In response to an increased demand for certified Microsoft professionals, Microsoft have joined forces with component supplier ComponentSource, to deliver their Mastering Series training courseware using a unique set of three CDs. Each of the 3 courses, (Mastering Visual Basic, Visual C++ and Access Programming), offers in-depth interactive training and is designed for experienced developers, as well as developers starting from scratch. The aim of the CDs is to provide all the details necessary to pass the Microsoft certification exam.

The full training courses are encrypted onto each CD, with demonstrations freely available, including a FREE certification and assessment test that allows developers to highlight areas where training is most needed before they buy. The full version of each training course costs ú75.00 and can be purchased directly from the appropriate CD, by telephoning ComponentSource with the correct credit card details or purchase order number. For each purchase, ComponentSource issue a unique unlock key that decrypts and downloads the full version directly onto the customers PC in a matter of seconds.

Said Marketing Manager Chris Sayer "By allowing developers to first sample these training products before they buy, we have managed to maintain 100% product satisfaction.Our customers like the fact that they donÆt have to wait for delivery of the boxed product before they can use it and that they donÆt have to pay any software shipping charges ."For many, however, it is price thatÆs important and we have deliberately positioned ourselves as the æbest priceÆ supplier of the Microsoft Mastering Series in Europe, which combined with our unique delivery method, has had a very positive affect on orders."

"Another success factor for the Microsoft Mastering Series is that itÆs training delivered straight from the horseÆs mouth. Microsoft, more than anyone, is qualified to provide the information needed to pass its own certification exams. Many software businesses and individual contractors spend hundreds of pounds on training courses, the trouble is that itÆs time spent away from the office not earning money! CD based training offers a better alternative than classroom training, not least because developers can learn the bits they donÆt know, when they want and where they want."

"Demand for certified Microsoft professionals continues to rise. For instance, Microsoft now insist that all its Solution Providers have a minimum of two certified professionals per organisation. Similarly, many enterprises are increasingly using certification as a yard stick for hiring quality programmers and developers. As a result, salaries for those with certification are higher than average and for developers, that has to be a good thing."

ComponentSource is a UK based company specialising in the supply of software components, companion products and add-ons to European software developers. It has pioneered the marketing and selling of components using CD technology. In particular, it is the first company to offer component vendors secure encryption of their full retail products on a freely distributed CD-ROM aimed specifically at components users.

The Mastering CDÆs are available free of charge from ComponentSource on: 0118 958 1111

For more information contact Chris Sayer on +44 (0) 118 958 1111