Somewhat akin to CompTIA's A+ and Network Plus certifications, VMware (VMW) is expanding its entry level certification program — called VMware Certified Associate (VCA). It's designed to help educate participants about cloud computing, data center virtualization, end-user computing and network virtualization. So who may benefit? Here are three potential adopters.

First, a little background. VCA, which VMware discussed at VMworld in August 2013, is an entrey-level certification. Online self-paced courses teach participants the basics about various VMware products. So who can potentially benefit from the VCA certification?. Here are three potential targets:

1. Channel Partner Sales Teams: Let's assume you're not a deeply technical person. But you sell technical solutions while working at a VAR, MSP or CSP. A little bit of technical knowledge can go a long way in your sales proposals. VCA may help sales pros like you to fill that void.

2. Channel Partner Marketing Pros: Marketing pros often fill their promotional material with technical jargon they don't really understand. Marketing pros who spend some time with the VCA online courses may start to generate far more effective messaging to tech-savvy customers.

3. Your Next-Generation Leaders:  As you make entry-level hires, you'll need to determine which newcomers on your team deserve deeper technical training and career development services. Use the VCA certifications to measure individual talents on your team. From there, you can more effectively set aside long-term budget for more advanced certifications like VMware Certified Professional. 

Remember, your junior- and non-technical employees need to walk before they run. VCA could offer some much-needed training wheels before those employees shift into the technical fast lane.