Magirus highlights VMware skills gap

VMware partners serious about impressing end users must now become VCAPs, says distributor

Pan-European distributor Magirus has urged the VMware channel to beef up its skills to ensure it remains one step ahead of end users.

The distributor said increasing numbers of end users are becoming VMware Certified Professionals (VCPs), which demonstrates their ability to install and manage the vendor's vSphere technology.

Therefore, partners carrying the same certification should seriously consider pursuing further training so they can tackle complex projects that are out of reach to end users.

Kevin Collins, solutions development manager at Magirus, explained: "Business partners need to differentiate themselves, because so many end users now have the skills needed to cover the basics.

"The advanced features of VMware's products require a higher level of knowledge, and the demand for these is growing. Partners should get equipped to address this."

Partners interested in taking advantage of this need to become a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP), specialising in datacentre design, administration or both.

However, the costs associated with taking the accompanying exams mean it requires a high level of commitment from partners to pass first time, warned Collins.

"It is a very difficult exam and many people who take it fail first time. But, for those who pass, it is proof they really know their stuff."

Additionally, Collins said the qualifications are likely to become a mandatory requirement for partners in future, so it makes sense for them to train up now.

He added: "We find that partners who tackle VCAP usually combine this with gaining a VMware competency in another area, such as disaster recovery or desktop virtualisation.

"Having that gives them a big advantage because they will receive a 10 per cent rebate on the licenses associated with the competency, which is additional to the margin receive through deal registration."