Some of you out there in Scottish Partner land may have seen the announcement from the Microsoft recently around the introduction of new competencies and changes to the Partner Programme, so thought I would summarise the key points below.

Next month, June 2008 sees the introduction of three new competencies in Business Intelligence, Unified Communications Solutions and Hosting Solutions. There are also changes to the Microsoft Business Solutions competency and Small Business Specialist certification exam requirements.

So what are the new competencies:

Business Intelligence - This will be made up of the Business Intelligence Platform specialisation (currently the Business Intelligence specialisation within the Data Management Solutions competency) and the Performance Management specialisation (currently within the Information Worker Solutions competency). Learn more

Unified Communications Solutions - This competency will include the Instant Messaging/Presence specialisation (formerly the Unified Communications specialisation within the Information Worker Solutions competency), the Messaging specialisation (formerly the Exchange Migration and Deployment specialisation within the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions competency) and a new Voice specialisation. Learn more

Hosting Solutions - With the growing importance of Software + Services, Partner hosted services play a key role in how customers consume Microsoft software. The new Hosting Solutions competency (formerly the Hosting Solutions specialisation within the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions competency)  has been created for Partners to be able to better distinguish themselves as a hosting expert.  Learn more

Additional Programme News - applicable from 30th May

Business Process and Integration Competency - the Business Process and Integration competency will become the SOA and Business Process competency. .

Microsoft Business Solutions Competency - Microsoft is aligning partner certification requirements across its commercial agreements and the Microsoft Business Solutions competency.

Changes to Exams for Competencies and Programmes

Effective 30 May, exam requirements will change for five competencies and programmes. Check the requirements on the Partner portal for each competency or programme for details.  See below:

ISV/Software Solutions , Identity and Security Access, Small Business Specialist Community, Advanced Infrastructure and Mobility

Please go to the Partner Portal for More information