Vendor Perspective

With vendor-neutral certifications taking a more prominent role--and solution providers looking for vendor-neutral certifications that offer a stronger technology focus and higher return on investment--some major vendors are modifying their programs.

Elements of vendor-neutral certifications are being melded into many vendor-specific certification programs. CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications are electives for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certifications. IBM requires the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ certifications for its Warranty Authorization Training Program.

Symantec has completely revamped its certification philosophies and programs over the past year. This was done partly in response to the increasingly fragmented nature of the security industry and partly because of partner complaints that they were being required to prove the same skills over and over again.

“We are now certifying on solutions, not products,” said Graeme Johnston, senior director of global learning and certification at Symantec. “Vendor-neutral certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and [the Certified Information Systems Security Professional] provide the foundation proof of skills in security technology, and Symantec certifications provide the proof of skills in Symantec-based security solutions.”

Novell is also actively working to tailor its programs to fit the new certification model.

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“Certifications used to be generic on the technologies, but as we create new certifications we are focusing our program more closely to eliminate duplication and redundancy,” said Steven King, director of development for worldwide training services at Novell. “Certifications from the Linux Professional Institute meet some of our own certification requirements, as does CompTIA Linux+,” King said. “Proficiencies that are recognized in vendor-neutral certifications will be increasingly recognized in our own programs.”

Citrix Systems is working to add value to its programs by emphasizing sales skills, according to Pete Busam, vice president and COO of Decisive Business Systems, a solution provider in Pennsauken, N.J. “Citrix is taking a position as a leader in certifications that are not only technology-focused but sales-focused as well,” he said. “They are teaching salespeople the lost art of selling the product, which is critical in today’s sales climate.”

These trends extend to providers of vendor-neutral certifications as well. “We cooperate closely with vendors that want to eliminate redundant training costs from a skill standpoint,” said Brian McCarthy, COO of CompTIA, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. “We are also looking at providing our own certifications in new technology areas, such as convergence, imaging technology, storage and the home technology market.”