First Technology, one of SA`s largest independent IT solutions providers, has been named as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for enterprise systems due to its proven competence to design and deploy large enterprise engagements based on Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server and Exchange 2000.
According to Clark Coetzee, head of First Technology`s software division, membership in the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Programme provides numerous benefits to First Technology and its customers.
"For example, we will have access to specialised resources to help design and roll-out enterprise deployments based on the Microsoft technology platform," he says.
"Customers will also benefit from the increased engagement potential for enterprise deployments as well as the assurance that First Technology`s sales force is familiar with current and upcoming Microsoft technologies and products.
"This means First Technology customers can be assured of our ability to recommend the appropriate Microsoft software solutions for their infrastructure needs.
"It also assures them of the fact that our technical support personnel have been fully evaluated on their ability to use the latest Microsoft products and solutions," he explains.
Because of its Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Enterprise Systems status, First Technology will in future have the earliest available access to technical readiness materials and Microsoft technologies. The company will also have access to technology deployment blueprints developed through Microsoft Enterprise Services.
Amory Gordon, enterprise partner group manager at Microsoft South Africa, says Gold Certified Partners will receive greater numbers of product licences for internal use; unlimited product licences for use in solution demonstrations at customer sites; and automatic access to Microsoft Solutions.
"These solutions are integrated, tested, documented and extensible enterprise solutions featuring Microsoft technologies, prescriptive tools, services, and support from Microsoft and its partners. Members can take advantage of this intellectual property to provide more value to customers in an accelerated time frame," Gordon adds.
Coetzee says First Technology is delighted with its new status as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Enterprise Systems.
"Being a member of the programme gives us early access to product information as we design deployment plans for our customers who are upgrading their infrastructure systems to the latest Microsoft technology.
"In addition, enhancements like the new peer-networking opportunities will allow us to expand the types of solutions and services we can offer our customers," Coetzee concludes.
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First Technology is one of SA`s largest, independent IT solutions providers, offering customers solutions and services that maximise business productivity, reduce the risk associated with deploying new technologies and minimise the total cost of IT ownership. The company has fully-fledged branches in every major business node across SA and maintains one of the largest teams of highly skilled technical personnel in the country.
Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft South Africa, please visit the Microsoft Web page at www.microsoft.com, or the South Africa home page at http://www.microsoft.com/southafrica/
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