The phrase “No substitutions please “doesn’t cut when it impacts your network ecosystem
By Rebekah Harvey, (AKA CertDoctor) Global Learning Solutions
Ever go to a fancy, schmancy restaurant and get just a teensy bit 
HP Networking announced a new partner program structure in May that aims to provide partners with more choices. As detailed in a CRN brief, the new program provides three different options for partners; a Registered Networking Specialization which in some regions, enables partners to focus on the SMB market, a Professional Networking Specialization level which allows partners to support end-to-end infrastructure solutions, and an Advanced Networking Specialization which enables complex network and data center solutions.
I had the opportunity to discuss the new program with Janet Lehr, Learning Portfolio Manager for the HP ExpertOne networking certifications and ask her a few questions.
How does this program help HP Partners?
“This new program allows partners more choices rather than less in terms of how they engage with HP.
How so?
“In addition to the new specializations from which they can choose, HP is also providing partners with choices when it comes to fulfilling their certification program requirements.”
Tell me more.
“Partners at the Registered Networking Specialist level can use either the Sales Certified – Networking credential or the Accredited Integration Specialist – Network Infrastructure credential. We’ve also built in a choice for the other two specializations. Partners in those programs can choose between our Network Infrastructure or Wireless Network credentials.”
Why is this a benefit?
“This kind of flexibility allows a partner organization to utilize the training courses that make the most sense for their workforce so they can best serve their customers. We don’t want to be overly prescriptive.”
What’s the benefit to customers?
“When they work with HP Partners who have met their certification requirements, customers can rest assured that the team they are working with fully understands how to plan, design, and integrate an end-to-end networking solution.”
How can a customer know if the provider they are working with has the right skills?
“If they are an HP authorized partner, they have certain certification requirements they have to meet, which serves as a validation from HP that they have the necessary skills to sell and support our solutions. Beyond that, I recently read a great blog “Ask these 5 questions to see if your network provider is highly skilled” by Terry Fitzgerald about how to find out how skilled your network provider is; she offers some great advice.”
After my conversation with Janet, I’m more convinced than ever that choice in many matters is, in fact, a good thing. Bring on the substitutions!
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