Microsoft Learning Nexus
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Business Challenge
Each year Microsoft Learning (MSL) receives scores of requests from Microsoft employees and from Microsoft Partners for referrals to subject matter experts on new technologies. MSL knew that some of the most exclusive experts and earliest adopters of new technologies exist within the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) community, but the 12,000+ MCTs had no direct way to connect to new technology opportunities within Microsoft and the Microsoft Partner community. MSL needed a forum to connect these communities and specifically map Microsoft and Partner needs to MCT expertise.Technology Solution
Working together with our partner, Affirma Consulting – a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in custom collaboration technology and business intelligence solutions - WrightRobbins architected, designed and developed Microsoft Learning Nexus, a SharePoint 2007 application. Nexus enables MCTs to create deep professional profiles, combining information from Microsoft certification transcripts, records of Microsoft technology training experience, and additional relevant qualifications and expertise MCTs add to their profiles themselves. Microsoft employees and Partners then use Nexus to engage MCTs for consulting, training, or other opportunities requiring specific subject matter expertise, based on the qualifications outlined in their profiles.Marketing Solution
WrightRobbins also developed and executed a marketing strategy to support the launch and adoption of Microsoft Learning Nexus, targeting each audience – MCTs, partners, and Microsoft employees. We marketed this new program through established Partner channels, leveraged Microsoft account managers to drive Partner participation and usage, communicated program benefits to Microsoft product groups and larger Partner organizations, drove excitement within the MCT community, and created cross-audience awareness quickly to help Nexus reach a critical mass of users quickly and effectively.Results:
In 5 months time:- 2,000+ Microsoft Certified Trainers from 83 countries created Nexus profiles.
- 200 new technology opportunities to engage for training and consulting in 24 countries have been posted for Microsoft Partners and employees, representing the full spectrum of Microsoft technologies –Business Intelligence, Unified Communications, Application Platform Optimization, and more.