Hardware certification
Hardware certification is the process through which computer hardware is tested to ensure it is compatible with specific software packages, and operates as intended in critical situations. With ever dropping prices of hardware devices, the market for networking devices and systems is undergoing a kind of change that can be loosely termed as ‘generalization’. Big established enterprises like Cisco, Novell, Sun Microsystems etc., no longer manufacture all the hardware required in the market, instead they ‘license’ or ‘certify’ small hardware players operating out from countries like Taiwan or China.

Certification process

Vendor certification 

To obtain certification, the hardware or software has to conform to a set of protocols and quality standards that are put in place by the original creator of technology. Usually the certification process is done by a “Certification partner”.  Certification partners are selected by the original creators of the technology and these partners are given the authority to do the testing and certification process. After a product is found to be compatible, it is labelled as xxx certified where xxx is the name of the original creator of the technology. Vendors use a “label” on the products  to advertise the fact of compatibility with the said technology.

The process of certification ensures that the products made by different manufacturers are standardized and are compatible with each other as indicated in hardware or software platform.

Third-party certification 

Third-party certification is undertaken by an independent body. To obtain third-party certification, the hardware or software has to confirm to a set of quality standards determined by the third-party.

Various certifications
 Cisco certification: Cisco manufactures networking hardware devices and systems. Hardware and software companies use the certification issued by Cisco’s partners to ensure that their ware is compatible with the Cisco standards and protocols.
 Sun Certification:This is for Independent Software vendors (ISV) involved in developing applications that are compatible with Java technology. Java was created by Sun Microsystems and is widely used to write enterprise and consumer application solutions.
 Novell Certification: Novell began certifying partner hardware with NetWare in the 1980s.  The name of the certification is "YES Certified".   The Yes Certified program involves certification of Partner hardware with SUSE Linux Enterprise software.  Since 2005 the program has shifted from Novell NetWare to SuSE Linux and has become the SUSE YES Certified Program.  The certified Hardware is given a Yes Certification Bulletin which can be viewed online.  More information about the Yes Certification program can be found at SUSE's website.  
 Microsoft's certification for Vista: This certification is called "WHQL" Windows Hardware Quality Labs". The dominant position of Windows in the computing world ensured that there are enormous number of applications written and hardware manufactured. This WHQL signifies that the hardware or software works with the Vista operating system. 
 Real Certification: This certification is given by RealNetworks for ensuring compatibility with its media player “RealPlayer”. Mobile computing devices like cell phones and PDAs are equipped with RealPlayer to enable them to play streaming content.
 Linux certification programs: Hardware vendors use this certification for their products to ensure compatibility with Linux based systems.
 SpectraLink certification: SpectraLink VIEW Certification Program is designed to ensure interoperability for enterprise Wi-Fi based infrastructure products that support NetLink Wireless Telephones.
 Altiris Developer Program Certification: Altiris is a leading vendor of IT service-oriented management solutions.
 EMC Centera Proven: This certification is a good way to demonstrate that your solution takes full advantage of EMC Centera Platform which can be crucial to sales.
 Skype Certification: Skype-certified products satisfy both the Technical Requirements and the Design Guidelines of Skype.
 Linux-Tested Certification: Hardware Vendors can use the Linux-Tested program from AppLabs to certify their products are compatible with the Linux OS and have been tested for complete functionality.

References

Product certification