Claranet attains gold certified partner status in Microsoft partner program

Claranet Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies in Advanced Infrastructure and Networking Infrastructure Solutions

Claranet today announces its attainment of Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Claranet's expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Claranet has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven its ability to meet customers' needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.

Claranet UK's Managing Director Michel Robert said:

Attaining Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status is a recognition of Claranet's excellent track record in providing managed services to businesses and the public sector. The benefits provided will enable us to continue to enhance the services that we provide for our customers, as well as promoting our expertise and relationship with Microsoft.

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 recognizes Claranet as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group, Microsoft Corp

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, Claranet had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies 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.

Advanced Infrastructure Solutions

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. Specializations within the competency are Active Directory, Exchange Migration and Deployment, Hosting Solutions, System Management and Storage Solutions.

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.
Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Applications, Microsoft Corp.

Networking Infrastructure 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.

We place tremendous value on our partners, which help us deliver solutions and applications to customers. Solutions competencies provide an integrated partnering framework that recognizes an enterprise's expertise and rewards it for the effect it has in the technology marketplace. It also allows companies to demonstrate for customers their knowledge of building solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2003 R2 and Windows Small Business Server 2003.Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group, Microsoft Corp.

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.

For further editorial information or to arrange an interview please email the Claranet press office or telephone 020 7609 1900.

About Claranet

Claranet was established in 1996 as a dial-up Internet access provider in the UK. The company's sustained profitability has resulted in continuous reinvestment, transforming Claranet into a multi-national managed service provider.

Today Claranet manages the networks, hosting and applications of 36,000
businesses across 7 countries. Claranet is customer-centric and its people have unrivalled experience and technical abilities. The company's international network and presence is idea for multi-country companies.

URL: www.claranet.co.uk