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What You Need To Know About Microsoft Certified Partners

By: Mark Walters

Have you seen the term Microsoft Certified Partner or MCP and not known what it meant? An MCP is an independent company that offers its clients Microsoft related products and services. While they are independent firms, they work under the Microsoft label worldwide. The services and products might include anything from technical support, to education, to specialist software to original equipment manufacturer software.

Why would anyone want to become a Microsoft Certified Partner? Well, there are benefits. First of all, MCPs receive information about Microsoft products earlier than other users. They also receive a higher level of technical support and less expensive access to Microsoft software licenses. How does Microsoft benefit from this program? Microsoft has a group of very dedicated providers who are smart, and run modern businesses and are always ready to serve Microsoft's clients' needs.

Who can get a Microsoft Certified Partner certification? It's a program meant for businesses that are successful in the use of Microsoft technologies and platforms. Microsoft offers two different types of MCPs: Microsoft Certified Partner and Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. The Microsoft Certified Gold Partner must past a much more difficult test than the MCP but, once the test is passed, the partner is offered a wider array of resources.

Every potential Microsoft Certified Partner must have been in the business for five years and there are several tests that they have had to have passed. They will also need to have proven skills in the field of work in which they specialize. These partners are awarded access to discounts that are necessary for them to work in their specialty field.

Staff of Gold Certified Partners must have the ability to plan, design, implement and manage customized computing solutions and environments around Microsoft technologies. The gold certification program includes a wide range of focus areas, including business intelligence, collaborative solutions, hosting, application services, learning solutions and security solutions.

To continue as Microsoft Certified Partners, members of the program are obligated to pay a membership fee annually. In return for this fee they gain access to software licenses, early access to Microsoft beta software and all sorts of technical and development information that they can then use in their own businesses and with their own clients. They also get access to up to ten copies of Office XP Developer Edition, twenty copies of Windows XP Professional Operating System and between ten and twenty 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.

Article Source: http://articlebarracks.com

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