subject: Microsoft Certified Partners : A Look At What's Involved [print this page] Microsoft Certified Partners : A Look At What's Involved
What is a Microsoft Certified Partner (or MCP)? An MCP is a private firm that offers customers Microsoft related products and services. These companies work worldwide to offer a range of Microsoft services under the Microsoft umbrella, yet remain independent. These services and products could include anything from education to technical support to original equipment manufacturer software to specialist software. The benefits for partners are earlier access to information from Microsoft, a higher level of technical support and much cheaper access to Microsoft software licenses. The primary benefits for Microsoft is a dedicated band of knowledgeable, able and modern businesses, always ready to help them serve their customers needs. Microsoft's Certified Partner certification program is meant for businesses that are successful in applying Microsoft's technologies and platforms. Microsoft offers two different types of MCPs. They are the Microsoft Certified Partner and the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner must pass a much more difficult test to be awarded the "gold" certification. Once they gain that coveted certification they, in turn, have many more services available to them than those that don't have the gold certification. Microsoft Certified Partners need to have been in business for at least five years before they can take the tests they need to take and pass to become certified. They also need to prove their competency in their specialty fields. In recompense, MCPs receive special discounts on the tools they need to work in their fields of expertise. All of the staff of Microsoft Gold Certified Partners must be able to plan, design, implement and manage all sorts of special computer solutions and environments that are based on Microsoft technology. The Gold Certification program includes all sorts of services: business intelligence, collaborative solutions, hosting, application services, learning solutions and security solutions. Microsoft certified partners pay an annual membership fee. In return they are allowed access to software licenses, earlier access to Microsoft beta software and various kinds of technical and developer information they are able to use in their own places of work and also with customers. Microsoft Certified partners also get access to up to 10 copies of Office XP Developer Edition, 20 copies of the Windows XP professional operating system and between 10 and 20 client access license seats for server access. Microsoft Certified Partners must upgrade their certifications whenever Microsoft releases new platforms or software. This keeps these partners' certifications up-to-date and ensures that they are familiar with all Microsoft platforms and software. They also have 24 hour access to Microsoft's support services. This enables MCPs to offer the best in customer relations and support to their clients every day.
