Re: The Informix Certified Professional Program

>This will allow Informix to market their people at their >rates (no comment needed) by arguing 'Sure we're 2 to 3 times more per >hour but our people are 'certified' and therefore can accomplish the work >in a more timely and cost effectice manner'. If you don't think this >argument has been/will be used your dreaming. The amount of money being >generated by all of the body shops supplying all of the bodies to GTE/DS, >ATT, AAA various gov't agencies etc. etc. etc. is staggering and Informix >wants it's share. I hate to burst the bubble here, but I don't think Informix's primary business is selling consulting. There business is selling products -- consulting is used primarily to leverage product sales. >It would be sad to see someone lose a position or >opportunity for lack of certification and for business acumen, experience, >intelligence, integrity and the ability to solve 'real world' business >problems take a back seat to some one ability to pass a test. After all >everything on the test can be 'referenced' in the manuals. It is also sad when you hire some one who appears to be intelligent and able to solve real world business problems and they turn out to be a total flop while charging you $100/hr. Certification allows *individuals* to compete such as independents or smaller consulting firms. If I was an employer and looked at resumes for two candidates who are equally qualified and one is certified, I'd definitely lean towards the certified individual. Why? Because resumes and references are not always what they appear to be. However when it comes to a score on a certification test, apples are apples. You either know enough to pass the test or you don't. I can't believe all the complaining about a $250 dollar fee to take the test. It seems well worth it if it helps promote your career. Its just like anything else. Want to become an airline pilot? I'm sure even if you have all the intellegence and integrity in the world you will need to prove your skills and get a license. In the computer industry its difficult to know what a persons skills are due the melting pot of technologies -- certification gives employers some idea who they are hiring.