Windows Server 2008 Logo Testing partners.
Windows Server 2000 and 2003 already had certifications and logo programs. I remember one summer spending many weeks in the South of France in Nice helping out in a testing lab for the Windows Server 2000 logo in Nice.
With Windows Server 2003 we had improved the application and testing process, and the certification greatly. With Server 2008 a new certification program has emerged. A program that has been completely redesigned to become not only more meaningful for ISVs and customers but also more affordable and more valuable for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Actual testing time during the certification process has been cut in half.
Like with previous programs, the actual certification is not done by Microsoft itself. It is executed - according to specifications Microsoft developed in close collaboration with its ISV partners - by 3rd party companies. In the past we relied on one partner for this worldwide effort. For the new certification ISVs can pick from 2 independent test vendors. This leaves partners with a greater choice and creates a healthy competition between the testing partners and ensures enough global certification resources. Microsoft was also able to negotiate a very competitive price for the certification. In most cases you will find the cost for certification been reduced by 50%.
Find out more about the testing partners here.