Big Data Training, Certification: Apache Hadoop or HP?

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HP’s training certainly sounds worthwhile for channel partners focused on the  HP Vertica Analytics Platform. But that platform is a relative niche offering compared to some other Big Data industry trends. One other avenue worth considering: Apache Hadoop certification, which is widely available from Cloudera and HortonWorks, among others.

Cloudera has been offering Hadoop training for four years as a complement to its enterprise-class Hadoop software. The company offers six Hadoop-related courses aimed at four different audiences: programmers, data base analysts, system administrators and IT managers, according to NetworkWorld. Also, HortonWorks offers courses in Hadoop administration and Hadoop solutions development.

HP, meanwhile, is promoting Big Data training and certification as a way to grow its Vertica Analytics platform business. The certification, in turn, may also help channel partners to win more Big Data business and speed project rollouts.

When it comes to vendor-led certifications, channel partners typically don’t want to be the first guy to jump into the pool. The idea is to watch for a software platform to near its tipping point, then jump in on training and certifications while margins are still high and market penetration is still relatively low.

Does HP Vertica fit that description? The VAR Guy is still poking around to find an answer to that question. The Hadoop world, meanwhile, seems to be going mass-market fast — but there’s still a shortage of Hadoop-certified channel professionals, The VAR Guy has heard…