Earn Silver Data Platform, BI Competencies Using SQL Server 2012 MPR Tests
There are two Microsoft Platform Ready tests for organizations building applications on SQL Server. Successful completion also provide one of the key steps toward a Silver Competency on Microsoft Platform Network.
The tests are:
The Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test – This test will validate that your application correctly utilizes the latest version of SQL Server. A successful test result can also be used to help qualify your company for the Microsoft Partner Network Data Platform competency. This test is available at no cost.
The Microsoft Platform Ready SQL BI Test – This test will validate that your application correctly utilizes the BI components of SQL Server and meets the additional business requirements to help qualify your company for the Microsoft Partner Network Business Intelligence (BI) competency. There is a $99 USD fee for this test.
Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test
The Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test assesses your applications for compliance with the Microsoft recommended requirements and test cases. Once your application has passed the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test your company will have met the application testing component of the Data Platform Competency - Silver level.
To meet the Gold level requirement your application will also need to pass the Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 Test (additional fee applies). More information including the complete set of requirements for attaining the Data Platform Competency can be found here.
Using the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test, you can:
· Identify possible compatibility and readiness issues
· Use successful test results to help qualify for the Microsoft Partner Network Data Platform Competency
· Earn access to the marketing benefits available on Microsoft Platform Ready
To access the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server Test, make sure you are signed in to Microsoft Platform Ready. Then, click Test My Apps on the left navigation to begin. You may also review the policies and technical requirements for the Microsoft Platform Ready tests before you begin.
Microsoft Platform Ready SQL BI Test
The Microsoft Platform Ready SQL BI Test assesses your application(s) for compliance with the Microsoft recommended BI requirements and test cases. Once your application has passed the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL Server BI Test your company will have only partially met the application testing component of the Business Intelligence Competency - Silver level. There are additional application validation steps Microsoft performs manually before your application can pass including:
· Validating that your application is marketed on your company website
· Validating that your application is available for purchase
In addition to the above criteria, Gold level test status will be awarded to those applications that also:
· Pass the Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 test (additional fee applies) OR
· Are validated by Microsoft as Mobility, Line or Business Connectors or Corporate Performance Management solutions.
More information including the complete set of requirements for attaining the Business Intelligence Competency can be found here. The testing is provided by Niche Cubed (N3), an independent testing agency working on behalf of Microsoft. The cost to perform the Microsoft Platform Ready BI Test is $99 USD and allows for one application to be tested, and retested a 2nd time, should the first attempt to pass the test be unsuccessful.
Using the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL BI Test, you can:
· Identify possible compatibility and readiness issues
· Use successful test results to help qualify for the Microsoft Partner Network BI competency
· Earn access to the marketing benefits within Microsoft Platform Ready
To access the Microsoft Platform Ready SQL BI Test, make sure you are signed in to Microsoft Platform Ready. Then, click Test My Apps tab on the left navigation to begin.
Bruce D. KyleTechnical Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation
