Microsoft's decision to stop offering digital badges for certifications via Credly likely reflects a shift in their strategy for managing credentials. Here are a few potential reasons they may have made this change:
- Integration with Microsoft Learn
Microsoft has been consolidating its certification processes and resources into the Microsoft Learn platform. This allows them to directly manage and verify credentials, eliminating the need for third-party platforms like Credly. Managing badges in-house provides more control over the user experience and potentially reduces costs.
- Streamlining Costs and Operations
Partnering with a third-party service like Credly involves financial and logistical commitments. By managing badges internally, Microsoft may aim to streamline operations, reduce dependency on external vendors, and focus resources on developing their own ecosystem.
- Focus on Internal Ecosystem
By keeping certifications within the Microsoft Learn platform, Microsoft can:
- Provide seamless integration with their other tools and services.
- Encourage users to stay within the Microsoft ecosystem for training, certification, and credential management.
- Collect and analyze data on user engagement and certification trends without sharing it with a third party.
- Security and Privacy Concerns
Microsoft may have decided to prioritize data privacy and security, ensuring that user information stays within their control rather than being handled by an external platform.
- Evolving Badge Trends
The landscape of digital credentials is evolving. Microsoft might be exploring alternative approaches to credential verification that align better with their long-term strategy, such as blockchain-based credentials or other forms of verification that don't rely on traditional digital badges.