News

Microsoft Invests in Training Channel for Windows 2000

• By Scott Bekker
• 04/28/1999

The software giant claims that companies will benefit from the training investment through a speedier upgrade to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Server and will get the most out of the technology with internal experts who know how to design and manage the Windows 2000 Server network environment effectively.

"The participation rate and feedback generated from the SQL Server 7.0 training initiative showed us that customers are looking to get as much hands-on experience with the product as possible before it becomes an integral part of their business" says Nancy Lewis, general manager, worldwide training and certification at Microsoft.

"The training investment in Windows 2000 will give customers what they are looking for and fuel the industry with an additional 150,000 IT professionals and developers who have received training from Microsoft CTECs."

The training initiative is scheduled to begin in the United States in late summer and to include courses on the following topics: Active Directory, designing a network, designing a change and configuration management infrastructure, installing Windows 2000 as a file and print server, and deploying Windows 2000 Professional.

"Microsoft’s investment in training will drive customers, MCPs and channel partners to the doors of Microsoft CTECs so that we can show them how to get the most out of the network. This initiative is proof that Microsoft really values its training channel," says Dan Schaefer, CEO of Infotec (www.infotec.com), a Microsoft CTEC.

Windows 2000 training has been available since the release of beta 2. Microsoft estimates that 3,000 Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are already prepared to deliver the Windows 2000 courseware. – Thomas Sullivan