14 DAY TRIAL // In the light of pour financial results for the second quarter of 2009, Microsoft has announced a comprehensive set of measures designed to cut down costs. But at the same time, while aiming to reduce the annual operating expense run rate by no less than $1.5 billion as well as slash capital expenditures by $700 million for fiscal year 2009, Microsoft is advising businesses to spend more in order to survive the global financial crisis. And the Redmond company will gladly accept money from increased investments, including for Microsoft IT Training and Certification, which, in the software giant's perspective, will “help organizations and individuals flourish.” Chris Pirie, general manager of Sales and Marketing for Microsoft Learning, argued that software did not run by itself, and that it were the people that maximized its value.
“Companies with Microsoft Software Assurance for Volume Licensing have access to vouchers for free instructor-led training from more than 1,500 Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions, our authorized training channel. By activating the Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATVs), customers can help their employees build or refresh key IT skills. And IT managers can monitor their staffs’ progress, no matter where they’re located, through e-learning reports that detail assessment, course, and login activities. There are 1 million training days available to enterprise customers through Software Assurance benefits,” Pirie added.
While the training is indeed free, companies need to acquire Software Assurance for Volume Licensing in order to enjoy such benefits. At the same time, even though Microsoft is emphasizing the fact that certifications ultimately contribute to helping IT professionals get jobs and keep them, fact is that, in the difficult economic climate, IT skills end up weighing very little. The Redmond company announced that it was laying off 5,000 people in the next 18 months, 1,400 of which had already been terminated on January 22.
“Certification, which encompasses training and skills validation, is a proven way to maximize the effectiveness of IT professionals. Plus, it often can be accomplished within existing training budgets,” Pirie explained. “Investing in employees’ skills development also creates a powerful statement about an organization’s long-term commitment to its people. This is something we take very seriously internally at Microsoft. We’re very proud that we’re on track to certify 100 percent of our customer-facing technical sales staff by the end of the current fiscal year.”