Press release
New certification to enable resellers to increase competencies and grow business in server segment
Intel has worked with CompTIA, the global IT trade association, to create a certification to help Intel's channel partners increase their customer base. The Intel® Server Specialist Certification, launched today, will demonstrate expertise in Intel® Server Products, allowing resellers to provide a better service through all stages of the server life cycle, and inspire greater customer confidence. Ultimately this will help partners make more sales to new and existing customers.
The new certification is a recognition that customers expect resellers to show a solid understanding of the technology they are selling and implementing, and to be able to tailor it to meet specific business needs. The certification is designed to give Intel's channel partners confidence that their staff meet these customer expectations, and to give customers the confidence that they will be getting the best possible service.
Intel® Server Boards & Systems are designed and engineered by Intel's Enterprise Platforms & Solutions Division (EPSD), enabling channel partners to offer customised, cost effective and reliable solutions for any server environment. The Intel® Server Specialist Certification builds on an established base of online and face to face training offered to channel partners by Intel.
Richard Peel, Membership Sales EMEA at Intel said: "The market is changing, and selling great technology is no longer enough. To stand out and succeed, technology providers need to understand customer problems, recommend and install the right solution, and provide ongoing support."
Intel has a long history of supporting its channel partners through its partner programmes. The programme, recently re-structured and rebranded the Intel Technology Provider Programme, moves the focus from directly pushing products to ensuring that those selling the products understand them and can advise accordingly. The certification will form the backbone of this ongoing partner programme.
Richard adds: "CompTIA was the right choice for us in developing this certification. It has experience and expertise in designing vendor neutral certifications, and we were able to draw on this to develop our own certification. Involving CompTIA guaranteed that the certification meets industry expectations and will deliver real, independently approved, value to our partners"
The Intel® Server Specialist Certification will be available to all Intel partners. Successful completion will earn significant points towards meeting membership requirements.
An Intel Certified Server Reseller will be able to:
Ø Identify and recommend Intel® Xeon® Processor-based solutions using Intel® Server Boards & SystemsBuild, configure and install correctly-sized servers at a customer site to a deadline
Ø Recommend the best disaster-avoidance and maintenance package for that customer
Ø Be able to troubleshoot with minimum disruption to a customer
Matthew Poyiadgi, European VP of CompTIA, said: "CompTIA has built up considerable expertise through designing vendor neutral certifications for the IT industry. This is the first time we have designed a vendor certification, and we recognised it as an excellent chance to support one of our largest members, and the many resellers who rely on Intel's technology. The project has also helped grow our own experience and will generate revenue which can be reinvested in supporting our members."
Intel will offer online learning content to help partners meet the requirements to pass the exams. Exams will be taken through Pearson Vue for a one-off cost of £60. Intel partners can find out more via: www.intel.com/reseller
