One cynic in the Sage channel said the description sounds like the older Certified Consultant program with the difference being that CCs had to be associated with a reseller and that it was a second channel. Another agreed "I believe it is another step toward away from the resellers." This channel member had attended one of the presentations at the ongoing Sage Inspire tour and felt the speakers barely acknowledged the resellers. The programs they discussed put us in direct competition for services/consulting." Whatever the case, there are a variety of competency role requirements and fees for obtaining certification of those competencies. CIPs pay an annual fee of $500 an enrollment fee for each selected product line competency role. There is a $250 annual renewal fee and a competence fee of $650 for each product line. However, those with six to 10 certified employees receive a 20-percent discount and those with 11 or more certified qualify for 30-percent discount. The program provides for four competency roles: application, technical, vertical and implementation consultant. One competency is required for CRM, Fixed Assets, BusinessVision and BusinessWorks. Two are required for each of the other products.