If you didn’t get the news, Intergen has become the first Microsoft SharePoint Elite partner. This is fantastic news for a number of reasons, not least of which is that it recognises our capability and experience with SharePoint. However it goes beyond that - the Elite initiative recognises the significance that SharePoint plays within the Microsoft (and our) world. Because SharePoint is so significant it is critical for Microsoft to ensure that the partner channel has the skills, experience and capability to deliver successful solutions using this technology.
It is safe to say that with a technology so critical and widely adopted there will be a number of ‘horror stories’ and while SharePoint is not unique in that, we have certainly helped out fixing a few more than we would like. The reality is SharePoint is a very broad solution that can deliver huge value to organisations that use it correctly. In fact so broad is SharePoint that I’d suggest it isn’t practical for anyone to be an expert on everything SharePoint. It also isn’t an “install and go” product; it is a framework on which you build and grow initiatives and solutions.
Because of this it has been easy for some to get it wrong and not end up with a solution that adds value. And if it isn’t adding value to your organisation, why have it?!
Luckily Microsoft NZ recognised this and created (well done Darryl) the SharePoint Elite initiative. Gaining certification is multi-faceted and includes:
- Training
- Passing competency exams
- Showing real-world experience with customer implementations
- Having a proven methodology
- Customer feedback
For these reasons, having the Elite status truly reflects an ability to deliver and provides assurance to that effect. Too often “certifications” are just achieved by having clever people who can sit exams. We all see and often fix problems caused by those who fit into this category.
So what does this mean? Just having the initiative itself has helped focus attention on the SharePoint skill levels within the Microsoft NZ Partner channel. While Intergen is the first, we certainly won’t be the last and Microsoft SharePoint customers will benefit as a result. While you obviously only ever need to call Intergen there are times when this just isn’t possible (although I can’t think why that would be the case!). In these situations you need the assurance that being qualified as an Elite partner provides.
This is a significant milestone for both Intergen and Microsoft NZ, and while initially launched in New Zealand, I certainly hope this gets adopted further afield.