Microsoft to Deploy ''Gurus'' to Assist Shoppers

[btarunr]

In the US, very soon at a computer store or the computers section of your mall, chances are you could come across "Gurus" to assist your software related purchases. Simply put, these are liaisons deployed by Microsoft to assist shoppers with "choosing the right software" for the PC. They will be in place to help customers with buying PCs with Windows installed or simply to learn more about Windows and related products.

Microsoft has plans to deploy 155 "Microsoft Gurus" across the United States within this year to begin with, and plans to expand the program depending on its success. According to Microsoft general manager of corporate communications, Tom Pilla, the customer reps would be responsible for helping answer questions regarding Microsoft and PCs offered in the stores. This has something in common with the recent Gates-Seinfeld commercial in which Gates is assisted by Seinfeld when shopping for shoes at a mall.

Source: DailyTech

[Frick]

This could be a good thing imo. At least here in Sweden, a lot of byers don't know anything about what they're doing, and sometimes the salesmen isn't that clever either.

[thebeephaha]

Just what I didn't need. More Microsoft Rep. clones buzzing about...

The one who visits my store is a complete tool. Whats sad is I know 10x more about his own products.

[Triprift]

It would be a good idea if these ppl are not biased to reccomending everything ms. And actually no a fair bit about puters instead the drones ya get at most puter joints who dont no sqat.

[Frick]

Originally Posted by thebeephaha

Just what I didn't need. More Microsoft Rep. clones buzzing about...

The one who visits my store is a complete tool. Whats sad is I know 10x more about his own products.

Then it's not so good. But the idea is still somewhat good I think.

[DaedalusHelios]

They need to send those reps to the east coast USA. The west coast is saturated with computer support and the east coast and midwest are completely ignored and not given enough attention. They need them in these markets too. It looks like they may finally be doing it now. It has taken them to way too long to get to this point. Mac users even get more assistance in the south which is pathetic.

I don't need their help but the average user definately does. Most don't even know what OS means.

[Octavean]

Stop me if you’ve heard this one,….

How many "Microsoft Gurus" does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Serously though, 155 "Microsoft Gurus" doesn’t seem like a lot but I guess it’s a start for deploying in this venue. One has to wonder what criterion is used to qualify these individuals for their positions (certifications, College degrees, software designer, architect or whatever).

I wonder what something like this pays?

[OnBoard]

Originally Posted by Octavean

Serously though, 155 "Microsoft Gurus" doesn’t seem like a lot but I guess it’s a start for deploying in this venue. One has to wonder what criterion is used to qualify these individuals for their positions (certifications, College degrees, software designer, architect or whatever).

I wonder what something like this pays?

Bet it pays on "how many Microsoft OS or programs you sell", that's why they couldn't get more takers I highly doubt they do this for the good in their hearts, just to sell more of their stuff.

Still it's nice though, could just be that one TPU non-guru would be a better choice

[suraswami]

The Supposed to be Microsoft Certified/Trained 'Guru' came to my work place to assist us in SQL Server config, man I knew better than him, not one question from me he could give a straight answer.

But here they are going to deal with noobs at the stores, it will be a cake walk for them.

[timta2]

I wonder where they got the idea for this?

[Kreij]

While I am sure this will be of some assistance to people who have very little computer knowledge, I doubt these "gurus" will be able to answer any in-depth questions. They are most likely shoved through some kind of certification class and then tossed into a mall without much (or any) real world experience.

It reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon where there is a character in a cape and he says;
"Stand back I'm certified!"
In the next frame he shouts, "Behold the power of certification!"
In the last frame he says, "Funny, that's all I remember from the certification class."

People could do a lot better by simply coming here to TPU and asking for help.

[PP Mguire]

This is a good idea in sense, but i bet Microsoft are just going to send poorly trained people to sell more Microsoft labeld products.

[ghost101]

I don't know if this was implicit in the article but this is obviously to combat reps in Apple stores (Apple geniuses as they are called by the ads) without opening stores themselves.