Finally! MAPS Legitimacy

Well over a decade in the making, MAPS finally has some legitimate barriers that establish who can obtain the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, aka, thousands in free Microsoft software.

How big is this? Very. Specifically for the frugal SMB sector that sometimes bends the line to obtain software. The difference with the new requirements is that Microsoft will no longer meet you half way, open the rope, give you a hug and welcome you to all the big software you need if you don’t sell Microsoft solutions. Oh, you do? Great – prove it. 600 e-courses to choose from. Official announcement here.

Upcoming Assessment Requirement

A new online-training and assessment requirement will go into effect November 30, 2007. New and renewing subscribers will be required to take any Microsoft E-Learning course and then pass its associated assessment with a minimum score of 70 percent. To continue receiving your Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, you will be required to pass an assessment every two years. You can get a head start by taking one of more than 600 free courses in the Partner Learning Center with associated assessments. To help you find relevant courses quickly, use this saved search tool. You must be a Partner Program member to access the Partner Learning Center. Not a Registered Member? Enroll today. To ensure proper credit for your completed assessment:

Use the same Windows Live ID when you sign in to the Partner Learning Center that you use to sign in to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal. Select and complete a course, submit your assessment, and exit the course. Print the completion certificate at the end of the assessment and save it for your records. If you have additional questions about the assessment requirement, visit the MAPS Managed Newsgroup. New Special Edition Toolkits Microsoft offers two Special Edition toolkits, specifically tailored for Microsoft Small Business Specialists and Web solutions providers. Additional requirements must be met to receive these toolkits.

Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community
The Small Business Specialist Community Special Edition kit is designed exclusively for active, enrolled Microsoft Small Business Specialists who serve small-business customers. This kit is delivered up to twice a year and includes additional internal-use software benefits, training opportunities, and special offers to give you a competitive edge in selling your services based on Microsoft technologies. If you are already a Small Business Specialist, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your free toolkit. Read the latest toolkit information. Or, find out how to become a Small Business Specialist.

Web Solutions Providers
To help you take advantage of growth in the Web-based commerce market, we’ve created a Special Edition kit for Web designers and developers—or anyone who’s building a Web solutions business. This kit, delivered twice a year, contains tools and products, technology resources, business resource papers, and special offers to support your business objectives. To receive the free Web Solutions Special Edition kit, you must pass one of the three, free Web Solutions online courses and be an active Microsoft Action Pack subscriber. If you meet these requirements, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your toolkit. Note: If you pass one of the Web Solutions assessments, this also meets your assessment requirement to receive the full Microsoft Action Pack Subscription.

This is huge. This also kills the nag curve, in my opinion. You know the one, that sold $20 of Microsoft software last year but needs a copy of Visual Studio and Expression because “I must install all Microsoft software ever made on the oft chance that I will need to support it”; Need dev tools, pass Dev classes. Need Web tools, pass Web classes. Pure, simple.

Now I know the next objection – those exams are way too easy, anyone can pass them! – ok, maybe. But its a far cry from “Do you recommend Microsoft software”, “Yes, I do.”, “Ok, give us 4–6 weeks”

Thank you Redmond and thank you Judy!