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Microsoft Launches WVD Advanced Specialization

Microsoft on Tuesday launched an advanced specialization for Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), giving partners access to a new badge that highlights expertise in the newly essential area of supporting remote workers.

Advanced specializations layer on top of competencies within the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) as a way for partners to demonstrate Microsoft-sanctioned certification of their specialized skills.

Competencies are a baseline element of the MPN and Microsoft partners have used them for decades as a way to show expertise. There are currently about 19 competencies in the MPN.

Advanced specializations are newer and can only be attained after a partner already has a prerequisite competency. Microsoft currently lists 11 of the specializations, including Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop.

To attain the new Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization, a partner must first have a gold competency in Cloud Platform. The partner must also clear a revenue bar, document that five individuals have earned specific certifications and pass a third-party audit, which costs $2,000.

"Our newest advanced specialization will showcase your experience with implementing Windows Virtual Desktop, including deploying, optimizing, and securing virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure. This will ensure you’re prepared to meet the needs of your customers as they continue to evolve their remote work approach," said Dan Truax, general manager of Partner Digital Experiences and Programs in Microsoft One Commercial Partner, in a blog post announcing the advanced specialization.

Earlier this year, Microsoft released some Microsoft Teams-related advanced specializations, also related to the shift to remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

WVD is Microsoft's virtual desktop infrastructure service for remote access to Windows 7 or Windows 10 desktops and applications. The virtual desktops are hosted in Microsoft datacenters.

Posted by Scott Bekker on September 15, 2020


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