"Accreditation is becoming important for professionals in the IT field, enabling them to keep up with the latest technology from vendors. At today`s pace of change, staying current is vital if one wishes to maintain marketable skills," says Audrey Potter, training manager at Compaq Computer.
"Quality-conscious customers recognise the value of accreditation in securing their business systems and IT investment. This statement is supported by a recent IDC survey which found that resellers who have Accredited Systems Engineers (ASEs) on staff out-sell those that don`t by about 13 to one."
Potter comments that the recent revamp of the Compaq Accredited Professional (CAP) programme has resulted in a single, uniform global accreditation standard. While this practise has been employed by software vendors such as Microsoft and Novell for a number of years, this is a first for the hardware industry.
"Compaq`s accreditation structure now consists of four levels:
. Accredited Platform Specialist (APS) which replaces the old ACT accreditation
. Accredited Platform Engineer (API) Accredited Systems Engineer (ASE)
. Master Accredited Systems Engineer (MASE), formerly known as the ASE Professional.
The CAP programme covers the entire range of Compaq hardware systems and solutions and complements the new Operating System Accreditation Programme introduced by Compaq internationally for systems administrators and engineers and for platforms such as OpenVMS, Tru64 Unix and NonStop Kernel.
"Continuous, rapid change in technology makes annual re-certification essential to keep up with the latest in Compaq innovation. Recognising this, Compaq`s training model now includes a formal re-certification programme through which active ASEs will update their certification annually.
"We are also introducing Web-based training as well as an online database in which professionals may keep their own contact details current. This will make it easier for Compaq to provide them with updated information on new technology and training courses."
Adds Potter: "With customers demanding higher levels of service from vendors and resellers, and a widespread IT skills shortage in SA, it has become vital for channel partners as well as individuals to ensure that they are qualified to work on Compaq systems. With an internationally recognised accreditation, our resellers can offer their customers peace of mind and consistent support."
To find out more about the new Compaq Accreditation Professional Programme, contact the Training Centre on (011) 775-5300 or send an e-mail to za.training@compaq.com
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