Today's Specialist

TheMicrosoft Partner Program has long been a haven for technologyservice and solution providers and resellers to get certified inspecific disciplines and tap into Microsoft's far-reachingsupport network. An extension of the program, dubbed the MicrosoftSmall Business Specialist Community, launched in early July with afocus on partner companies that serve the technology needs of smallbusinesses. "It's a recognition of what we call thesmall-business technology revolution, and the increasingsophistication of the operating environment and the technologyenvironment for small businesses," says Cindy Bates, generalmanager of Microsoft's U.S. Small Business Group.

To call themselves Microsoft Small Business Specialists,partners have to complete training and pass a proficiency test."They'll be trained on understanding the unique needs ofsmall businesses, as well as appropriate licensing options,"says Bates. Microsoft defines a small business as one with 50employees or fewer, so the training is specifically geared towardthose companies, which typically don't have in-house IT staff.Areas of training include security, proficiency with products likeMicrosoft Small Business Server, and understanding the technologypriorities of smaller companies.