Common Skills Tested |
Daily system tasks, troubleshooting |
Setup tasks, configuration steps |
| Integration Knowledge |
With existing environments |
During initial setup |
Which Certification Is Right for You?
Choose D-PDD-OE-23 (Operate) if:
●You work with existing PowerProtect DD systems.
●Your role focuses on maintaining uptime, monitoring, and supporting data protection operations.
●You need to optimize performance and resolve ongoing system issues.
Choose D-PDD-DY-23 (Deploy) if:
●You are involved in new deployments of PowerProtect DD.
●Your responsibilities include installing and configuring systems in production environments.
●You aim to demonstrate expertise in bringing systems online and integrating them into broader IT infrastructures.
Both the D-PDD-OE-23 and D-PDD-DY-23 certifications validate critical skills for managing Dell PowerProtect DD systems, but they cater to different stages of the system lifecycle - operation vs deployment. Understanding the scope and audience of each will help you make the right certification choice based on your current job role or career aspirations.
