In an effort to court enterprises, Google is moving full steam ahead with its developer certification program. This includes a directory of talent that is certified with Google’s APIs and have successfully launched projects into production.
Opening its APIs to the world has been a big boon for Google’s ambitions to be a hub of the worlds information. It has made it easy for developers to build solutions using Google Maps, Search, and other offerings. With this program the company is making it easier for businesses to find qualified developers.
Developers Matter
This program reminds us of the mantra held by Microsoft, “win the hearts and minds of developers”. Where a development community is committed, good things happen with the platform and for customers.
As the cloud is exploding with competition, Google is committing resources to make its offering successful by giving incentives for developers. This includes a listing on the Solutions Marketplace where companies can find solutions to plug in. Additionally, Google is offering warm fuzzies to developers, from their FAQ:
By attaining qualification, the developer receives:
- Google’s recognition as a tested and Qualified Developer.
- The official Google Qualified Developer logo specific to the API for which qualification was obtained, and which can be displayed on a website to showcase the developer’s skills and help attract clients.
- Listing in the Developer Directory, which validates the Google Qualified Developer credentials.
- A warm, fuzzy feeling for this grand accomplishment.
Google is leveraging its greatest asset – traffic – to developers who participate in this program.
Simply put, developers will get seen more if they complete the certification. Here’s a sample of the directory as it looks today.
We’re wondering if Google will go further in the future and sprinkle these listings into other parts of Google. For example if a search is done in the main site for “maps developer” will a developer from the list show up in a premium position?
Enterprise Visions
Google’s enterprise footprint is growing. On the enterprise site today, several core services such as enterprise search and maps are available to the enterprise.
This week, at Mobile World Congress, Eric Schmidt mentioned again that “Google’s Future is in the Enterprise“. The company is focusing on how to grow the revenue engine – and to continue to make progress in unseating Microsoft in key areas such as enterprise applications.
We’ll have a chance to see soon how far Google will go towards the enterprise with Buzz. Will Google figure out how to offer its new, but popular Buzz social networking application to users of Google Apps? Here, where privacy will really matter we’ll get a chance to see if Google will adjust to the reality of corporate requirements. In some cases, this means paying attention to the nuances of enterprises not as computer savvy as the staff at Google. This is another reason why a strong developer program – one that Google learns from – is a needed piece of the puzzle.
What Does it Take to Get the Certification
Developers entering into the program will be required to receive points in several categories to receive certification.
- Application Development (can you do it)
- Community Participation (are you an asset to the development community)
- References (can you deliver)
- The Qualification Exam (API test consists of 50 questions. This is the highest weighted piece)
Are you ready to become Google Certified?
