 |
Networking Texas website DEB SHINDER |
|
Recent Events It appears that Microsoft
is clear on its stance re: the MCSE designation in the State of Texas. The State
Board of Engineering has pointed out that Microsoft's own logo license agreement states: Given that the Texas Board states that MCSEs are not legally able to use the term "Engineer" in their personal or business use, we are actually violating the license agreement if we do use the MCSE logo or identify ourselves as "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers". Violating the logo agreement is grounds for dismissal from the Microsoft Certified Professional Program. At this time, we do not know what Microsoft's stance is on this issue, and whether they will consider using the MCSE logo and title in the state of Texas as grounds for removal from the program. Another thorny issue is that involving State Agencies and their use of the title. The University of Texas at San Antonio lists their MCSE program and advertises: "...Take the
jackpot. You've thought of being an MCP--go for the full house by training to become a
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Take the courses mentioned above, learn to manage
Microsoft Windows NT in the corporate environment, and take the two electives to polish
off your training. The payoff is big. MCSE's are in demand throughout the country. You
could just possibly write your own ticket..." UTSA isn't the only state sponsored facility partnering with Microsoft and using the MCSE logos and titles. In Dallas, the Dallas County Community College District has a very active Authorized Academic Training Center program, and uses the MCSE logo and title in their course catalogs Will the State shut them all down? How many people are training for their MCSEs in Texas currently? If you have the information, please write to mcse_training@shinder.net. MICROSOFT HAS RETITLED THEIR OWN MCSEs Its been noted during local TechNet meetings that Microsoft's MCSE employees no longer use the MCSE designation. They are now referred to as "Technology Specialists". We don't know whether this is the case in all states, but has been the extant here in Texas. There hasn't been any official announcement whether Microsoft intends to work with the state to allow the use of MCSE, or whether all MCSEs should change their titles to "Microsoft Certified Technical Specialists 'MCTS'". SOME GOOD NEWS However, there is some light on the horizon for Microsoft Certified Professionals. Apparently, the State Board of Engineers has allowed the use of the acronym MCSE after a person's name. However, some alternate title such as "Microsoft Certified Professional" would be required, excluding the term "engineer". The impact this has on the MCSE logo is unclear, but it seems that since the word engineer is on the logo, then it would not be allowed.) On the political end, there does seem to be some support for our cause. A state official has pledged to help in any way they can. We appreciate all the help we can from our representatives, and hope we can perhaps find exemption for MCSEs as telecommunications professionals. Windows NT is a networking operating system and highly dependent on the communications infrastructure. This exemption would easily apply to MCSEs.
News and Opinions
From the Trenches RECEIVED March 4, 1999 Hi guys, Eric Charbonneau here, working in Washington state for Dell as a Systems Engineer. Last month our management advised us that the Dell legal department had reviewed the term "Engineer" and we had to retitle ourselves as "Systems Advisors" - so we promptly ordered new business cards with the new title. Interestingly enough, the legal department had previously approved the use of our Professional Certification logos on our business cards... So when my cards arrived my title was: Senior Systems Advisor -- and right below that was the Microsoft logo with the words: Systems Engineer + Internet. Kinda defeats the purpose no? In any case we just had a reversal of fortunes. Two days ago we received notification that Dell legal had reviewed the issue and we can - at least for now - continue to call ourselves "Systems Engineers". The rumor has it that Joe Marengi - now a VP at Dell formerly head of Novell, had a conversation with the legal beagles about Novells experience with the whole thing. So, for now at least the members of the Dell Advanced Systems Group (ASG) who make up the Systems Engineers in the Dell Field Sales force can continue to call ourselves Systems Engineers. I continue to wonder how much influence Texas based computing corporations like Dell and Compaq could bring to bear if needed. My guess is that corporate lawyers would rather switch than fight....unless of course the target is Quicken Family Lawyer and they're worried about software "practicing law" in Texas. Take Care, Eric Charbonneau That's all for now. If you have questions or information to share, please write to:
|
||
| Links -- Links -- Links -- Links -- Links | ||
| TACteam Webpage |
||
