Monday, September 8th 2008
Microsoft to Deploy ''Gurus'' to Assist Shoppers
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
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.
12 Comments on Microsoft to Deploy ''Gurus'' to Assist Shoppers
The one who visits my store is a complete tool. Whats sad is I know 10x more about his own products.
I don't need their help but the average user definately does. Most don't even know what OS means. :(
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?
Still it's nice though, could just be that one TPU non-guru would be a better choice :)
But here they are going to deal with noobs at the stores, it will be a cake walk for them.
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.