InteractIT Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program
InteractIT today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in both Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognising the Edinburgh-based consultancy’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace.
As a Gold Certified Partner, InteractIT – a team of highly driven IT specialists, headed by Microsoft trained entrepreneur Simon Thomasson - has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs.
Managing Director Simon Thomasson said: “We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers. The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers.”
Simon added: “We could not have achieved the status of Gold Certified Partner without the support from our existing clients, whom we are extremely grateful to.”
Based at Edinburgh’s Leith Links, InteractIT offers extensive products and services including Desktop support through to total system and IT management.
The company’s professional team include Microsoft Certified systems engineers and administrators, Cisco Engineers, Web Designers, Instructors and Hardware Engineers at the cutting edge of the industry.
InteractIT has earned a reputation for excellent client care in its two year history, thanks to its wide portfolio of services and a philosophy of creating tailored technology solutions for each individual business.
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.
As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, InteractIT had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies – such as the Advanced Infrastructures Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions secured by InteractIT - are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.
Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp, said: “Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities.
“They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Today, Microsoft recognises InteractIT as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”
The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions such as Active Directory®- and Microsoft Host Integration Server-based design and deployment solutions, and Microsoft Exchange Server migration or deployment solutions. Because customers are increasingly asking to do more with less, partners with the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency can identify their unique skill in helping customers access management solutions, improve operational efficiency and reduce security risks. Specialisations within the competency are Active Directory and Identity Management, Exchange Migration and Deployment, Hosting Solutions, System Management and Storage Solutions.
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their expertise in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server operating system, with a particular focus on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and Windows Small Business Server 2003. These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.
Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Applications at Microsoft Corp, said: “Our industry partners allow us to deliver high-quality solutions and applications to our customers. And we’re always looking at ways to improve our relationships.
“Solutions competencies enable Microsoft to provide resources and training to partners seeking to meet, and even surpass, customer needs. The competencies also provide industry partners with a way to showcase their expertise to customers that depend on them for services, such as building critical infrastructure including storage and hosting solutions.”
The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.