Conference 7.286::digital

Also, I'd be interested in info re: whether or not MS pays Digital
$24k for each person (employee) certified.

RE: .-1

I have just finished my training, and my CC just got $21,000 
Australian

      Re. last couple, does anyone have more details of this; pointers etc.
    as to how to get certified, and how much training is involved? (I know,
    I know, you don't have to be certifiable to work here.... but it helps. 8*})
    
    Ken

    RE: .3
    
    MCSE certification in the UK is being handled by Julian Kempster @ REO.
    
    RE: general
    
    I am not sure if Microsoft "give" us money for the certified people, or
    whether it is a loan.
    
    
    DO NOT LOOK AT THIS AS A GOOD WAY OF MAKING MONEY.
    The $21,000 dollars is miniscule compared to the cost of training
    someone! 6 exams, 6 courses = $9,000. Plus the extra time taken to
    revise for the exams, which is approx 2 days per exam (less if you pass
    at the end of the course, more if you fail and need to re-take).
    Total days not earning money for Digital is about 42, which can easily
    be a total of $50,000......
    
    Cheers, Chris Jordan
    	    MCSE certified for 1 month.

    Re: Note 4505.3 by CHEFS::RICKETTSK

�      Re. last couple, does anyone have more details of this; pointers etc.
�    as to how to get certified, and how much training is involved? (I know,
�    I know, you don't have to be certifiable to work here.... but it helps. 8*})
    
    Ken,
    
    I don't know how much detail you want so I'll start with little.
    Microsoft grants 4 different types of certification. The only ones that
    count to Digital are MCSE (Systems Engineer) and MCSD (Solution
    Developer). To achieve a particular certification you must pass a
    certain number of Microsoft exams. The MCSE must pass 6 exams and the
    MCSD must pass 4.
    
    I don't know much about the MCSE because my certification is as a
    Solution Developer. To achieve MCSD you have to pass two "operating
    systems and services architecture" exams and two electives. The
    electives probably change over time but include products such as Visual
    Basic, Access, Excel, SQL; i.e. products that a developer would use in
    the development of applications.
    
    If you know your stuff already, you could theoretically study for the
    exams w/o taking any courses. Once you think you're ready for an exam
    you call Sylvan Prometric (formerly Drake Prometric), who manage the
    exams. It costs $100 each time you take one.
    
    There are two notesfile that discuss certification. The one dedicated
    to certification (both MCSE and MCSD, despite the name) is at
    
    		CHEFS::UK_MCSE.NOTE;1	! note the ";1"
    
    Another one where some discussion has occurred is at
    
    		CSSE::SI_MICROSOFT_ALLIANCE
    
    If you have further questions I suggest you continue the discussion in
    the UK_MCSE conference.
    
    	BD�

    Re: Note 4505.0 by DV780::VIGIL
    
    Lest it get lost in the discussion about certification, can someone
    please answer the original questions posted in .0? Thanks.

�Does anybody have any information about Digital employees purchasing items
�from Microsoft at a discount?  Specifically, with Digital being a Microsoft
�Solution Provider and Reseller, how can we, as employees make purchases
�through Microsoft Press at a discount?  And what about software?
    
    	BD�

    Perhaps I  can shed some light.  I work in the Microsoft Digital
    Alliance Office.  I am based at DECwest and focus on day to day work
    with Microsoft.
    
    1. There is no program in place for discounts for Digital employees on
    Microsoft software, in general.
    
    However, your local Microsoft office has a mechanism for you to buy
    software at discount rates (I believe they are Microsoft employee
    rates, but I don't remember off hand).  You must work this locally.  It
    is based purely on the strength of your relationship with people in the
    Microsoft office nearest you.  Microsoft has no obligation to provide
    this discount. 
    
    We, of course, encourage all Digital employees to get to know their
    Microsoft counterparts and develop good working relationships.  Please
    don't just call the Microsoft office and ask for a discount.  You will
    not get far and Digital will get a bad name.  
    
    After you've established a good relationship, then ask for this. 
    Usually one good contact can supply software for a whole office.  
    
    Please do not abuse this.
    
    2. Details of our contract with Microsoft are confidential.  I believe
    that I can say in public that Microsoft does not pay us per individual
    certified.  The bonuses that are mentioned are paid by the Digital
    organizations that these people belong to, not by Microsoft.
    
    3.  Information about the Alliance is available in a Backgrounder which
    you can get through the IR (I don't know the number off the top of my
    head, but do a search on "Alliance" and you'll find it easily enough.)
    
    Anyone desiring more detailed information is welcome to contact me at
    548-8804 or send me email at decwet::berkun ([email protected]).
    
    4. If you are having trouble forming a relationship with your local
    Microsoft office, we can help.  Again, give me a call.
    
    Ken Berkun
                  

    WRT discount software, here in Canada, we have the microsoft reseller 
    discount plan. Prices like $150 (can) for office pro, $50/per single
    app.
    
    We just call 1-800-563-9048 and request doc 9100 on the fax-back line
    to get the price-list of the avail software.
    
    Guess it's "only in Canada...pity" ;^)
    
    Pete
                                             

      Re. .4,.5  Thanks for the info, I will check the conference.
    
      I wasn't thinking of it so much in terms of 'making money', but rather
    that it might make the training effectively very cheap, (if not free)
    and thereby easier to 'sell' to the CC management.
    
    Ken

    FWIW; If you want details on the certification process you can call
    your local MS office. Ask to be put thru to the Certification Dept and
    ask for the "Curriculum Roadmap" CD-ROM.
    The roadmap outline all MS courses, cert requirements and also contains
    sample exams on all subjects!
    
    		Jon.