The company says this new model introduces several industry firsts, including: the first solutions-based competency model; the first channel training subscription fee model, and the first SIP Communications Architect certification.
Initially announced last autumn, the solutions-based focus of the Avaya Connect Professional Credentials program enables channel partners to gain more insight into how products work together to meet a customer’s business challenge and deliver benefits. Avaya channel partners can quickly build a broader, more holistic, set of skills. Under the new subscription fee model, training costs are significantly discounted and predictable for budget forecasting than ala carte training or comparable training models from other vendors.
“Avaya’s training and credentials model will enable our partners to build a more capable, well-trained workforce at a lower investment cost,” said Jeremy Butt, vice president, Worldwide Channels, Avaya. “Since announcing the overall Avaya Connect program last year we’ve seen other companies adopt a similar approach to training. This helps confirm that we are on the right track in offering new ways partners can benefit with higher margins, streamline sales cycles and provide better customer service.”
Advancements to the Avaya Professional Credentials Program include:
Subscription Pricing enables partners to access all of the training required for certification within a solution track for a single price over a 12-18 month period. Cost of training is discounted by up to 75 percent over the ala carte course option.
Avaya Certified Solutions Architect (ACSA) is the first SIP Communications Architect certification in the industry. The training focuses on the knowledge necessary to build a communications network around the Avaya Aura unified communications platform.
Avaya Certified Installation Specialist (ACIS) addresses the needs of "rack and stack" technicians who typically install individual products rather than solutions. This new credential provides a streamlined, product-based curriculum designed to support simple implementations.
The solutions-based Avaya Connect Professional Credentials program streamlines the total number of certifications to 36 and reduces the total number of hours required to complete courses by 84 percent. The changes give partners expanded access to the latest, high-quality training and education on Avaya products, services and solutions with a pricing model that is most appropriate for them.