Would you get benefits from the brand new easy to get SQL server expert certification?

I just received an email with doc that tell us the benefits to get SQL server expert certification. This is also a big credit to Michele Rouse who's the blog owner to SQL certification blog

hopefully this benefits will give us some inspiration to be a SQL server expert cheer .. :)

Would you get benefits from the brand new easy to get SQL server expert certification?

In my experience the top DB platforms are Microsoft and Oracle. I have come to learn that MySQL is trusted in start-up companies and DB folks who know this platform might make higher salaries, but I honestly rarely ever found MySQL in job searches.
 
One reason why I like MS SQL Server is because it also includes the SSRS BI platform that is powerful and popular. DB folks who know SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) have become very sought-after candidates in many companies. Typically, companies end up needing to buy licenses for third-party BI (Business Intelligence) applications which could cost a lot of extra money. 
 
With SQL Server, BI and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools come with the original license. I understand that maybe the interest in databases is mainly to understand DB construction, however , you never know when or if you choose to branch out and learn more.
 
The great thing about SQL is the language is fairly universal. I only say fairly because each vendor has added their very own functions and syntax. Microsoft and Sybase both use T-SQL, Oracle uses PL/SQL and MySQL uses ANSI-SQL. Ultimately what you learn on one platform might be put on other platforms. 
 
Becoming a SQL Server Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) is a small task now. Less than 1 percent of certified professionals hold a Master certification, and even for good reason: In addition to having difficult minimum competencies (5 years SQL Server experience and deep knowledge in all issues with SQL Server), training for a SQL Server MCM has always come at a significant cost. In fact, that cost has been about $18,500, when you add up the necessary three week training and four exams.
 
The SQL Server MCM certification is the highest technical certification that Microsoft offers to SQL Server professionals. It is designed for people that have five years of hands-on SQL Server experience in critical environments. Competencies include designing and implementing high-performance, scalable enterprise environments and troubleshooting the most challenging SQL Server issues. 
 
Well, at PASS (The Professional Association for SQL Server) this week, Microsoft announced all that has been evolving. According to the company, the changes will be in response to requests from experienced SQL Server experts who want to earn MCM's but (go figure) do not have $18,500.
 
Now, candidates can earn the certification by passing just two exams: the four-hour Knowledge Exam, and also a six-hour hands-on Lab Exam, which is obtainable in early 2011.
 
Fortunately, Microsoft has made some significant changes to the program, including:
 
 * The 3-week in-person training is no longer required. So, if you feel like you have what it takes, you can march right up and consider the certification exams. You pay the cost of the exams, which can be about $2,500.
 * There are now only two exams instead of four: 88-970 (Knowledge Exam) and 88-971 (Lab Exam).
 * To assist SQL Server professionals get ready for the exams at a lower cost, Microsoft now offers some free MCM videos. 
 
And you? Do you consider the newest MS SQL Certification can help you in your job?
 
Who am I ?: Michele Rouse is writing for the sql certification blog, her personal and non-commercial in nature hobby blog targeted at recommendations to make available free info for data base beginners/professionals to help them get a new profession.