There's been a lot of discussion recently about the need for training and
the possibility of certification. I just wanted to bring the list up to date
on what the MPE Forum is doing in these areas.

We have as an immediate goal to help HP in the preparation and delivery of
the new MPE curriculum. To this end we were instrumental in getting the
message out at HPWorld about the new curriculum. We are also exploring new
techniques of 'distance learning', so that we are better positioned to
provide input to HP.

Those of you who got the MPE Forum button at HPWorld will remember that
there was a questionnaire (avoids having to fill out another survey, huh?)
about training. Without giving away the results (mainly because they are not
completed yet!), I can say that the perception that training and
certification were/are hot items is fully justified.

Certification will actually become a little more important over the next few
years as the incredibly large numbers of new MPE boxes begin to look for
qualified trainers and managers. The MPE Forum is beginning to work with HP
on what such a certification program might entail. We'll be soliciting your
input in the weeks ahead.

Just wanted to bring you up to speed. Stay tuned here and via HPWorld
magazine for more details.....

Tony Furnivall