Microsoft adds second partner

Training exam provider Sylvan has lost its sole agreement to administer Microsoft's tests, breaking an eight-year relationship between the two companies.

Microsoft has taken on rival training organisation Vue as its second partner to service its examinations. Training centres will now have more choice.

Julia Jones, director of training and education at Facility, Ilion's training arm, said Sylvan's efforts were 'too little too late' and the distributor would now use both exam providers.

'(Sylvan) enjoyed its dominance and had a great honeymoon period. It used to provide a great service. But at this point in time it is not ahead of the game,' said Jones.

She added that Vue and Lotus-focused CAT both worked hard to stay ahead in terms of technology and Sylvan was having trouble catching up. Ilion will use Vue's London beta test site for its Microsoft exams.

'Sylvan has become complacent. People will continue to go to Sylvan in the short term but it will be a different story when they realise there is an alternative,' said Jones.

Hugh Simpson-Wells, managing director of Aris Oxford, which uses Sylvan's services, said Sylvan had been 'constant and adequate, but no greater than that'.

Jamie Pennington, Sylvan's European sales and marketing manager, claimed the company had increased its staff and was able to talk to vendors. 'I think they are now feeling we care about what they say.'

Pennington said Sylvan had recruited additional staff for the European operation after bosses 'decided it was very hard to manage a European company from the US'.