I think as far as companies go, having a certification keeps the HR droids and other management happy - it gives them a quick indication of who might be suitable for the job (tech-wise). For outsourcers, it also means they can boast to their [potential] customers that they have x number of MS certified people, so the systems are in good hands.

Of course, _we_ all know that a cert doesn't necessarily mean a thing and that the only way to really tell is to ask a few questions when interviewing prospective job seekers.

Case in point - at a previous job, one of our helpdesk drones got his MCSE so he could move up in the IT world. But he did it purely through book reading. Not long after that, he rang up my team leader one day to ask him how to take the cover off a Compaq small form factor PC (one of those ones with a clip at the front, both sides, that you pressed in then lifted the cover). He had motivation at least, just not much experience or the inquisitive mindset that is needed for troubleshooting (even at its most basic). Don't know what became of him, but hopefully he has the experience to back up the qualification now.

Experience counts for more than a bit of paper, and I think MS are going along with that in revising their exam content, basing it more on using the product rather than what's in the book.