Learn About Microsoft Certified Partners
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. The certification program is aimed at high-level businesses that can integrate, service or apply Microsoft technologies and platforms. There are two types of MCPs - a Microsoft Certified Partner and a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. The latter is accreditation given to companies that pass much more stringent test to qualify for the status but also accordingly; they have a lot more resources available to them because of this. 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. When Microsoft releases new platforms or software, MCPs must upgrade their certifications, which ensures that these partners are kept up on Microsoft releases and that their certification is up-to-date. A Microsoft Certified Partner also has the advantage of having access to 24/7 Microsoft support. This gives them the knowledge and technical skills to give improved service and support to all of their customers.