PointBridge Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program
PointBridge Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies in Advanced Infrastructure, Information Worker Productivity, and Security Solutions
PointBridge, an IT consulting firm delivering advanced Microsoft solutions for the most complex business and technology environments, today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in three areas - Advanced Infrastructure, Information Worker Productivity, and Security Solutions. Gold Certification recognizes PointBridge's expertise with Microsoft technologies, impact in the technology marketplace, and proven 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 marketplace.
PointBridge enables its clients to realize the full value of IT investments by integrating and optimizing their communications infrastructure. Specifically, PointBridge specializes in directory services, identity management, messaging and collaboration.
"Our recognition as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in three different competencies is confirmation to our clients that our skills in deploying Microsoft technologies are exemplary," said Mike Gersten, Managing Partner, PointBridge. "This honor encourages an ever expanding working relationship with Microsoft and allows us to leverage our combined resources even further. We're looking forward to extending our technical leadership and expertise in developing and deploying solutions based on Microsoft products."
"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in someone 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," said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. "Today, Microsoft recognizes PointBridge as a new Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology."
PointBridge had to achieve a Microsoft Competency as a requirement for attaining Gold Certified Status. 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. PointBridge has been recognized in three competency areas:
- Microsoft 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®, Microsoft Identity Integration Server, and Microsoft Exchange Server. 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 with deploying access management solutions, improving operational efficiency and reducing security risks.
- Information Worker Productivity Solutions
Designed to provide additional benefit and support to partners specializing in collaboration, portals and other productivity solutions, the Information Worker Productivity Solutions Competency is utilized by Gold Partners Certified Partners that provide their customers with solutions built on familiar programs that enable them to better manage, prioritize and collaborate on increasing volumes of information. Partners that have obtained the Information Worker Competency can help their customers realize service revenues and new market opportunities.
- Security Solutions
The Microsoft Security Solutions Competency is designed to recognize the unique skills and requirements of partners specializing in delivering security-based solutions. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in this competency have proved their skill in advanced security solutions to help protect customer information assets by building solutions such as security management and operations, secure wireless VPN and perimeter, and identity and access management.
"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," said Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Platform Division at Microsoft. "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 who depend on them for services such as security, storage and hosting solutions."
The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in December 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.
About PointBridge, LLC
PointBridge ( www.PointBridge.com ) is an IT consulting firm delivering advanced Microsoft solutions for the most complex business and technology environments. The company's commitment to Microsoft technologies, combined with the experience of its people, has led PointBridge to become one of the fastest growing Microsoft partners in the US Midwest District.