Microsoft rolls out major new training campaign

Microsoft is to host a series of more than 175 training events

Microsoft has kicked off a major new campaign designed to train IT professionals on its latest products.

The firm said that it will work with partner companies to host a series of more than 175 events over the next two months, leading up to the TechEd North America conference on 11 May.

The events are designed to train IT professionals to meet Microsoft's Certified Professional status. Many of the events will be held over the next five days as part of what Microsoft calls Skills Week.

"We have worked with our partners to provide a wide range of training and certification opportunities at each Microsoft Skills Week event," said Microsoft Learning general manager Lutz Ziob.

"We are thrilled to be co-launching a national outreach to individually help IT workers get affordable and relevant technical skills that will enable them to get a job and stay employed."

Microsoft also hopes that the programme will boost its own IT operations. Deborah Ziegenhorn, director of Microsoft partner skills development, suggested that the training sessions will help partner companies engrain their products in the minds of IT professionals.

"These events accelerate skills development that will differentiate individuals, organisations and our partners," said Ziegenhorn.

"Microsoft is enabling these partners to extend their market reach, reduce costs, increase profitability and deliver innovative solutions that help customers realise their full potential."