Mitel, first Telecoms company to reach Microsoft CTEC status

Mitel, the leading business communications company, today announced it is the first telecoms manufacturer in the UK to achieve Microsoft CTEC (Certified Technical Education Centre) status.

Under the agreement, Mitel will undertake the training and certification of over 1,000 resellers per year to become Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs).

Mitel has already invested UKP300,000 in trained Microsoft Certified Instructors (MCTs) to lead the training programmes, in training facilities and for equipment. The training will take place at Mitel`s site in Caldicot, Wales and will vary from one off modules to courses leading to MCSE or MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) qualifications. The CTEC training available will range from technical skills, such as administering and supporting Windows NT, to desktop training and applications.

Iain Wood, head of training at Mitel said: "Microsoft was looking to partner with a telecoms company with a great track record in designing and manufacturing converged technologies. As a global manufacturer of NT and voice over IP telecoms products, Mitel is leading the trend towards convergence of voice and data infrastructures. As such Mitel is the perfect partner to train on Microsoft NT products.

"We recognise that resellers need to be well versed in the NT based products that they install and maintain. Our aim is not to train for profit but prepare resellers for success. We plan to be the first choice for any reseller moving towards converged voice and data business."

Other voice manufacturers are also launching NT-based products through channels. But how do they expect the resellers to successfully do business if they don`t have the right training?