ISVs Discuss Windows Server 2008 Certification

It's never been easier to get your software program certified for Windows Server 2008, and you don't have to take my word for it. ISVs can get either a "Works with Windows Server 2008" or "Certified for Windows Server 2008" logo. Certification is quicker and less expensive than it used to be, and there's an important deadline just around the corner for the "Works with" designation:

Whereas an average suite of products might have cost $75,000 and several weeks to pass muster on the previous platform, with Windows Server 2008, that cost drops to just $9,000 on average, using automated, free tools and "open-book" testing. The entire process can be completed in 3-5 days, not weeks, and retesting is much less common. And the "Works with" designation is even faster and cheaper, at just a matter of hours and a $500 fee (waived until June 30, 2008).

So if you're interested, get on that.

Microsoft itself gives three reasons (they're in the article) to get certified:

1. The new technologies in Windows Server 2008
2. The low barrier to entry
3. Advertising, marketing and joint launch participation packages.

And you don't have to be a total Windows groupie to get in on the act either:

Some software products bearing the "Works with Windows Server 2008" designation come from a world that has historically maintained separation from Microsoft: open source. Six open source ISVs have completed certification on Windows 2008 thus far, including Aras, Zend, BitRock, Jaspersoft, SpikeSource and Tibco.