| Microsoft Learning: Making Partners Everyday Heroes |
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| Channels Web Stories - In: Asian Channels February 2008 | |
| Written by Shanti Anne Morais | |
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Did you know that Microsoft is in the business of making its partners into heroes? This year alone, the Microsoft Learning Organization expects to train 9,000 students (made up of IT professionals and developers) across the world.
The Microsoft Learning Organization views the driving of Microsoft certifications as a key pinnacle of achievement as it creates high levels of confidence amongst partners and customers, says Chris Pirie, general manager, Microsoft Learning. Elaborating on this, he says, "Microsoft Learning's strong experience in ensuring partner-readiness reflects our understanding of the unique demands and challenges our partners face (from a skills and certification perspective) leading up to a launch as significant as Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008." He adds that businesses today face a myriad of challenges and opportunities, from global competition, regulatory compliance requirements and reducing costs, to taking advantage of new technologies like mobile devices and software-as-a-service. "Microsoft's long-term technology strategy - Dynamic IT - provides the solutions customers and partners need to help IT and development organizations stay ahead of these trends and become more strategic to their organizations," notes Pirie. He also points out that growth around certification is stronger in the Asia Pacific than in any other region, with China and India leading the pack. A key reason for Asia's strong showing he says, is the amount of software that Microsoft has put into the marketplace, thereby allowing partners to become more strategic partners who drive engagement. Another contributing factor is the increasing pace in which Asian companies operate on a global basis. "As a result of this, people want the skills advantage before the product is released because this translates into a huge business advantage," explains Pirie. In Asia FY08-H1, the New Generation of Certifications awarded grew by over 200 per cent (from 5,000+ to 16,000+). Once again, India and the Asia Pacific are in the forefront for New Generation certification. FY08-H1, Asia's year-on-year growth in Microsoft certification registered at 32 per cent. Furthermore, demand for both Developer and IT Professional examinations continue to grow. In FY08-H1, the number of Developer and IT Professional exams taken grew by over 20 per cent in Asia. According to a November 2006 survey of IDC on the value of Certification, 66 per cent of managers believe that certifications improve the level of service and support offered to customers. Moreover, research also shows that when 40-55 per cent of a team consists of Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs), a high-level of performance is achieved. In addition, a 2007 MCP Customer Satisfaction survey reveals the following:
In view of all this, it's no surprise then that Microsoft is investing even more in certifications and programs early in the game to ensure that partners can be equipped early in order to have this competitive edge. The demand for certifications and growth in this area have also been driven by the launch of the Windows 2008 family. Pirie describes the launch of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 as an industry event with boundless opportunities for the entire partner ecosystem. Reflecting the size and scale of the Windows Server 2008 launch is the following:
Pirie adds, "We are seeing strong demand from partners in the Asia Pacific region who are eager to ramp-up for the launch of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 in the region. We have developed an innovative and effective training program specifically to provide partners with the necessary knowledge and skills to optimize the adoption and use of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008." According to Pirie, the impact of partner training around the launch of Microsoft's 2008 enterprise products has been both massive and impressive, as seen below: Windows Server 2008:
Visual Studio 2008:· Over 115,000 trained to date using e-learning, Instructor-led (ILT) and MS Press resources world-wide Training programs developed specifically to prepare partners for the launch of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 include the following:· Certification Portfolio programs for Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008.· First-look-Clinics and instructor-led training through Microsoft’s CPLS.· Approximately 600 CPLS world-wide signed up to host more than 1,200 Windows Server 2008 events world-wide. Pirie notes that the wave of certifications started in 2005 and admits that before this, Microsoft faced some challenges here, describing the certifications available then as “monolithic”. “For example, before 2005, the types of products weren’t specified,” shares Pirie.However, once Microsoft decided to revamp and spice up its certifications, there’s been no looking back. Now, the new generation of Microsoft certifications are more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what partners do. At the same time, the certifications prove the expertise of the partners.Consisting of three series and four credentials, the new generation of Microsoft certifications provide a simpler and more targeted framework for IT managers to validate core technical skills, professional skills, and architectural skills. They also provide professionals in the IT industry with a more relevant, flexible, and cost-effective way to showcase their skills.From Microsoft’s perspective, those who are certified have a 12 per cent satisfaction level with Microsoft, become a part of the Microsoft community and have access to a whole slew of assets and knowledge. “It’s simply a dynamic set of qualifications,” says Pirie. |
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