Get a Microsoft Certification - its easier and there is more on offer

re: Get a Microsoft Certification - its easier and there is more on offer

Derek Pavatte — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:21:38 GMT

What would happen without certification? Seems like its an inherent trait, but what I wonder is how to convince people to buy Vista when they're accustomed to using XP.

re: Get a Microsoft Certification - its easier and there is more on offer

David Overton — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:17:31 GMT

Terry,

this is about personal certifications, not being a MS partner. To get a personal certification could be as easy as reading a book or using a product from the action pack and then take an exam, which last time I checked was easily under £90 and we currently offer the safety net options and assistance.

On the being a MS partner front, as always, if you don't see the value, let the team know, but most people say that being a partner shows real benefit - in terms of access & attention to/from Microsoft and ability to influence customers and other parnters and bodies.

ttfn

David

re: Get a Microsoft Certification - its easier and there is more on offer

Terry — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:22:30 GMT

"Sixty-six percent of managers believe that certifications improve the level of service and support offered to customers."

...And how many of those were also asked " Have you ever asked for certification or know what skill set they provide?"

If you ask a loaded question, your going to get a loaded response in the same way...

"Do you believe that English Call Centers improve the level of service and support offered to customers"

While I know the reasoning behind certification - to confirm his / her knowledge and level of competency, in the 15 or so years I have been trading not once have I ever been asked about certificates. Companies want to know that they can have support at the right price and level.

Sure, I have looking into getting MS certificates, but the costs are ridiculously high and quickly get out of date as new OS's are released. While £1k in London could be a day rate, thats a months salary around here in Devon. Its also why I may not be able to be a partner in the future because I can't afford to pay MS to sell your software, and pay the WEEE to sell the hardware that it sits on.

Excessive costs will kill parts of this industry.